Cheesy Cauliflower Rice

When my husband and I first moved in together we were so broke. I remember making Rice a Roni, mac and cheese or tomato soup a lot of nights. We've come a long way since then. But sometimes it's nice to go back to the super easy dinners. Plus my husband used to be the pickiest person in the world. He would only eat Macaroni and Cheese, grilled cheese, and chicken tenders. Seriously, trying to cook for him sucked. Over the years he's gotten so much better. He will pretty much eat anything except beef and most beans. I'm okay with that. I just make yummy steaks for the kids and me, while he eats a sandwich or a turkey burger. 

Sometimes I just don't want to cook. I wish I could be okay with opening a box and cooking what's inside. Super easy! But I just can't do it. So many preservatives! Now this isn't to say I don't ever cook from a box. I buy mac n cheese sometimes. But I prefer to make it at home. My kids tend to eat it when I'm out and my husband is home with the kids. 

So I do try to make homemade rice a roni and macaroni and cheese. Since we have been trying eat more cleanly and Paleoish, I've been getting creative! I've tried all kinds of pinterest recipes, but this is one that I've just put together from all the ones I've seen. 

You don't need a food processor, but it makes it so much easier! Sometimes I add spinach, or sweet potatoes, it just depends on how many veggies we've had that day. I don't always cook it the same way either. Sometimes, I just don't have enough time so I do it the quick way. I shred the cauliflower in my food processor and put it in a glass bowl, cover with a plate and microwave for 8 minutes. Super easy because I only get 1 dish dirty (I just add the ingredients to the bowl after the cauliflower is cooked), but I don't like the idea of microwaving the cauliflower. However, I had a bit of an accident with my double steamer a few weeks ago and the pan got warped and had to be thrown out. So steaming veggies isn't as quick and easy for me anymore. You could also roast the cauliflower at 400 for about 10-15 minutes until tender. 

Cheesy Cauliflower Rice

1 Head of Cauliflower, washed
2-3 Tbsp of butter
1 cup of shredded cheese of your choice (I prefer a combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and provolone)
Salt and Pepper to taste

If you aren't going to microwave the cauliflower, then cook it anyway that you want to. See above for ideas.

Shred the cauliflower, I use my food processor, but you can use a cheese grater.

 Place in a microwave safe bowl and cover. Microwave for 8-9 minutes. Let it sit in there for a few minutes so you don't burn yourself! 

Then add the butter, cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well. If you are adding any other vegetables, go ahead and add them, if not, serve up and enjoy!