Who doesn’t love a warm, comforting bowl of mac and cheese? Our cauliflower and bacon mac and cheese recipe takes this classic comfort food to a whole new level by incorporating smoky bacon and nutritious cauliflower. The penne pasta perfectly holds onto the creamy cheese sauce, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite. The added cauliflower brings a delightful texture and a healthful twist, making this dish a well-rounded winner for any meal. Let’s begin!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 small head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 8 slices of bacon, diced
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for sprinkling
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Cauliflower (15 minutes): Boil the penne pasta according to package instructions, adding the cauliflower florets in the last 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Bacon (10 minutes): In a large pan, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
- Make Cheese Sauce (10 minutes): In the same pan, add butter and flour, stirring well to combine with the bacon fat. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Combine and Broil (7 minutes): Mix the cooked penne, cauliflower, and crispy bacon with the cheese sauce, ensuring everything is well coated. Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with additional cheese, and place under a preheated broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve (1 minute): Season with salt and pepper to taste, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
Perfecting the balance between crispy and creamy is what makes this dish exceptional – the broiler is your secret weapon here. Adding a touch of cayenne pepper can bring a subtle kick for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Accompany this mac and cheese with a vibrant, fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish. Crusty bread makes a delightful side for mopping up any leftover sauce. Enjoy!
*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
