Ingredients
Buffalo Cauliflower
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup Frank’s red hot sauce
Cheese Sauce
- 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 1-4 hours or overnight
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 tbsp Frank’s red hot sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
Other Ingredients
- 250 grams macaroni, cooked according to package directions (or pasta of choice)
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Breadcrumbs to top (optional)
Instructions
- Make the buffalo cauliflower: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper. Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and paprika until evenly coated. Spread them out on the prepared pan in a single layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly tender. Remove from the oven, toss the cauliflower with Frank’s red hot sauce to coat, then return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes to roast further and develop flavor.
- Make the cheese sauce: Drain the soaked cashews and transfer them to a high-speed blender. Add water, nutritional yeast, Frank’s red hot sauce, and salt. Blend on high speed until completely smooth and creamy, creating a rich vegan cheese sauce.
- Combine macaroni and cheese sauce: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the cheese sauce and cook, stirring continuously, for 2-3 minutes to warm and thicken slightly. Add cooked macaroni to the pan and stir to combine thoroughly, cooking for an additional 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble and broil: Layer the macaroni and cheese mixture and buffalo cauliflower in a baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top if using. Place under the oven broiler for about 1 minute until the breadcrumbs are lightly toasted and golden. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Soaking cashews softens them for a creamy sauce; overnight soaking yields best results but 1-4 hours in hot water works well.
- Adjust hot sauce amounts to taste depending on preferred spice level.
- Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a nice crunchy texture contrast.
- You can substitute macaroni with any small pasta shape you prefer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
