Lightened up macaroni and cheese, with three types of cheese! The use of cauliflower keeps the calories in check. There isn't a better comfort food to keep a hungry stomach happy.
As a food blogger, I feel obligated to present my readers with a Thanksgiving assortment of classic recipes, modern twists, and delectable desserts. Problem is, I don't cook Thanksgiving dinner (and to be 100% honest, I'm not down with pumpkin pie). That doesn't mean I don't enjoy a hearty scoop of homemade mashed potatoes slathered in gravy. Or a mountain of stuffing, surrounding a perfectly prepared slice of turkey. So, I'm going to do my best to present a few recipes before the big day that you may want to add to the assortment.
In late summer, we discovered the joy of roasted cauliflower and I've been keeping it on hand ever since. It's quickly become a favorite vegetable on our house and I've been looking for ways to use it as much as I can. Now, we all know someone who doesn't allow anyone to mess with their macaroni and cheese, but from time to time, we can all sneak a little something in.
I'm no dietitian, but this lightened-up macaroni and cheese recipe, adapted from from Food Network magazine, would certainly fool me if I were counting calories. Heavy cream, lots of cheese, and pasta – I'm pretty sure the only redeeming quality is the cauliflower. However, if you want another lightened up version, check out this Gluten-free Mac and Cheese recipe.
Either way, it makes a delicious meal and even better leftovers. Especially when mixed with a little taco meat and reheated.
Decide for yourself if this is really lightened up or not. But taste it first, just to be sure. 😉
📖 Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup 2% milk
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
- ½ teas smoked paprika
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 ⅓ cups grated extra sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated havarti cheese
- ¾ cup grated pecoreno romano
- ½ head cauliflower - cut into small flourets
- 2 cups medium pasta shells
- 2 cups medium whole wheat pasta shells
Instructions
- Whisk the eggs, cream, milk, cayenne, nutmeg, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste in a bowl. Toss the 1 cup cheddar, ½ cup havarti dill, and ½ cup pecoreno romano in a separate bowl.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. add the cauliflower and cook until almost falling apart, about 7 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a bowl. Add the pasta to the same water and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain, reserving ¼ cup cooking water. Preheat broiler.
- Combine the egg mixture and the grated cheeses in the empty pot and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the cheese melt and the sauce begins to thicken. Remove from the heat and add the cauliflower. Puree with an immersion blender until smooth and light (you could also use a regular blender). Stir in some of the reserved pasta water until creamy.
- Toss the pasta in the sauce; season with salt and black pepper. Transfer to a shallow casserole dish and top with ⅓ cheddar and ¼ pecorino romano. Broil until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
Notes
Nutritional informations provided as a courtesy and is only an approximatation. Values will changes based on ingredients used.
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Kiri W. says
Looks delicious! And I love that you lightened it up, I'm trying to watch what I eat but love mac'n cheese!
Laurie {Simply Scratch} says
Loooooks soooooooo gooooood! Totally want this right now! I love that you used cauliflower... you sooooo smart! 🙂
Chris @ TheKeenanCookBook says
A contender for Thanksgiving side dish! My sister is a picky eater so I always make her mac and cheese on Thanksgiving. If I don't tell her there is cauliflower, I bet she wont know! *evil grin*
mjskit says
Looks like you did a good job lightening up Mac & Cheese! I love the use of the ww noodles and the selection of cheeses! Looks fabulous!
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
I'm in love with the idea of adding leftover taco meat to the mac n cheese!
Erin says
Haha yea the whole wheat pasta and cauliflower seem to be the only lightened parts, but no complaints here! I have to admit I have only had mac and cheese once at Thanksgiving - and now I feel as though I have been deprived!
Belinda @zomppa says
You just have to do what you enjoy. What a great dish...for any time of year.
Jessica | Oh Cake says
Sounds really yummy! I love roasted cauliflower as well and mac n' cheese - well - always a winner!
Liz @ Southern Charm says
You had me at mac and cheese!! Love the bow ties too 🙂
Kimber says
I love Mac and Cheese ... and the fact that this is lightened up but keeping the full flavor is like music to my ears! This dish just may have to grace my table this Thanksgiving!
jennifurla says
Looks wonderful and I love the pasta choice.
Peggy says
Umm... you don't like Pumpkin Pie? I don't think we can be friends anymore.
I kid, I kid.
This mac sounds mighty tasty, and I like the sneaky addition of the cauliflower!
Cassie says
Kita, this sounds perfect and looks even better. I adore cheese in all its forms!
Lacy says
Yum, oh man this looks so good! I love the cauliflower in it, haven't had cauliflower in so long. Now I'm having a serious craving!
BigFatBaker says
Yum!! Love the cauliflower usage... I have been not cooking very healthy things lately but this sounds like a great way to lighten up a classic!
Steph@stephsbitebybite says
You know that since it's "lightened up" that means I can eat more of this right?! Like...the whole pan! YAY!!
Emily @ Life on Food says
I completely agree...regardless of what other ingredients are included the addition of cauliflower lightens this up. Looks yummy!
Ann says
This sounds absolutely amazing! I agree - it does have a lot of fat in it, but comparatively speaking....it's a winner! Buzzed!
Kim Bee says
Looks incredible. My kids and hub would go crazy for this one.
Lindsey@Lindselicious says
Yes please to lightened up Mac and Cheese. I am bookmarking to try this, especially with all the holiday goodies coming around the corner. =)
Nami | Just One Cookbook says
There is 1/2 head of cauliflower in it? It doesn't look like it. I love cauliflowers so this recipe really excites me. I had never thought of adding cauliflowers, so I'm going to totally include it next time!
Jill @ MadAboutMacarons says
Love the addition of cauli and the cheeses sound wonderful - haven't heard of havarti so must look this one out. Great comforting, cheesy dish!
RavieNomNoms says
This looks amazing...and I am not down with pumpkin pie either. I have never enjoyed it. However, I think I would take an extra helping of this to fill my belly for the missing out on pie : )
Lauren at Keep It Sweet says
Absolutely perfect comfort food! LOVE
Rodzilla says
I don't see where Food Network got the idea that it was "llight", but I also don't mind 😀 it looks delicious.
Liz says
Mouthwatering dish, Kita...just amazing!!!
Grubarazzi (@Grubarazzi) says
This looks amazing. What a way to sneak in a vegetable in to the BEST dish ever invented, mac and cheese.
Melissa (MelissaLikesToEat) says
This looks absolutely delicious. I don't see how it's "light" but I'm down with it!!
Priscilla - She's Cookin' says
Adding cauliflower to mac & cheese to lighten it up - I like it! More nutritious, too - but we'll never tell 🙂 Looks deliciously creamy & cheesy!
Amanda says
Awesome recipe! What a great addition to a classic favourite! If you like cauliflowers, please check out my recipe for curried cauliflower and apple mash... https://bit.ly/curriedcauliflowerappmash
Thanks!
jean @ lemons and anchovies says
The cauliflower disappears in all that creamy, cheesy goodness. The best of both worlds, in my opinion. I would eat this any time of day.
sandie odom says
Anyone have the calorie count for a portion of this? It sounds amazing, but not terribly healthy.