BEST Baked Cauliflower "Mac" and Cheese

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• 8 cups cauliflower (chopped into 1-inch pieces I used 1 1/2 heads of cauliflower)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 6-8 cups cauliflower (chopped into 1-inch pieces I used 1 1/2 heads of cauliflower); upper source range endpoint used for shopping.
• 2 tablespoons butter
  Ingredient note

  Source: 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
  Ingredient note

  Source: 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups whole milk
  Ingredient note

  Source: 2 cups whole milk
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
  Ingredient note

  Source: ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  Ingredient note

  Source: ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (8 ounces, see note)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (8 ounces, see note)

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with 1 inch of water. Add cauliflower to the bowl and microwave on high for 8 minutes. Drain and set cauliflower aside.
3. In a large sauce pan, melt butter over medium heat.
4. Stir in flour for about 3 minutes.
5. Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until completely incorporated and mixture is thick and smooth.
6. Remove from heat, salt, pepper, stir in garlic powder, and shredded cheese until melted and completely incorporated and smooth.
7. Stir in cauliflower. Transfer to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
8. BAKE for 25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and begins to brown. Switch to BROIL for 2-4 minutes to brown the top a bit more.
9. Dish will be hot! Allow to cool slightly before serving.