recipe: "best-ever" mac and cheese

ingredients

• butter, for baking dish
• 2 medium heads cauliflower, cut into florets
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• kosher salt
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 6 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
• 4 cups shredded cheddar
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional but recommended)
• freshly ground black pepper
• 4 ounces pork rinds, crushed
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

instructions

1. preheat oven to 375 fahrenheit and butter a 9" by 13" baking dish. in a large bowl, toss caultiflower with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt. on 2 large baking sheets, roast cauliflower until tender and lightly golden, 40 minutes.
2. meanwhile, in a large pot over medium heat, heat cream to a simmer. decrease heat to low and stir in cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella until melted. remove from heat, add hot sauce if using, season with salt and pepper, then fold in roasted cauliflower. taste and add seasoning if needed.
3. transfer mixture to baking dish. in a medium bowl, combine pork rings, parmesan, and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. sprinkle mixture in an even layer over cauliflower mixture.
4. bake until golden, 15 minutes. if desired, turn oven to broil to toast topping further, 2 minutes. garnish with parsley before serving.