Meatless

Mac & Cheese: Skillet

Source: Found on Pinterest

Healthy version (contains cauliflower). Perfect comfort food!

Ingredients

  • 2 c. 1-inch wide cauliflower florets
  • 6 oz. (1-1/2 c.) uncooked whole-grain elbow macaroni (3 c. cooked)
  • 2 slices whole wheat bread (2/3 c. crumbs)
  • 3 Tbls. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 t. olive oil
  • 3 c. low-fat milk
  • 3 Tbls. white unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1-1/4 c. (5 oz.) shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
  • ¼ c. (1 oz.) shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 2 t. mustard powder
  • ¾ t. paprika
  • ½ t. salt
  • ½ t. course ground black pepper
  • ¼ t. cayenne pepper

Instructions

Breadcrumbs: Grind 2 pieces of whole wheat bread in a mini food processor. Transfer to a small shallow baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes, or until browned and dried out. Remove from oven to cool. When cool, add 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese and 2 t. olive oil and set aside.

Place cauliflower into a steamer basket fitted over pot with a little water; cover and steam until just tender, about 5-8 minutes. Finely chop and aside.

Cook macaroni according to package directions, but cook 3 minutes less than directions on box. Drain and set aside.

Sauce: In a large saucepan, whisk together the milk and flour until flour is dissolved. Whisking constantly, bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until mixture thickens slightly (2 to 3 minutes). Stir in cheddar and Gruyere cheeses, mustard powder, paprika, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper. Whisk until the cheeses are melted and the mixture is smooth (about 2 minutes).

Add chopped cauliflower and cooked macaroni and stir until well coated.

Spray an ovenproof 10-inch, high sided skillet with cooking spray. Pour the mixture into prepared skillet. Sprinkle with the breadcrumb mixture. Place skillet on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees until top is browned and the cheese is bubbly, about 35-40 minutes.

NOTE: Serves 6