Mac-and-Cheese-Style Cauliflower

A good way to get your cauliflower in! This was also very good and easy to make, but the recipe makes a lot. Another excellent dish for leftovers!

1 large head cauliflower, cut into medium florets
2 Tbs butter or margarine
3 Tbs all-purpose flower
2 cups low-fat milk
1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp)
2 cups grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup nutritional yeast
1 pinch cayenne pepper
2 egg yolks
1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bring large pot of water to a boil. Add cauliflower florets, and boil 5 to 7 minutes, or until just tender. Drain, reserving 1 cup cooking liquid, and set aside.

Melt butter in same pot over medium heat. Whisk in flour, and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Whisk in milk, garlic, and reserved cooking liquid, and cook 7 to 10 minutes, or until sauce is thickened, whisking constantly. Remove from heat, and stir in cheese, yeast, cayenne pepper, and egg yolks until cheese is melted. Fold in cauliflower.

Coat 13X9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread cauliflower mixture in baking dish, and sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Spray breadcrumbs with cooking spray. Bake 30 minutes, or until casserole is hot and bubbly, and breadcrumbs are crisp and brown.


Vegetarian Times, January/February 2012