Cauliflower Mac n Cheese

For the next posts I’m creating some delicious Ketogenic recipes. Not all meat! In fact, there are Vegetarian versions of this diet. Whether you’re into the Ketogenic Diet or not you’ll enjoy this version of Mac n Cheese. Roasted Cauliflower subs for the macaroni. No matter how much cheese or what spice you add this definitely tastes of cauliflower. My family loves roasted cauliflower … So, adding cheese was just a perfect addition for a main dish result.

About the Ketogenic Diet … I recently began following Keto recommendations with amazing success in losing weight but what peaked my interest most was the benefits to nerve and brain health. I’ve lived long enough to know, information today changes tomorrow … But what I’ve studied just makes sense. I’m sure this diet isn’t for everyone. I recommend contacting your physician before beginning any strict dietary regimen.

Recipe

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. See oven temperature changes below.

Roasting Cauliflower

Break up large (washed & drained) head of cauliflower into florets. Trim off thick stems.

Place into a large bowl.

Drizzle with 1-2 Tablespoons of olive oil and toss.

Place onto large baking sheet (with edges to avoid spillage in oven)

Sprinkle lightly with salt or garlic salt

Place into preheated oven and roast until slightly brown on top and al dente. About 20 minutes.

Set aside.

Cheese Sauce

1 Tablespoon Butter
1/4 Cup diced almost minced onion
1 Garlic clove-minced
2 Cups grated Gouda or Gruyere cheese
2 Cups grated Colby cheese, Or 1 Cup grated Monterey Jack & 1 Cup Sharp Cheddar cheeses
1/2 Cup Sour Cream-not light
1/4 to 1/3 Cup cream or half and half
1/4 Teaspoon ground nutmeg
Finely ground fresh pepper to taste
Salt to taste (I used zip)

Layering and Baking

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Butter a 8 by 8 inch square baking dish.

In a saucepan over medium low heat sauté the onion & garlic in the butter until limp but not browned.

Lower the heat a bit and add the cheeses, then the scour cream and cream. Stir in the nutmeg and pepper then taste for need of salt.

Layer half the roasted cauliflower in the baking dish and add half the cheese mixture.

Layer again.

After baking for 20 minutes look for bubbling. When bubbling remove from oven. Increase oven to broil. Place under broiler just until lightly browned–minutes.