Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Soup

It‘s a mash up of my favorite things: Mac ‘n’ cheese, soup and cauliflower!

Cauliflower and cheese are such a natural combination. That’s why I just couldn’t resist putting them together for part of our Cauliflower Rice Series. (And I’m excited to say that other contributors to this series also used this same beautiful pairing. You’ve got to check out this this Mashed Cauliflower with Cheese and these Cheesy Cauliflower Breadsticks).

This is one of those recipes where several things that I love collide into one. As I said, I love the cauliflower and cheese combination. I also love mac & cheese. AND I love soup. Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Soup. Boom!

This is a really easy recipe to make. You boil macaroni noodles in chicken broth. While they cook you soften the riced cauliflower in the microwave. Once the noodles are cooked, this is important…don’t drain them. I’m going to say that again: DO NOT drain them. Instead, you add a mixture of milk and flour to the pasta and cooking water. The milk and flour mixes with the water to turn it into a creamy soup. Add in your softened cauliflower, and a lot of cheese, and you’re done! Super good, Right?

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Soup

Contributor: Christine Pittman

It’s a mash up of my favorite things: Mac ‘n’ cheese, soup and cauliflower!

• Author: Christine Pittman
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Entrée
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock
• ¾ tsp. salt
• 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni noodles
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅛ tsp. cayenne
• 1 and ½ cups milk
• 16 oz. riced cauliflower (about 4 cups riced or 1 medium head of cauliflower)
• 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese (about 2 cups of shredded cheese)
• 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
• salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Put a large pot or Dutch oven over high heat. Add the chicken broth. Cover the pot and bring it to a boil. When the broth reaches a boil add the salt and the macaroni elbows. Return it to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer. Stir occasionally until cooked, about 7 minutes. Remove from heat but do not drain.
2. While the broth is coming to a boil, measure the flour and cayenne into a mason jar. Add the milk and put the lid on the jar. Shake it a lot, tipping it around and upside down to dislodge all flour and to get it well blended. Set aside.
3. Put the riced into a large microwave-safe bowl and microwave them 2 minutes at a time until tender, about 4-6 minutes. Shred the cheese.
4. By now the noodles are probably cooked. Remember, don’t drain them just remove the pot from the heat. Give your mason jar of flour another good shake and then add it to the pot all at once. Stir. Return the pot to high heat and bring it to a boil, stirring often. Add the cauliflower and the Dijon.
5. Remove pot from heat and stir in most of the cheese, saving about ¼ cup for a garnish if desired. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve garnished with the reserved cheese.