Spiralized Zucchini Mac and Cheese with Oat Crumb Crust
Try this Spiralized Zucchini Mac and Cheese with Oat Crumb Crust recipe.
Try this Spiralized Zucchini Mac and Cheese with Oat Crumb Crust recipe.
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- black pepper for garnish
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 tablespoon virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4 medium zucchini
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1/2 cup raw cashews soaked (i soaked mine for 2 hours)
- 1/2 cup raw brazil nuts soaked (feel free to substitute with more cashews, which i did)
- 1/2 to 1 cup filtered water divided
- 1/2 cup gluten-free rolled oats 1 tablespoon virgin olive for garnish pinch of freshly ground
- fresh parsley or basil for garnish
- Carbohydrate 69.5602450004158 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 49.3331299898081 g
- Fiber 20.4131001801034 g
- Protein 37.2409300012809 g
- Saturated Fat 8.75346499849967 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (953g)
- Sodium 1154.77383367788 mg
- Sugar 49.1471448203124 g
- Trans Fat 2.84868999974603 g
- Calories 790 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Cut the ends off your zucchini. Leave them unpeeled, or peel them if preferred.
- Using a spiralizer, create zucchini noodles. Place them in a large bowl and set aside.
- To make the cheesy sauce, combine the cashews, Brazil nuts, ½ cup water, mustard, garlic, nutritional yeast, olive oil, lemon juice, turmeric, apple cider vinegar and salt in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, slowly add the remaining ½ cup water until you have reached a smooth, sauce-like consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
- Pour the sauce into the noodle bowl and mix until well coated.
- To make the oat crumb crust, combine the oats and the olive oil in a food processor and pulse until well crumbled.
- Arrange saucy noodles in a shallow baking dish and cover with a layer of the oat crumb crust.
- Bake until golden and warm all the way through, about 10 minutes.
- Garnish with salt, black pepper and a few leaves of parsley or basil.
Spiralized Zucchini Mac and Cheese with Oat Crumb Crust: A Healthy and Delicious Twist on a Classic
As a busy working mom, I’m always on the lookout for healthy and delicious meals that I can whip up quickly. This Spiralized Zucchini Mac and Cheese with Oat Crumb Crust recipe has become a staple in our household, a perfect blend of comfort food and nutritional goodness. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and the entire family loves it, even my picky eaters! The spiralized zucchini adds a nice lightness, preventing that heavy feeling you can sometimes get from traditional mac and cheese, while the oat crumb crust offers a satisfying crunch.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste. I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick, or swap out the parsley for some fresh chives. The cashew and Brazil nut base for the cheese sauce provides a creamy texture without the heaviness of dairy, and the nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor that’s surprisingly close to the real thing. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients without sacrificing flavor.
What sets this dish apart from other healthy alternatives is its satisfying texture. The spiralized zucchini noodles hold their shape beautifully, offering a satisfying “bite” that mimics pasta. The oat crumb crust provides a delightful contrast in texture, adding a crunchy element that complements the creamy cheese sauce. It's the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and healthy.
Preparation and Time Management: The recipe is surprisingly quick to prepare, especially if you have a spiralizer. I usually soak the cashews and Brazil nuts overnight, which simplifies the process in the morning. The blending of the sauce and the preparation of the oat crust takes only a few minutes, making this a perfect weeknight meal. The baking time is minimal too, meaning dinner is ready in no time at all.
Ingredients and Substitutions: The ingredient list is simple and readily available. You can easily find all the ingredients at your local grocery store. If you don’t have Brazil nuts, you can substitute them with more cashews, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. I’ve also experimented with different types of oats, and gluten-free rolled oats work particularly well. The most important tip is to make sure your cashews and Brazil nuts are soaked properly to ensure a smooth and creamy cheese sauce.
Serving Suggestions: This dish is perfect on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a side salad or some steamed vegetables. I often serve it with a simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette, adding a fresh and vibrant counterpoint to the richness of the mac and cheese. A side of roasted broccoli or asparagus would also be a delicious and healthy addition.
Leftovers: The leftovers are just as delicious the next day, or even reheated for lunch. I often pack the leftovers for lunch, and it's a great way to have a healthy and satisfying meal without spending extra time preparing food in the morning. The oat crust might soften slightly when reheated, but the flavors remain just as rich and comforting.
This Spiralized Zucchini Mac and Cheese with Oat Crumb Crust recipe isn't just a meal; it's a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. It’s a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort food with a healthier twist. Give it a try, and I'm sure it'll become a favorite in your household too!
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Soaking Nuts: Soaking the cashews and Brazil nuts for at least two hours, or preferably overnight, softens them significantly, resulting in a smoother and creamier cheese sauce.
- Spiralizer Choice: Using a good quality spiralizer will make the process much easier. There are many different types of spiralizers available, from hand-held models to electric ones. Choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.
- Adjusting Consistency: The consistency of the cheese sauce can be easily adjusted by adding more or less water. Start with less water and add more as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
- Seasoning to Taste: Don't hesitate to adjust the seasoning to your preference. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed to create your perfect flavor profile.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on your mac and cheese while it’s baking. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so it's best to check for doneness around the 10-minute mark.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does! Let me know in the comments how yours turns out.
