kid-friendly
mac n cheese
pasta
This video is unavailable because we were unable to load a message from our sponsors.

If you are using ad-blocking software, please disable it and reload the page.

Bacon and Horseradish Mac 'n' Cheese with Cauliflower

Q&A with Organizational Pro Peter Walsh + Dermatologist Shares A…

Actor Hank Azaria + Freezer Meals + Artichokes 2 Ways with Rach

See Inside Barbara Corcoran's Stunning NY Apartment + It's Steak…

How to Make Chicken and Lobster Piccata | Richard Blais

Donnie Wahlberg Spills Details About NKOTB's First Ever Conventi…

Donnie Wahlberg + Jenny McCarthy Say Rach Is Such a "Joy" + Look…

The Best Moments From 17 Seasons of the Show Will Make You Laugh…

How to Make Crabby Carbonara | Rachael Ray

Rach Chats "Firsts" In Flashback From Our First Episode Ever In …

How to Make Apple-Cider Braised Pork Chop Sandwiches with Onion …

Rach's Chef Pals Say Goodbye to Show in Surprise Video Message

How to Make Sesame Cookies | Buddy Valastro

How to Make Tortilla with Potatoes, Piquillo Peppers and Mancheg…

How to Make Shrimp Burgers | Jacques Pepin

How to Make Spanakopipasta | Rachael Ray

Andrew McCarthy Chokes Up Discussing Emotional Trip to Spain wit…

Celebrity Guests Send Farewell Messages After 17 Seasons of the …

Celebrity Guests Send Farewell Messages After 17 Seasons of the …

Andrew McCarthy Teases Upcoming "Brat Pack" Reunion Special

Michelle Obama Toasts Rach's 17 Years on the Air With a Heartfel…

Ingredients

  • EVOO Extra Virgin Olive Oil, for drizzling
  • 4 thick slices of smoky bacon, chopped into 1/4 inch dice
  • 1 large head cauliflower, trimmed and cut into bite-size florets
  • Salt and pepper
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • Freshly grated nutmeg, about 1/4 teaspoon
  • 1 pound penne rigate or cavatappi, corkscrew shaped hollow pasta
  • 3 cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 3 rounded tablespoons prepared horseradish
  • 1/4 cup chopped chives

Yield

Serves: 6

Preparation

 

 

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

 

 

While the water comes up to a boil, heat a drizzle of oil in small skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and crisp, 5 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and reserve.

 

 

Salt the boiling water and add cauliflower florets. Cook 4-5 minutes then remove with a spider or strainer and run under cold running water to stop cooking process. Reserve cooked cauliflower in colander.

 

 

Place a medium-size pot over medium heat. Melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook 1 minute then whisk in milk and season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Cook for a couple of minutes until thickened.

 

 

Preheat broiler.

 

 

Drop pasta in the same boiling water you cooked cauliflower in and cook just shy of al dente.

 

 

While the pasta cooks, remove sauce from heat and add 2/3 of grated cheese, the horseradish, reserved bacon and chives. Stir to combine.

 

 

Drain pasta over cauliflower to reheat the florets with hot boiling water. Place pasta and florets in hot pot and add the cheese sauce. Stir to combine.

 

 

Transfer to a baking dish and top with remaining cheese. Place under broiler to brown the top. Serve with a spinach salad alongside.