Baked Macaroni with Cauliflower Sauce

1. 1
   prep

   Preheat oven and prep ingredients.

   1.Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

   2.Lightly grease an 8-inch baking dish with butter or oil.

   3.Cut cauliflower into small florets. Finely chop onion and mince garlic.
2. 2
   boil · ~12 min

   Cook cauliflower and macaroni.

   1.Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add half the salt.

   2.Add cauliflower florets and boil until fork-tender, about 6-7 minutes.

   3.Remove cauliflower with a slotted spoon, transferring to a blender. Keep the boiling water.

   4.Add macaroni to the same boiling water. Cook 2 minutes less than package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside.

   TIPReserving a splash of pasta water before draining helps loosen the sauce later if needed.
3. 3
   saute · ~6 min

   Make the cauliflower sauce base.

   1.Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

   2.Add onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.

   3.Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

   4.Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.

   TIPCooking the flour for a full minute removes the raw taste — don't rush this step.
4. 4
   mix · ~3 min

   Blend the cauliflower sauce.

   1.Slowly pour milk into the saucepan while whisking to avoid lumps.

   2.Add the cooked cauliflower florets, Dijon mustard, nutmeg, and remaining salt.

   3.Transfer the mixture to a blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.

   TIPBlend while warm for the smoothest texture. Be careful with hot liquids — vent the blender lid slightly.
5. 5
   assemble · ~2 min

   Combine pasta with sauce.

   1.Return the blended cauliflower sauce to the saucepan over low heat.

   2.Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

   3.Add the cooked macaroni and fold gently until every piece is coated.
6. 6
   bake · ~20 min

   Bake until golden and bubbly.

   1.Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

   2.Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

   3.Bake for 18-20 minutes until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.

   TIPFor a crispier top, switch to broil for the last 2 minutes — watch closely so it doesn't burn.
7. 7
   rest · ~5 min

   Rest before serving.

   Let the baked macaroni rest for 5 minutes before serving. Finish with freshly ground black pepper.

   TIPResting helps the sauce set slightly so it doesn't run when you scoop.

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