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April 20, 2020 By Kathryn Donangelo 33 Comments

The Best Cauliflower Mac and Cheese (Keto Friendly)

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Last Updated on November 29, 2020 by Kathryn Donangelo

This Cauliflower Mac and Cheese will satisfy all of your mac and cheese cravings! Roasted cauliflower is coated in a cheesy sauce and is simply the best!

PIN The Best Cauliflower Mac and Cheese to try later!

The Best Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

This is the Best Cauliflower Mac and Cheese you can make. I have tested several different recipes and this is still by far my favorite. Totally satisfying, keto-friendly, low carb, and easy to make.

This low carb side dish is on repeat at our house- we just can’t get enough. I love how cauliflower is a versatile vegetable and can be used in numerous recipes. Cauliflower has been trending for years since it’s low carb, nutritious, and satisfies carb cravings.

The Best Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE THE BEST CAULIFLOWER MAC AND CHEESE

  • Cauliflower
  • Olive oil
  • Salt + pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Heavy whipping cream
  • Cream cheese
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Monterey Jack cheese
  • Gruyere cheese

Roasted Cauliflower

This cheese sauce is my favorite and can eat it with just about any vegetable! It’s rich, thick, and has the comforting flavors of mac and cheese. This sauce is made with heavy cream, cream cheese, a combination of my favorite cheeses, and a few spices.

You can make this dish in about 30 minutes with only a few easy and simple steps. I like to wait until the cauliflower florets are done roasting before I make the cheese sauce so the cheese sauce doesn’t harden and only takes a few minutes.

The Best Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

MAKING THE CHEESE SAUCE

This is my favorite part! You can use your favorite cheese combinations as long as it equals 2 1/2 cups total. This cheese sauce is straightforward to make. Whisk together the heavy whipping cream and cream cheese (make sure to cut into pieces so it melts faster) in a saucepan until combined. Add in the rest of the ingredients and vigorously whisk until combined and cheese is smooth. Once the sauce is melted, remove from heat immediately.

It is important to keep an eye on the cheese sauce because you don’t want to over cook it otherwise it will turn into a solid. All stovetops vary so this cheese sauce may cook a little quicker or slower depending on your stove.

ROASTING THE CAULIFLOWER

I prefer to have my cauliflower cut into smaller pieces so they are tender. I also love a few crispy pieces so I cut some into even smaller pieces. You can cut your cauliflower into bigger pieces if you prefer but you will have to roast them for a little longer.

The Best Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

LOOKING FOR OTHER SIDE DISH RECIPES? TRY THESE!

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The Best Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

This Cauliflower Mac and Cheese will satisfy all of your mac and cheese cravings! Roasted cauliflower is coated in a cheesy sauce and is simply the best!
4.78 from 35 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cauliflower, cheesey, keto, low carb, mac and cheese, macaroni and cheese
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 408kcal
Author: Kathryn Donangelo

Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower, cut into small bite size pieces (think the size of gnocchi).
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp. onion powder
  • 1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese; cut into small cubes or pieces
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup gruyere cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/4 tsp. paprika (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Place the cauliflower on a baking sheet coated with foil or parchment paper. Drizzle olive oil, salt, and pepper on the cauliflower pieces and coat well. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cauliflower pieces or softened. Some pieces will be darker in color.
  • Once the cauliflower is cooked, in a large pot on low heat add the heavy cream and the cream cheese. Whisk until the cream cheese is melted. Add the remaining cheeses and continue to stir until all cheeses are melted. Add the spices to the sauce and incorporate- this process is quick and will take a few minutes. Once the cheesy mixture is smooth and comes to a simmer, REMOVE FROM HEAT and vigorously whisk.
  • Add the roasted cauliflower pieces and stir until all of the cauliflower pieces are coated. Serve immediately and enjoy! Sprinkle paprika on top if you want some extra spice!
Find Kathryn's Kitchen Blog on Instagram!Mention @Kathryns.Kitchen.Blog or tag #kathrynskitchen!

Notes

  1. You can use any cheese combination that you prefer. Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Gruyere are my favorites for this recipe. Make sure to use a total of 2 1/2 cups total.
  2. It is important to keep an eye on the cheese sauce because you don't want to over cook it otherwise it will turn into a solid.

Nutrition

Calories: 408kcal | Carbohydrates: 4.6g | Protein: 15.4g | Fat: 37.3g | Saturated Fat: 20.9g | Cholesterol: 4.6mg | Sodium: 503mg | Potassium: 229mg | Sugar: 1.5g | Calcium: 434mg | Iron: 1mg

The Best Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

 

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Filed Under: 30 Minute Meals, Lunch, Main Dishes, Side Dishes Tagged With: cauliflower, cauliflower Mac and cheese, cheese, keto, low carb, Mac and cheese

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. bethpierce@centurylink.net'Beth says

    July 17, 2020 at 7:34 am

    5 stars
    Yummy! This recipe was a big hit here at the house! It was so delicious and tasty! Can’t wait to make this again!

