Macaroni and cheese is my absolute favorite comfort food, and cauliflower is one of my go-to vegetables—I love it raw or cooked. I wanted to combine both by hiding tender cauliflower florets inside a creamy baked mac and cheese, using Horizon® Pasta Shells and White Cheddar for quick convenience and rich flavor. The result is creamy, cheesy, and sneaks in veggies without sacrificing taste.
This recipe is quick, simple, and great for busy weeknights. You can keep the cauliflower slightly crunchy by adding it raw to the cooked pasta, or lightly blanch it to soften it and make it more “hidden” for picky eaters. Either way, the pasta shells cradle the sauce and cauliflower beautifully, and a buttery panko topping gives the dish a satisfying crunch after baking.
To make this dish, bring a pot of water to a boil and, if you prefer a softer texture, boil the cauliflower florets for one minute and remove them with a slotted spoon. There’s no need to change the water—simply add the pasta shells and cook according to the package directions, substituting 1/2 cup milk for the smaller amount called for on the box for an extra creamy sauce.
After draining, return the pasta to the pot and stir in butter, the cheese powder from the box, milk, cream cheese, and shredded sharp white cheddar until the sauce is smooth and velvety. Fold in the cauliflower so it blends with the sauce—the florets almost disappear into the creamy mixture but add texture and nutrition.
Transfer the mac and cheese to a prepared baking dish, smooth the top, and sprinkle on a panko breadcrumb mixture made with melted butter, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Bake until the topping is golden and the filling is hot and bubbling.
Baked Cauliflower Macaroni & Cheese Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 to 6
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cauliflower, fresh or thawed frozen, cut into small florets
- 1 box Horizon® Pasta Shells and White Cheddar Cheese (cheese packet included)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1/2 cup reduced-fat milk (use 1/2 cup instead of the smaller amount called for on the box)
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 1/3 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
- 2/3 cup plain panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- If you want the cauliflower softer and more integrated, add the florets to the boiling water and cook for one minute, then remove with a slotted spoon. (If you prefer them crunchy, skip this step and add cauliflower later.)
- Add the pasta shells to the same boiling water and cook according to the package directions, using 1/2 cup milk when adding the cheese packet and butter.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Stir in the cream cheese and shredded sharp white cheddar until smooth and combined. Fold in the cauliflower and taste; add salt and pepper if needed.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
- Spray a ceramic or glass baking dish with cooking spray. Pour the mac and cheese into the dish and use a rubber spatula to smooth the top. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the surface.
- Bake for 15 to 17 minutes at 375°F, until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the dish is heated through.
- Let rest a few minutes before serving so the sauce sets slightly. Serve warm and enjoy.
This baked cauliflower macaroni and cheese is creamy, comforting, and a great way to add vegetables to a family favorite. Try swapping other vegetables you have on hand—broccoli, peas, or roasted butternut squash also work well. The extra milk and cream cheese boost the sauce’s richness, while the panko topping keeps the texture contrast pleasing.
Horizon® Mac & Cheese is convenient and versatile, making it easy to customize meals and sneak in extra produce. If you’d like ideas for variations, try adding cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or a pinch of smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Horizon. The opinions and content are my own.