If you’re craving a deliciously cheesy, comforting dish but want to skip the carbs, look no further than this Cheesy Cauliflower Mac & Cheese recipe! This low-carb alternative to the classic mac and cheese is just as creamy, cheesy, and indulgent, but without the added calories and carbs from pasta. It’s perfect for those on a keto or low-carb diet, and it will satisfy any mac and cheese craving you might have. Plus, it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and a great way to sneak in some veggies!
Why Choose Cauliflower for Mac & Cheese?
Cauliflower is an incredibly versatile vegetable. It can be used in place of rice, mashed potatoes, and even pasta in many recipes, and it’s the perfect substitute for traditional macaroni in this low-carb mac and cheese recipe. It’s low in carbohydrates, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and folate.
By using cauliflower instead of pasta, you’re not only lowering the carb content, but you’re also adding a boost of nutrients to your dish. Plus, cauliflower has a mild flavor that works beautifully with the rich, cheesy sauce in this recipe.
Cheesy Cauliflower Mac & Cheese (Low-Carb!)
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower – cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons butter – for sautéing and adding richness to the cheese sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream – the base for your creamy sauce
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese – gives the dish that rich cheesy flavor
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds a salty nutty flavor to the sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – to enhance the savory flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – adds depth to the flavor profile
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard – a touch of tanginess to balance the richness
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – for extra melty goodness on top
Instructions
This recipe is incredibly easy to make, and it only takes about 30 minutes to whip up! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make your Cheesy Cauliflower Mac & Cheese.
Step 1: Cook the Cauliflower
- Start by prepping your cauliflower. Cut the cauliflower into florets, and bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets to the boiling water and cook them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. You don’t want them to be too soft, as you want some texture left in the cauliflower to mimic the “mac” part of mac and cheese.
- Once cooked, drain the cauliflower and set it aside. You can also steam the cauliflower if you prefer.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
- While the cauliflower is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the heavy cream to the pan, stirring constantly to combine with the butter. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, but don’t let it boil.
- Once it’s simmering, gradually add in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground mustard. Stir the sauce until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- If you want your cheese sauce to be extra creamy, you can add a bit more heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.
Step 3: Combine the Cauliflower and Cheese Sauce
- Once your cheese sauce is ready, add the cooked cauliflower florets to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat every piece of cauliflower in the rich, creamy sauce. Let it cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Bake for Extra Cheesiness (Optional)
- If you love a golden, bubbly top on your mac and cheese, transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden. If you prefer an extra crispy top, you can broil it for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Once the Cheesy Cauliflower Mac & Cheese is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
- This dish is best served warm and pairs well with grilled chicken, steak, or even as a side dish for a holiday meal.
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
(Approximate values, depending on ingredients used)
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
This Cheesy Cauliflower Mac & Cheese is a fantastic low-carb alternative that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. It’s creamy, comforting, and incredibly satisfying—without the guilt of traditional pasta-based mac and cheese. Whether you’re following a keto diet, looking for a gluten-free option, or just want to sneak in more veggies, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Give it a try and enjoy a delicious, cheesy comfort food without the carbs! Let me know how you like it in the comments below. Happy cooking!