Cheesy Ham and Cauliflower Casserole (Mock Mac and Cheese)

Skip the pasta and bake this lower-carb cheesy ham and cauliflower casserole instead for the same comforting flavor.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 35 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Calories: 728 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups milk
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 pinch garlic powder, or to taste
• 3 cups chopped cooked ham
• 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• ⅛ teaspoon dried minced onion
• 2 cups french-fried onions

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.

Step 2

Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add cauliflower, cover, and steam until tender yet firm to the bite, 2 to 6 minutes.

Step 3

While cauliflower steams, heat milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Mix softened butter and flour together until it forms a ball. Melt flour ball into heated milk; lower heat and stir constantly until thickened. Add Cheddar cheese, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; heat until cheese is completely melted.

Step 4

Combine cauliflower, ham, and cheese sauce in a large bowl. Gently mix together. Pour into the prepared baking pan.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Top with french-fried onions and bake for 10 minutes more. Let sit for 5 minutes or more before serving.