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This Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy, low-carb alternative to classic mac and cheese. Easy to make, loaded with flavor, and the perfect comfort food without the pasta!
Why You’ll Love Cauliflower Mac and Cheese!
This Cauliflower Mac and Cheese has become one of my go-to comfort dishes when I want something rich and satisfying without all the carbs.
The tender roasted cauliflower paired with a silky cheese sauce tastes so indulgent that you don’t even miss the macaroni noodles. It’s easy enough for weeknights, delicious enough for holidays, and always a hit when I serve it to friends and family, even the ones who claim they “don’t like cauliflower.”
It delivers all the creamy, cheesy comfort of classic mac without the heaviness. It is made with simple ingredients, delicious, and perfect as a side dish or a cozy main course. Once you try it, you’ll want it on repeat! For even more Cauliflower Recipes check out Cauliflower Rice, Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes Recipe and Grilled Cauliflower Steaks.
Ingredients
- Cauliflower Florets – Approximately 1 Head of Cauliflower cut into 1 inch size pieces. Learn How to Cut Cauliflower
- Olive Oil – Use oil of your choice
- Garlic Powder – See The Best Garlic Powder Substitute
- Simple Spices – Salt and Black Pepper
- Butter – We used unsalted butter
- Heavy Cream – Gives the mac and cheese a creamy base
- Milk – Use any unflavored milk of your choice such as whole milk or dairy free milk such as almond milk
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Use other types of cheese such as sharp cheddar cheese, monterey jack, mozzarella cheese
Scroll to the recipe card for the full recipe details.
How to Make Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Step 2 – In a large mixing bowl, toss the fresh cauliflower florets with the olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper until well coated.
Step 3 – Place the cauliflower in a single layer on the baking sheet pan or baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cauliflower is tender but still crispy.
Step 4 – Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium high heat.
Step 5 – Whisk in the heavy cream and milk with melted butter. Heat for a few minutes until heated through and bring to a low simmer. Watch it closely as you do not want it to boil.
Step 6 – Remove from heat. Gradually add in the shredded cheddar cheese, a little at time. Stir until melted and combined.
Step 7 – Stir in the tender cauliflower and gently toss until it’s coated in the cheese sauce. Serve warm and enjoy topped with chopped green onion!
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 6 cups Cauliflower Florets approximately 1 Head Cauliflower cut into 1 inch size pieces
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- ½ teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Butter
- ⅓ cup Heavy Cream
- ⅓ cup Milk any unflavored milk of your choice
- 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with the olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper until well coated.
- Place the cauliflower in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cauliflower is tender but still crispy.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium high heat.
- Stir in the heavy cream and milk. Heat for a few minutes until heated through and bring to a low simmer. Watch it closely as you do not want it to boil.
- Remove from heat. Gradually add in the shredded cheddar cheese, a little at time. Stir until melted and combined.
- Stir in the cauliflower and gently toss until it’s coated in the cheese sauce.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- Shredded Cheese – I recommend shredding your own cheese instead of using store-bought pre-shredded cheese so that it melts evenly and smoothly.
- Preparing Cauliflower – You can boil the cauliflower instead of roasting in this recipe if you prefer but I think that it makes the cauliflower too soft and makes the sauce too watery so I prefer roasting it.
- Melted Cheese – When melting the cheddar cheese, you can add the saucepan back to the heat if needed to melt but slowly and gradually add heat so that you do not overcook the cheese.
- Bacon – Add crumbled bacon on top for a delicious savory flavor.
- Spicy Version – Add ½ tsp of cayenne or chopped jalapeños for a kick of flavor.
- Extra Cheesy – Mix in Gruyere or smoked gouda.
- Vegetable Boost – Sneak in broccoli florets or other veggies.
- Make it a Full Meal – Stir in cooked chicken or sausage.
- BBQ or Buffalo Sauce – Mix in ¼ cup of BBQ Sauce or Buffalo Sauce for added flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Recommendations
This Low Carb Side Dishes is great served for the holidays or any day of the week. Try this Cauliflower Mac and Cheese with Air Fryer Meatloaf, Grilled Steak and Baked Chicken Legs.
Other Main Dish Recipes to serve with this Keto Cauliflower Mac and CHeese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Just need to thaw and pat dry before roasting.
Absolutely! Assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
Store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop.
More Easy Cauliflower Recipes
250+ Easy Keto
Cauliflower Fried Rice
All Recipes
Keto Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
Quick and Easy Soup
Crockpot Cauliflower soup recipe
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