Prepare to revolutionize your comfort food experience with the ultimate flavor explosion! This Buffalo Cauliflower Mac and Cheese isn't just another boring pasta dish – it's a mouthwatering adventure that combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic mac and cheese with the fiery kick of buffalo sauce and the unexpected crunch of roasted cauliflower. Whether you're a spice lover, a mac and cheese enthusiast, or just someone looking to impress at the dinner table, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 8 oz macaroni
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the cauliflower.
- Wash and cut the head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- On a baking sheet, toss the cauliflower florets with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out in a single layer.
- Roast the cauliflower in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and tender. Stir halfway through to ensure even roasting.
- While the cauliflower is roasting, cook the macaroni according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside when al dente.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 1 tablespoon of flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to form a roux.
- Slowly pour in 1 cup of milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 3-5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce, mixing well to combine.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, roasted cauliflower, and cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well coated.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Optional: For a crispy topping, you can sprinkle additional shredded cheese or breadcrumbs over the top before baking.
- Bake in the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Buffalo Cauliflower Mac and Cheese!
Tips
- Roasting Perfection: The key to amazing cauliflower is even roasting. Make sure to cut your florets into similar-sized pieces and spread them out on the baking sheet. This ensures they get that perfect golden-brown color and crispy edges.
- Cheese Sauce Secrets: When making the cheese sauce, whisk continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy texture. Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting results.
- Spice Control: Adjust the buffalo sauce to your heat preference. For a milder version, start with less sauce and add more to taste. For heat lovers, feel free to add extra!
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can roast the cauliflower and prepare the cheese sauce in advance. This makes final assembly quick and easy on busy nights.
- Crispy Topping Options: For extra texture, try topping with panko breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or additional cheese before the final bake.
- Serving Suggestion: Garnish with fresh chopped green onions or a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce for an Instagram-worthy presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 70mg
