Our Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is simple to make, kid-approved, and perfect for a weeknight dinner! Tastes so much like the real deal, thanks to a couple of tricks.
Truth time: Cauliflower is not potatoes. It’s not rice. It’s not pasta. It’s not pizza.
I know that. I do.
Of course, that doesn’t stop me from turning it into a really good sub for those things!
Hello, cauliflower potato salad, cauliflower risotto, cauliflower mac and cheese, and keto cauliflower pizza crust!
When done right, cauliflower can be a great sub for many foods! It’s not going to be the exact same, and some people will always hate it. But, if you’re on the fence about cauliflower, I highly encourage you to keep trying new recipes! Because I am here to tell you that a really well done cauliflower recipe is gold.
This cauliflower mac and cheese recipe? It’s one of those really well done recipes and you are going. to. love. it.
This is NOT just your typical cauliflower drizzled with cheese sauce.
The first time I made this my 15 year old daughter was helping cook dinner and she got really huffy about the cauliflower for mac swap. She insisted that she wasn’t going to like it. She complained right up until I made her try a bite.
You guys, the kid RAVED about this cauliflower mac and cheese. She said that it’s the ‘perfect amount of cheese’ and the ‘perfect blend of cheese’ and that it ‘tastes like really good mac and cheese.’ <— Those are all her words! She’s turning into quite the little foodie. And I totally agree with her.
Let’s do this, shall we?
It’s not pasta, but gosh it does a good job of satisfying the craving!
Stirring the small pieces of macaroni into the cheese sauce (verses drizzling a little over the top) makes a world of difference.
This is very rich and creamy – super satisfying!
It’s kid-approved and that’s always half the battle!
👩🍳 Ingredient Notes:
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Cauliflower – Use fresh cauliflower! Frozen just isn’t the same in this recipe. Chop the cauliflower florets into pieces that are about the size of macaroni noodles. I know it’s not quite the same as pasta but trust me, it works!
Creamy Cheese – There may not be any macaroni in this cauliflower mac and cheese recipe but there is lots of creamy cheese! You’ll use cream cheese, grated cheddar, and grated Monterey Jack that’ll get mixed and melted with heavy cream for a perfectly cheesy sauce. I definitely recommend freshly grated cheese for the best cheesy flavor.
Seasoning – Some salt, cracked pepper, and ground mustard will add just the right amount of extra flavor to the mix!
Substitutions & Variations:
Make it a meal by adding in diced or shredded cooked chicken, seared smoked sausage, or seasoned ground beef.
Mix up the flavors by subbing in another type of cheese in place of the cheddar or monterey jack. We love a combo of smoked gouda and gruyere!
Spice things up with a few dashes of cajun seasoning or hot sauce.
How To Make Cauliflower Mac and Cheese:
Boil – We’re going to keep it extra simple, because we’re all busy and no one has time to spend hours whipping up a single side dish for dinner on a busy weeknight. This is a stove top cauliflower mac and cheese, so it’s literally ready from start to finish in about 20 minutes and that includes the time it takes to bring a pot of water to a boil. So, bring some water to a boil over high heat.
Cauliflower – Chop up some cauliflower into macaroni sized pieces. The smaller size of the pieces is a big key to this recipe, so please don’t leave huge chunks. I usually start with a bag of fresh cauliflower florets instead of a whole head, just because it’s easier and I’m all about a short cut.
For the best taste and texture, I don’t recommend frozen cauliflower for this recipe. Toss your cauliflower pieces into the boiling water and boil for 5 minutes.
Creamy Cheese Sauce – Drain away the water and return the cauliflower to the hot pan over low heat. Add in some heavy cream, cream cheese, cheddar, Monterey jack, ground mustard, and salt and pepper. Stir this all together until the cheese has melted and everything is well combined, gooey, and irresistible.
Serve – The second key factor in this recipe that differentiates it from your usual steamed cauliflower with a drizzle of cheese sauce to cauliflower mac and cheese is the fact that every little bite is covered in the cheese sauce, just like it would be if this were actual mac and cheese. You can serve this up as a side for weeknight dinner or even for family gatherings. Everyone can enjoy this one!
❔ Recipe FAQs:
If you like cauliflower even a little bit, I imagine you’ll LOVE this recipe. Some people really hate cauliflower and if that’s you, you might not like this recipe. The cheese really hides the cauliflower though and the texture is a bit softer since it’s boiled, so I would recommend trying this. It’s truly one of our favorites and we think it tastes amazing.
Yes, it sure is! Check the recipe card below for the macros.
You can keep any leftovers in the refrigerator for about 2 to 3 days in an airtight container. They’ll reheat well in the microwave. This recipe will also freeze well for up to 3 months. It’s best frozen in individual portions.
🍽 More Low Carb Cauliflower Recipes!
- Loaded Cauliflower Casserole: This one has all the good stuff from bacon to cheddar to green onions!
- Cheesy Cauliflower Bake: It’s a simple low carb, air fried dish with lots of cheese and bacon!
- Broccoli Cauliflower Soup: This one is a favorite for lunch!
- Pickled Cauliflower: Makes a surprisingly tasty snack!
- Cauliflower Fried Rice: No need for take out!
- Keto Lettuce Wraps: They’re filled with seasoned cauliflower rice and chicken!
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cauliflower chopped into macaroni sized pieces
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Monterey jack cheese
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cracked pepper
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the cauliflower pieces and boil for 5 minutes.
- Drain the water and return the cauliflower to the pot over low heat.
- Add the remaining ingredients and stir well until the cheese has melted fully, about 3 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Notes:
Nutrition Information:
Lisa says
Thank you this is awesome we had mozzarella plus the cheddar, cream cheese,bacon and my husband added jalapeños
Denise says
can you use almond milk instead of heavy cream
Karly Campbell says
I haven’t tried. I’m not sure how well the cheese will melt and the sauce will hold together in almond milk, but let us know if you give it a shot.
Elaine M says
A real keeper for me.Have made this numerous times. I save some of the grated cheese for topping in a casserole dish and run it under the broiler to lightly brown. Makes 2 servings for us with a small head of caulifower. We like it that much.
Karly Campbell says
I’m so glad you enjoy it so much! I’m sure it’s delicious under the broiler!
Bibiane Belanger says
Thank you so much to give all your good recipe, it’s hard to quit the food I love so much, but with you it’s easier and so tasty.
Karly Campbell says
I’m so glad you find the recipes helpful! <3
J. Rider says
This is sooo good. No baking required, all done in one pan on stove top. We love it!
Made it for guests, they always want the recipe!
Karly Campbell says
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thanks for the review!
Leigh Bailey says
Great concept recipe but I just personally felt the cheeses called for are too mild leaving the whole dish lacking flavour. Next time I’ll try with a sharp cheddar. Also garlic powder is a must.
Vic Smith says
While I love roasted garlic, onion, and cauliflower I also use. It in various recipes. The last time was a healthier version of Zuppa Toscana. You have many good ideas. Hopefully folks will give them a try.
Karly Campbell says
Thanks, Vic!
Cheryl says
Can this be frozen?
Karly Campbell says
I’m not sure as I’ve never tried.
Lana says
Hi Karly, Made this tonight with no modifications and it was Delish! Thank you kindly for all of your GREAT recipes as always so yummy .
Karly Campbell says
Thanks, Lana! So glad you enjoyed the recipe!