Cheesy curried cauliflower mac and cheese with penne pasta, melty cheese, kale and red chiles. This makes for an incredibly comforting vegetarian dinner, perfect for cold nights, and it's all topped with toasted breadcrumbs.
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I grew up on Stouffer's Mac 'n Cheese, and before that, Swanson's TV dinners (yes, I know that probably slams me into a particular age bracket), but as an adult, I've learned that Mac and Cheese is actually a sprawling family of cousins.
Some are super-rich creamy cheesy, others are more about the pasta, featuringย different shapes and sizes. Or they're baked with Bisquick in a mac 'n cheese impossible pie.
Lots include veggies - what a great way to slip them into unsuspecting children - while some strike out a pescatarian path with crab. Meat eaters go further afield, so to speak, and fold in shredded pork. And if you want to take a vegan approach, this vegan baked mac and cheese is a great one to try.
But they're not just about lunch or dinner. These jalapeรฑo mac and cheese bites are perfect appetizers if you're having an appetizer and cocktails party. They're baked up in a muffin pan. If you want them even smaller, just use a mini muffin pan.
The Mac and Cheese family welcomes all with a warm, comforting, gooey embrace.
๐ง Main Ingredients + Notes
For all of the ingredients, measurements, and directions, go to the Recipe Card at the bottom of this post.
- Cauliflower - cut into florets.
- Pasta - I use penne pasta, but feel free to use a pasta shape you like.
- Shallots
- Red chile - I use a Fresno red chile, which is only a little spicy. If you want more heat, you can substitute jalapeรฑo or Serrano chiles instead.
- All-purpose flour
- Milk - either 2% or whole milk is fine.
- Melty cheese - Fontina, Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses all work great in this recipe.
- Baby spinach - I purchase it pre-washed in plastic containers.
- Breadcrumbs - or make some crispy quinoa for extra protein, but without the truffle salt if you make them for this recipe.
- Cilantro - optional for finishing garnish.
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๐ช Recommended Equipment
- Chef's knife
- baking sheet
- Dutch oven or other heavy-bottomed pot
- large oven-proof skillet
- Whisk
โฐ Tips to Simplify and Save Time
- Purchase cauliflower already cut into florets.
- Roast the cauliflower in the air fryer instead of the oven, and cut the roasting time in almost half.
- Cook the pasta ahead of time, and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 - 7 days.
- Eliminate the garnish suggestion.
๐กIdeas for Possible Variations
- Swap out the baby spinach for baby kale.
- For more of a kick (one Fresno pepper only adds a touch of heat), double up on the chile. If you (and your stomach) prefer no heat, just eliminate it altogether. No worries.
๐ฝ Side Dish Ideas
Simply serve with a big healthy salad dressed in a vinaigrette and bread forย a satisfyingย vegetarian dinner.
๐ More Ideas
Another curry I make a LOT is this Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry. It's packed with umami flavor from tomatoes (fire roasted and sun-dried) and balsamic vinegar.
Or make this tomato gratin with cauliflower, spinach, tofu, yogurt and curry powder for a comfort casserole full of goodness.
And if you want to learn how to make carbonara without bacon, check out this asparagus carbonara. It includes optional horseradish breadcrumbs!
Don't have time to run to the grocery store? Order the ingredients for this recipe using Instacart (affiliate link). Just click on the Instacart button in the recipe card below, and the ingredients will all be organized for you on their site. Plug in your zip code, choose the store you prefer, and select the ingredients you want delivered to your home.
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Curried Cauliflower Mac and Cheese with Greens
Equipment
- baking sheet
- large oven-proof skillet
Ingredients
- 5 ยฝ cups cauliflower florets cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 ยฝ teaspoons curry powder divided
- โ teaspoon kosher salt divided
- 1 cup uncooked penne pasta or other pasta shapes you like
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- ยพ cup thinly sliced shallots
- 1 Fresno red chile stemmed, seeded, and minced
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 โ cup 2% milk
- 8 ounces melty cheese I used cheddar and fontina
- 1 cup baby spinach or baby kale
- ยผ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400หF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the cauliflower with the oil, ยฝ teaspoon curry powder and โ teaspoon salt, and spread on a prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, until softened and lightly crisped. (The exact roasting time depends on the size of the florets.)
