Caularoni

Dive into a comforting bowl of "Caularoni," a delicious twist on classic macaroni and cheese that swaps out pasta for tender, nutrient-packed cauliflower florets. This low-carb, gluten-free-friendly dish features creamy layers of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese, blended into a velvety sauce seasoned with garlic and onion powders for a flavor-packed experience. Topped with crunchy breadcrumbs—or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly option—and baked to golden perfection, Caularoni is a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s equal parts indulgent and nutritious. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner or side dish for anyone seeking a lighter take on comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 head of cauliflower
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
• 1.5 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoons onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 0.5 cups breadcrumbs (or crushed pork rinds for low-carb)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Wash and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.

Step 3

Fill a large pot with water, bring it to a boil, and blanch the cauliflower florets for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 4

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.

Step 5

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese sauce is smooth and combined.

Step 7

Transfer the blanched cauliflower into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower, stirring gently to coat all the florets evenly.

Step 8

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs (or crushed pork rinds) with olive oil. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the cauliflower and cheese.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

Step 10

Let the Caularoni cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(851.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1898.3

Total Fat 133.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 77.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.6g
Cholesterol 377.1mg	0%
Sodium 3892.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 88.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.9g	0%
Total Sugars 23.8g
Protein 96.8g	0%

Vitamin D 161.0IU	0%
Calcium 2591.7mg	0%
Iron 4.4mg	0%
Potassium 1003.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 61.9%

Protein: 19.9%

Carbs: 18.2%