Step 1 of 7
Cauliflower Mac & Cheese Bites
An introduction to Cauliflower Mac & Cheese Bites with Chef Joel, Cookie Monster, and Elmo
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Step 2 of 7
Cauliflower Mac & Cheese Bites
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with muffin liners. Set aside. Cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. When done, strain through a colander, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later. Run the cooked pasta under cold water, then transfer to a large bowl and set aside.
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Step 3 of 7
Cauliflower Mac & Cheese Bites
Add the olive oil to a large saucepan and set over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring or whisking constantly, until it is completely combined with the oil and starts to smell toasty. Carefully add one third of the milk and whisk well to combine and remove any lumps. Repeat with another third of the milk, and once the mixture is totally smooth, add the remaining third of milk and whisk to combine. Add the salt, garlic powder, and turmeric, and whisk to incorporate. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture is totally smooth and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
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Step 4 of 7
Cauliflower Mac & Cheese Bites
Turn the heat off under the sauce. Add the cheddar cheese and stir or whisk until smooth and combined. If the sauce is too thick, thin it by adding small amounts of the reserved pasta water. Add the cauliflower, cooked pasta, and the egg and stir into the sauce until everything is well combined and evenly coated.
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Step 5 of 7
Cauliflower Mac & Cheese Bites
Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, portion the mac and cheese into the lined muffin cups, filling them just to the top of the liners. Use spoons to top each mac and cheese bite with some of the optional toppings, customizing them as desired. Sprinkle some of the extra shredded cheddar over the top of each bite, and add a small sprinkle of chives. Bake the mac and cheese bites on middle rack of oven until they are golden brown, about 20 minutes.
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Step 6 of 7
Cauliflower Mac & Cheese Bites
Check to see that mac and cheese bites are done. Remove from oven, or add time as needed.
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Step 7 of 7
Cauliflower Mac & Cheese Bites
Let the mac and cheese bites cool in the pan for 5 minutes before serving.