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook according to the package directions. Drain.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and chile, and sautรฉ until softened and just beginning to brown. Sprinkle the flour, and remaining 1 teaspoon curry and ยฝ teaspoon salt over the vegetables and whisk to combine. Cook for 2 - 3 minutes to cook the flour.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and whisk in the milk to form a roux, ยผ cup at a time. Return the skillet to the heat and continue to whisk until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. For photos on making a roux, check out this post for Spinach Madeline.
- Stir in the cheeses, kale, and tomato until the cheese melts. Fold in the cauliflower. Pour into an 8" X 8" casserole dish, or keep in the skillet if it's oven safe, and bake for 15 minutes.
- Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a small pan. Add the breadcrumbs and cook until lightly toasted. Spread on the casserole and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly.
- Serve garnished with cilantro.
Nutrition
ย
Rita Held
Love this idea, Susan. Yes, mac & cheese does have a "sprawling family of cousins". Have you tried a seasoning other than curry? Any suggestions?
The Wimpy Vegetarian
I've been wanting to make one with crab and a little Old Bay seasoning, but haven't done it yet. And I'm off to see your bites, I love mac and cheese like that. perfect for a party!!
Rita
Just noticed your Jalapeno Mac n Cheese Bites here!
Emma
Wow! Would never have put these things together... but now I must! Love the originality Susan ๐
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks so much Emma! It was so, so good - even my meat loving husband loved it ๐
Jennie @themessybakerblog
This mac looks insanely delicious! I love the addition of curry. Yum.
The Wimpy Vegetarian
I love anything curry it seems ๐ Thanks so much Jennie!!
lizthechef
Great combo here - I am dreaming of adding some lobster...
Barbara | Creative Culinary
I'm loving this...and can not deny I have never considered greens in a mac and cheese...great idea. Now I can call it a healthy dish? ๐
Marlynn @UrbanBlissLife
This looks SOO delicious, I want to eat the screen! I love the combo of flavors! As soon as I can have gluten-free pasta again (I'm on an allergy elimination diet), I am making this!
Jameson Fink
Great idea to jazz up mac and cheese with hearty greens and curry powder.
Choc Chip Uru
This mac and cheese looks ridiculously tasty, wouldn't mind trying it ๐
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Oui, Chef
I LOVE your healthier spin on this American soul food favorite....well done!
Sara @ Don't Feed After Midnight
Now THIS is what I call exciting food! Never been a huge fan of plain mac & cheese but this is just amazing. Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work!
Laurie
Many of your recipes have caught my eye over at FoodGawkerโI like the way you think...and cook. I just made a similar cauliflower pasta but yours looks so rich/creamy and I love how dark the breadcrumbs are as well as the ratio of veg to pasta. I will most definitely give this a try.
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks you so, so much Laurie!!! I really appreciate your comment so much ๐
Laurie
Just made this with goat cheese and co-jack (what I had on hand). No kale because I was out but wow, wow, wow. Totally creamy and delicious.
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks so much for letting me know, Laurie!! I'm soooo glad you liked it ๐ !!!!
mike r
I am a mostly eat whatever i can find. but we have severely reduced our meat consumption. and we have also seriously reduced our portion size.
anyway, mac & cheese is one of the first things i taught my son to make for himself. when he was young we made a 3-ring binder with simple recipes that he could do on his own. it really gave him confidence in the kitchen and he has gone on to be a quite accomplished chef in his own right.
but this recipe really sounds good. i love califlower and i love mac & cheese. i may spice it up with a bit of serano chile. yum.