Cauliflower and Broccoli “Mac” & Cheese

Mac and cheese without the pasta? Now before you go calling it a crime, just hear me out. This “mac” & cheese gets a healthy makeover by swapping out the carb heavy pasta with a lighter fare: cauliflower and broccoli.

These veggies serve as the perfect alternative. By soaking up all the delicious flavors of the dish, the cauliflower and broccoli create a creamy consistancy similar to noodles. Top with cheddar cheese, pancetta and bread crumbs to bring in familiar flavors of the classic mac and cheese. You won’t even notice the pasta is gone!

Cauliflower and Broccoli "Mac" & Cheese

 

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Prep time

30 mins

Cook time

30 mins

Total time

1 hour

 

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 1 head cauliflower
• 1 head broccoli
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1½ cups milk
• salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1½ cups parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup bread crumbs
• 4 oz pancetta
• green onion, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Trim cauliflower and broccoli and remove the tough core. Cut into 1 to 2-inch florets. Cook the cauliflower and broccoli florets in a large pot of boiling salted water for 5 to 6 minutes, until tender but still firm. Drain well and place on paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible.
3. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, mix in the flour and whisk until both are incorporated and it just starts to brown, about 2 minutes. Mix in the milk, nutmeg, salt and pepper whisking constantly until a smooth sauce forms, about 5 minutes. Add the cheese (1 cup each of cheddar and parmesan) and heat until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
4. In a separate pan over medium heat, cook the pancetta until browned, about 10 minutes. When done place on paper towels for the grease to drain. Mix cauliflower, broccoli and pancetta into the bechamel sauce, pour into a baking dish and top with the bread crumbs, additional ½ cup of each cheese and green onion.
5. Bake in a preheated oven until it is bubbling on the sides and golden brown on top, about 15-20 minutes. Serve hot.

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