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Smoked cauliflower mac and cheese
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Smoked Cauliflower Mac N Cheese

This smoked cauliflower mac and cheese gives you all the feels of mac and cheese with added smoke flavor without any guilt, making this a stand out side dish that is a guaranteed crowd pleaser!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Author: Robyn (GrillGirl)

Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower chopped (equivalent to 3 cups)
  • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • ½ heavy cream
  • 3 tbsp grated pork rinds MSG free OR nitrate free bacon bits
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp fresh ground pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Chopped green onions optional

Instructions

  • Steam cauliflower until barely fork tender.
  • While steaming, make the cheese sauce by simmering the cream on low and adding the cheese stirring to melt, about 10 minutes. Add in the salt, pepper and smoked paprika.
  • Evenly spread the cauliflower in a 12-inch cast iron skillet and cover with the sauce.
  • Place the skillet in the smoker with oak or pecan and smoke for 30 minutes at 250 degrees on indirect heat to obtain smoke flavor. (If using a standard Kettle grill, create a direct and indirect zone and smoke on indirect.). If using a pellet smoker, no need to worry about zones, just start at 250 and crank up to 250 after 30 minutes. If using a gas grill, you will need to create direct and indirect zones and use a smoker tube to add smoke flavor.
  • After smoking for 30 minutes, crank the the heat up on the Grill/Smoker to 350 degrees, with the cast iron still on indirect heat. If using a pellet smoker, just crank the heat up now to 350 degrees.
  • Sprinkle the cauliflower mac and cheese with the bacon bits and ground up pork rinds.
  • Cook for 25-30 minutes or until the top is browned and the cheese mixture has begun to bubble.
  • Remove from oven, garnish with chopped green onion, let cool for 10 minutes and serve immediately.

Notes

Tip: Look for “pork panko” online -- this is a low-carb, junk-free pork rind alternative to bread crumbs and a great way to add low carb crunch to casseroles and various dishes.