6ouncesFRESHLY SHREDDED extra sharp cheddar cheeseabout 1 1/2 cups (Do not use pre-shredded! It won’t melt smoothly.)
½cupfull-fat Greek yogurt
For the Topping:
3tablespoonsunsalted butter
¾cupwhole-wheat panko breadcrumbs or regular panko
½cupgrated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Set the Greek yogurt out to come to room temperature. Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 375°F. Generously coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
Place the cauliflower in a large microwave-safe bowl and add 1 inch of water. Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave on high power for 4 minutes. Stir, then recover and microwave for 4 minutes more, until the cauliflower is slightly softened but still definitely fairly al dente. Drain into a colander, then spread into a single layer on paper or kitchen towels and pat dry. Let air dry while you make the sauce.
In a Dutch oven or large, deep stockpot, heat the butter over medium heat.
As soon as the butter melts, sprinkle the flour over the top and cook, whisking constantly, until flour turns light golden brown and smells lightly nutty, about 1 minute. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring continuously to make sure the sauce doesn’t stick to the bottom, until the sauce thickens, 3-5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low. Whisk in the mustard, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
Next, stir in the cheddar by small handfuls, adding it gradually and stirring all the while to ensure it melts smoothly. Make sure each addition of cheese melts before adding the next.
Remove from the heat. Stir in the Greek yogurt.
Add the cauliflower, stirring gently to combine. The sauce will seem very thick, but will thin out as water is released from the cauliflower when it cooks. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
Make the topping: In a small bowl, melt the butter. Add the Panko and Parmesan. Stir to combine, then sprinkle evenly over the top of the cauliflower mac.
Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and the cauliflower is just fork tender. If you’d like to crisp the top, turn the oven to broil for a few minutes until golden in spots. Let rest 5 minutes, then serve.
Notes
TO STORE: Refrigerate cauliflower mac and cheese in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
TO REHEAT: Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven or microwave until warmed through.
TO FREEZE: Place leftovers in an airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating according to the instructions above.