Cauliflower & Bacon Mac & Cheese
PREP 15 MIN•COOK 30 MIN
Dan's Healthy Colorful Mac & Cheese is one of the most loved Centr recipes of all time. So of course we've made a sequel! Packed with veggie goodness and that delicious cheesy sauce, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Want to make it vegetarian? Leave out the bacon. Vegan? Use plant-based milk and cheese.
EF
GF
NS
Number of servings
2
1⁄2 spray olive oil
60g macaroni or small elbow pasta, dried (or gluten free)
350g cauliflower cut into small florets
1⁄4 yellow onion sliced
1 garlic clove minced
40g lean bacon (or pancetta), cut in strips
1⁄8 cup (17 1⁄2g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free if required)
1⁄2 tbs Dijon mustard optional
1 cup (250ml) milk, reduced fat (or dairy-free alternative)
1 sprig of rosemary leaves stripped & finely chopped, plus extra for garnish (or thyme)
salt & pepper, to taste
1⁄8 cup (15g) parmesan grated
1⁄3 cup (45g) cheddar cheese grated
1⁄2 thin slice (1 1/2 oz) wholegrain bread (or gluten free) roughly processed to form breadcrumbs
5 hazelnuts (peeled) or other nut of choice, roughly chopped
Preheat oven to 390°F/fan-forced 360°F and spray an oven-proof dish with oil.
Bring a pot of water to the boil, add a large pinch of salt and cook pasta according to packet instructions. Add cauliflower in last two minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
At the same time, heat a non-stick saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic and bacon and cook for 5-7 minutes to caramelize.
Add flour and mustard and cook, stirring for a minute to combine.
Whisking constantly, gradually add milk and rosemary and continue to whisk for 5 minutes or until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Adjust seasoning.
Add drained pasta and cauliflower, parmesan and two thirds of the cheddar cheese (reserve remainder for the topping) and stir well to combine. (You may need to add a little of the reserved pasta water if too thick.) Adjust seasonings and transfer to a heat proof dish.
In a small bowl, combine remaining cheese, breadcrumbs and nuts, season with salt and pepper and scatter over pasta.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and bubbling.
Scatter over extra rosemary and divide between plates to serve.
Energy (kJ)
1854 kJ / 443 cals
Protein
27.5 g
Fat
15.9 g
Sat. Fat
8.3 g
Carbs
42.3 g
Sugar
11.4 g
Fiber
7.6 g
UNLOCK YOUR FITNESS POTENTIAL WITH THE CENTR APP
Coaching On Demand And In Your Hand
When you need a sweat session or an extra boost, your personal fitness coach is just a tap away.
Fewer Decisions, Better Results
Never stress about your fitness routine again. We'll select your daily workout and meals based on your goals and preferences.
Move Any Time, Anywhere
Press play at the gym or at home with your Apple, Android or Web device.