What could be better than macaroni folded with layers of creamy gouda and cheddar? Turns out, caramelized cauliflower and buffalo sauce make for the ultimate mac and cheese experience. Make ahead and reheat for a crowd and watch how fast this disappears.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time53 minutesmins
Total Time1 hourhr3 minutesmins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: buffalo, casserole, cauliflower, cheese, gluten free, mac and cheese, macaroni
Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut the cauliflower in half and use a sharp knife to remove the core. Cut into small florets. Spread the cauliflower pieces in a large baking dish. Toss with olive oil, red pepper flakes, and salt. Bake the cauliflower for 20 minutes. Toss around and bake another 15 minutes to brown a bit.
While the cauliflower does its thing, bring a large pot of water to boil with salt. Shred the cheese. Boil the pasta 1 minute shy of al dente, strain in a colander and set aside.
In the clean pasta pot, add the butter and flour to make a roux. Stir over medium-low heat for 2 minutes. Add the milk and bring to a simmer over medium heat just until thick, about 4 minutes. Turn off the heat and add 3/4 of the cheese with the hot sauce. Stir and fold in the macaroni.
Pour the macaroni over the cauliflower and fold a bit to distribute. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs (if using) and remaining cheese. Bake the macaroni for 15 minutes (finish under the broiler for 3 minutes to brown the top).
Notes
How to Mac and Cheese Ahead for Easy Party Planning
Since the creamy texture is everybody's favorite part, you have to prevent some of that moisture from drying out. To accomplish this, prepare the mac and cheese up to the stage where you add it to the baking dish. At this point, refrigerate up to 2 days before the party. Bake until warm all the way through the center just before serving.
Storing Leftover Mac and Cheese
Cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate or transfer into sealed containers for up to 4 days.
Gluten Free Mac and Cheese
Use rice flour in place of all-purpose flour to make the roux and look for a gluten free macaroni noodle. You can omit the breadcrumbs in this recipe or sprinkle with any gluten free breadcrumb.
Buffalo Variations
This mac and cheese calls for Franks RedHot Original to create a hot wing flavor, but you can omit the hot sauce entirely or use less or more to taste. If you can't get Franks RedHot Original, you can use Tabasco, but you should reduce the amount by half (it's spicier).
Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese
The cauliflower blends in seamlessly in this macaroni and cheese so it's very kid friendly. You can sub in broccoli or leave the cauliflower out of this recipe if you wish.