Cauliflower Cheese Muffin-Pan Balls

Ingredients

Buy

• 1/2 cauliflower cut into florets
• 1/2 cup orzo dried
• 1 cup cheddar cheese coarsely grated
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese finely grated
• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs

On Hand

• 3 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup plain flour
• 1 cup milk
• salt
• black pepper
• cooking spray

Instructions

• Cook the cauliflower in a large saucepan of boiling water for 5 minutes or until tender-crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a sieve set over a bowl. Set aside to drain and cool. Coarsely chop the cauliflower.
• Add the orzo to the saucepan and cook for 8 minutes (slightly less time than the packet directions). Drain and rinse under cold running water. Drain well.
• Meanwhile, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and add the flour . Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
• Gradually add the milk , a little at a time, stirring until combined after each addition. Bring to the boil and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until very thick. Remove from heat and stir in the parmesan and cheddar until melted and smooth. Transfer to a large bowl.
• Add the cooked cauliflower and orzo. Season with salt and black pepper . Use a spatula to stir until evenly combined. Set aside until cool enough to handle.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spread the panko breadcrumbs over a large plate. Use damp hands to roll a heaped tablespoonful of the cauliflower mixture into a ball. Roll in the breadcrumbs to coat. Repeat with the remaining cauliflower mixture and breadcrumbs to make 24 balls.
• Spray 24 patty pans or mini muffin pans with cooking spray . Divide the balls among the pans and spray the tops with cooking spray . Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly in the pans. Sprinkle with parsley and season to serve.