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Cauliflower Green Chile “Mac” and Cheese

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Tablespoon Kitchens
Updated Nov 13, 2018
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Occasionally, we feel a twinge of guilt about how often creamy mac and cheese finds its way into our weekly dinner rotation. That is—until this lightened-up version that uses cauliflower instead of pasta came along. A homemade cheese sauce and a spicy kick from jalapeños and green chiles take this recipe from supporting side dish to star of the dinner show.

Cauliflower Green Chile “Mac” and Cheese

  • Prep Time 25 min
  • Total 1 hr 10 min
  • Servings 6
  • Ingredients 11
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Ingredients

  • 8 cups cauliflower flowerets
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (6 oz)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (4 small)
  • 1 can (4 oz) Old El Paso™ Chopped Green Chiles
  • 1 medium jalapeño chile, seeded and thinly sliced, if desired

Instructions

  • Step 
    1
    Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 8-inch (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Step 
    2
    Place cauliflower and water in large microwavable bowl. Cover; microwave on High 12 minutes; drain. Season with 1/4 teaspoon of the salt.
  • Step 
    3
    In 1-cup glass measuring cup, mix milk and whipping cream. In 4-quart or larger Dutch oven, melt butter over low heat. With whisk, stir in flour and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth. Increase heat to medium; cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly. Gradually stir in milk mixture. Increase heat to medium-high; heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute; reduce heat to medium. Stir in cheese. Cook until melted, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in cauliflower, green onions and green chiles. Pour into baking dish.
  • Step 
    4
    Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly around edges and lightly browned.
  • Step 
    5
    Garnish with sliced jalapeño chiles.

Nutrition

310 Calories
23g Total Fat
11g Protein
15g Total Carbohydrate
5g Sugars

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories
310
Calories from Fat
210
Total Fat
23g
36%
Saturated Fat
14g
70%
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
65mg
22%
Sodium
530mg
22%
Potassium
520mg
15%
Total Carbohydrate
15g
5%
Dietary Fiber
3g
13%
Sugars
5g
Protein
11g
% Daily Value*:
Vitamin A
20%
20%
Vitamin C
60%
60%
Calcium
30%
30%
Iron
6%
6%
Exchanges:
1/2 Starch; 0 Fruit; 0 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 1 1/2 Vegetable; 0 Very Lean Meat; 0 Lean Meat; 1 High-Fat Meat; 3 Fat;
Carbohydrate Choice
1
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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