6 | Cups | Cauliflower floretes |
3/4 | Tsp. | Salt |
8 | Oz. | Uncooked small seashell pasta |
1/4 | Cup | All-purpose flour |
3 | Cups | Milk |
2 | Tsps. | chopped thyme or 3/4 tsp. dried |
3 | Cloves | Garlic, crushed |
1 | Cup | Sharp cheddar cheese, grated |
1/2 | Cup | Fresh parmesan cheese, grated |
3/4 | Cup | Green onions, finely chopped |
2 | Tsps. | Dijon mustard |
1/4 | Tsp. | Black pepper |
2 | Slices | White bread |
2 | Tsps. | Butter, melted |
Preheat oven to 400degrees. In a large pot, add 6 cups water and 3/4 teaspoon salt and cook cauliflower until just barely done. Remove cauliflower with a slotted spoon and set aside. Using the same water, bring back to a boil and add pasta - cooking until al dente; drain and set aside. Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup and level with a knife. Combine flour and milk in a saucepan, stirring well with a whisk. Stir in the thyme and garlic; cook over medium heat until thick, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt, cheeses, onion, mustard and pepper. Combine cauliflower, pasta and cheese sauce in a large bowl. Spoon the cauliflower mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Place bread in food processor; pulse until coarse crumbs form to measure 1 cup. Combine breadcrumbs with butter; sprinkle evenly over cauliflower mixture. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.