Cauliflower is one of my favorite ingredients to cook with – it blends so easily into whatever dish I am preparing. Whether I am folding it into a creamy mac and cheese sauce, giving it a crispy coating or “ricing” and turning it into a pizza crust, it easily creates a delicious meal.
Cauliflower Mac & Cheese
Everyone’s favorite mac & cheese gets a grain-free update by swapping out pasta for cauliflower and the traditional super creamy sauce makes it hard to tell the difference.
Ingredients
1 head of cauliflower (chopped and steamed)
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups of whole milk
1 tsp ground mustard
salt and pepper to taste
2 cups grated cheese, (I use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
Directions
Melt butter over low heat.
Once bubbly, add flour and mix until it forms a paste.
Slowly add milk, stirring until it thickens.
Remove from heat and add mustard, salt, pepper and cheese, mixing well.
Add cauliflower and combine.
BBQ Cauliflower Poppers
These poppers are addictive and perfect for meatless Monday dinners.
Ingredients
1 head of cauliflower
¼ cup bbq sauce
¼ cup mayo
1 cup corn flake or bread crumbs
Directions
Wash and cut cauliflower into small pieces.
Combine mayo and bbq sauce.
Dip cauliflower pieces into bbq-mayo mixture, then coat with the crumbs.
Place on a greased baking sheet and bake at 450° for about 20 to 25 minutes until outside is slightly crispy. (I like a crunchy coating with slightly burnt edges.)
Cauliflower Crust Pizza with Pesto & Eggs
Fight your carb cravings with this delicious and healthy take on pizza! It’s full of flavor without the calories.
Ingredients for Crust
1 head of cauliflower
1 egg Pesto (recipe below)
2 tomatoes
2 eggs, fried or poached
Directions for Crust
“Rice” the cauliflower by chopping it into pieces and placing it in a food processor or blender. Pulse it until the cauliflower looks like grains.
Place in microwave for about 4 to 6 minutes until soft.
Drain all liquid – I put the cauliflower in a dishtowel and twist it out.
Mash the cauliflower with a fork and then combine with the egg.
Place on lightly greased baking sheet and shape into large rectangle. Bake in oven on 400° for about 12 to 15 minutes.
Add pesto and top with slices of tomato and fried or poached eggs.
Ingredients for Pesto
½ cup walnuts
2 cups basil leaves
½ cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic
¼ tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions for Pesto
Combine all ingredients in a blender, pulse until smooth.
Makes about ½ cup of pesto.