Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 large head cauliflower
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk (I used whole milk)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese* (or half sharp cheddar and half sharp white cheddar)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 375° F. Lightly grease an 8x8 or 9x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

2. 2

   Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, quarter the cauliflower and cut out the core and discard. Chop the cauliflower into bite-size pieces. Add cauliflower pieces to the boiling water and cook for 5-6 minutes, until just tender. Drain well into a colander and set aside.

4. 4

   In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and flour and cook for 30 seconds, stirring. Whisk in the milk, followed by the salt, paprika and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a low simmer, whisking often, until the sauce starts to thicken. Then remove the pot from the heat.

5. 5

   Stir the cheese into the sauce, a little bit at a time, until completely melted. Add the cauliflower to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat. Transfer the cauliflower and cheese sauce to the prepared baking dish.

6. 6

   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the sauce is hot and bubbly and the top of casserole is golden brown in spots. Let rest for 5 minutes and then serve.