Instructions

  1. Set oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Butter a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
  3. In a heavy-bottomed medium-size saucepan, melt the 1/4 cup butter, whisk in the thyme, nutmeg, fresh garlic, cayenne pepper and black pepper; whisk/mix for 2 minutes.
  4. Add/whisk in the flour, mix for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Slowly add/whisk in the half and half cream; whisk on med-low heat, until a light boil and thick; reduce heat to low, contine to whisk and cook for 3 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat, add in the grated cheddar, Parmesan cheese, green onion and the Dijon mustard (if using); mix until all the cheese has melted; season with salt and more black pepper to taste.
  7. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl.
  8. Mix together the sauce, cooked pasta and the cooked, drained cauliflower; toss to combine.
  9. Transfer and spread the mixture into a prepared greased baking dish.
  10. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, 1-2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese and the melted butter.
  11. Sprinkle over the cauliflower mixture in the baking pan.
  12. Bake for 20 22 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.