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Cauliflower Green Chile “Mac” and Cheese

Prep 25 min
Total 1 hr 10 min
Servings 6

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. MORE+ LESS-

By Tablespoon Kitchens

November 13, 2018

Ingredients

cups cauliflower flowerets

tablespoons water

1/2

teaspoon salt

1/2

cup milk

1/2

cup heavy whipping cream

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)

can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles

medium jalapeño chile, seeded and thinly sliced, if desired

Steps

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1

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 8-inch (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
2

Place cauliflower and water in large microwavable bowl. Cover; microwave on High 12 minutes; drain. Season with 1/4 teaspoon of the salt.
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.
4

Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly around edges and lightly browned.
5

Garnish with sliced jalapeño chiles.

Expert Tips

Partially cooking the cauliflower in the microwave before adding to casserole shortens the oven time and results in a crispy, tender texture.
Want more spice? Substitute shredded pepper Jack cheese for the Cheddar.
You can save time by using precut cauliflower flowerets.
You should always wear kitchen gloves or wash your hands after handling jalapeños, as it can burn if you touch your eyes or face.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving

Calories: 310
Calories from Fat: 210

% Daily Value

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;