Fall Fest: Cauliflower and Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese

By: Cameron Curtis

In our humble opinion, Thanksgiving is superior to any other day of the year. In an effort to make this year's feast the best of all time (sorry, Pilgrims and Wampanoag tribe), we're bringing you the recipes, how-tos and decorating ideas to help you become a Turkey Day pro.

I can't think of cauliflower without thinking about cheese. And since the temperature dipped below 40 degrees last night, my Dutch oven returned from its seasonal hiatus to host a twist on Rachael's Cauliflower Mac 'n' Cheese.

Instead of steaming the cauliflower, I coated it in olive oil, salt and pepper and then roasted it (along with broccoli for some green in the pasta dish) to develop a crispy and caramelized texture before baking with the cheese sauce.

Using Rachael’s method for the sauce, I melted butter with chopped onions and garlic and cooked until tender, then added 3 tablespoons of flour and whisked for 1 minute. Next I whisked in whole milk and seasoned with salt, pepper, nutmeg and sage. Instead of Dijon you can swap in mustard powder, and you can skip Gruyere in favor of the more wallet-friendly Gouda.

Next, add the cooked pasta, cauliflower and broccoli to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. I topped with a bit of Parmesan so the baked pasta would develop a nice crusty top.

After 45 minutes, a comforting macaroni and cheese emerged from the oven.

More Cauliflower Recipes from Family & Friends:

Big Girls, Small Kitchen: Roasted Cauliflower and Bulgur Salad

Jeanette's Healthy Living: Roasted Garlic Cauliflower and Potatoes

Feed Me Phoebe: Pan-Roasted Cauliflower
Blue Apron Blog: Cauliflower "Mac 'n Cheese"

The Sensitive Epicure: Cauliflower Flat Bread (Gluten-Free)

Weelicious: Cheddar Cauliflower

Next Up

Fall Fest: Winning Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Ace your Thanksgiving with these all-star side dishes.

Fall Fest: Carrot Recipes to Covet

Turn carrots into soup, salad, dessert and even jam with these clever ideas.

Fall Fest: Bring On the Brussels Sprouts

Get Cooking Channel's favorite Brussels sprouts recipes just in time for Thanksgiving.

Fall Fest: Top In Season Thanksgiving Sides

In our humble opinion, Thanksgiving is superior to any other day of the year. In an effort to make this year's feast the best of all time (sorry, Pilgrims and Wampanoag tribe), we're bringing you the recipes, how-tos and decorating ideas to help you become a Turkey Day pro.

Summer Fest: 5 Ways to Prepare Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are available most of the year, but the fall season is truly when they shine as that is when the fresh crop comes in.

Meatless Monday: Vegetarian Thanksgiving Sides

The great news is that most side dishes are either meatless or can be made without meat very easily (and just as deliciously).

Meatless Monday: Roasted Butternut Squash

You've probably been seeing a lot of recipes for butternut squash lately, and for good reason. It's rich, creamy and sweet, making it hard to believe that it's healthy-- good source of fiber, low in fat, high in antioxidant-rich vitamin C kind of healthy.

On TV

So Much Pretty Food Here