    Reply
  2. sidewalkshoes2@gmail.com'Pam Greer says

    July 17, 2020 at 7:39 am

    5 stars
    Great recipe!! We love this even more than regular mac and cheese!

    Reply
  3. writerjenn1@gmail.com'Jenn says

    July 17, 2020 at 7:41 am

    5 stars
    This is the recipe I turn to when I’m craving something creamy, cheesy, and low carb! Love it!

    Reply
  4. cookshideout@gmail.com'Pavani says

    July 17, 2020 at 7:44 am

    5 stars
    We love roasted cauliflower in our home and I am sure we will love your version of mac-and-cheese with cauliflower. It looks so creamy and delicious.

    Reply
  5. kaylajane333@yahoo.com'Kayla says

    July 17, 2020 at 7:11 pm

    What is the carb count per serving for this recipe?

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      November 5, 2020 at 11:30 am

      So sorry for missing your comment, I added the nutritional value per serving in the recipe card.

      Reply
  6. tawniekroll@gmail.com'Tawnie Kroll says

    August 26, 2020 at 10:48 am

    5 stars
    Mmmm we loved this so much! The addition of gruyere cheese in here too was delish! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      September 11, 2020 at 7:50 am

      Thank you Tawnie! 🙂

      Reply
  7. kerri@comfortfoodideas.com'Kerri says

    August 26, 2020 at 10:49 am

    5 stars
    You should not sleep on this! It’s freaking amazing!

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      September 11, 2020 at 7:50 am

      Thank you so much!! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Geoffrey@Spoonabilities.com'Patty at Spoonabilities says

    August 26, 2020 at 10:53 am

    5 stars
    Wow this is truly the BEST recipe for mac and cheese. I’m loving that it’s low-carb, and your tip about waiting to prepare the cheese sauce until the cauliflower is done roasting is great! Thanks for such and amazing recipe!p

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      September 11, 2020 at 7:51 am

      Thank you Patty! I’m so glad you loved the recipe!

      Reply
  9. cookilicious06@gmail.com'Priya Lakshminarayan says

    August 26, 2020 at 10:54 am

    5 stars
    Thanks for this recipe..was looking for a vegan mac and cheese recipe

    Reply
  10. urbanfarmie@gmail.com'Shruthi says

    August 26, 2020 at 11:59 am

    5 stars
    Have been looking for a cauliflower mac and cheese recipe for a while now, and this one is so simple and delicious!

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      September 11, 2020 at 7:51 am

      Yay thank you for trying my recipe!

      Reply
  11. a_mahoney@wowway.com'Anne says

    September 12, 2020 at 7:10 am

    what is the Nutritional value per serving? Following Keto.

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      September 12, 2020 at 9:52 am

      5 stars
      Hello Anne! I Just added the nutritional value per serving in the recipe card for you 🙂

      Reply
  12. kayliedesigns@gmail.com'Kaylie says

    October 17, 2020 at 3:35 pm

    5 stars
    This is wonderful… made it for a snack and love that no carbs involved… i think i needed a slightly bigger head of cauliflower, or maybe it’s cuz i munched on a couple pre cheese dunking….

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      October 19, 2020 at 12:10 pm

      I’m so glad you loved the recipe Kaylie, thank you for trying it! 🙂

      Reply
  13. chadiaann@gmail.com'Chadia says

    October 23, 2020 at 9:22 pm

    5 stars
    Is the nutrition info per serving? Also how many serving does this make?

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      October 24, 2020 at 12:27 pm

      Hi Chadia!

      Yes that is correct, the nutritional info is per serving and the whole recipe makes about 6 servings.

      Enjoy and I hope you love this recipe!

      Kathryn

      Reply
  14. marta.walker@yahoo.com'Marta says

    November 3, 2020 at 1:29 pm

    This recipe sounds amazing. Can I make it and freeze it?

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      November 4, 2020 at 7:54 am

      Hi Marta! Yes you can make this ahead and freeze the Mac and cheese for up to 3 months in an airtight container or heavy duty ziplock bag. If the Mac and cheese seems to be watery when reheating, add more cheese. I hope you love this recipe! 🙂

      Reply
  15. amandalyn1010@gmail.com'Lyn says

    November 24, 2020 at 4:06 pm

    Hi, I’m trying this recipe for my son on Thanksgiving
    I am wondering if it freezes well? It will only be him and me eating it, so I know we will have some leftovers.
    Thank you for your help!!

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      November 25, 2020 at 9:24 am

      Hi Lyn, that is great! You can freeze this Mac and Cheese for up to 3 months in an airtight container or heavy duty ziplock bag. They Mac and cheese may seem watery when reheating, if it does add more cheese. You can also keep this refrigerated for up to 3 days. I hope you love this recipe and Happy Thanksgiving!

      Reply
      • amandalyn1010@gmail.com'Lyn says

        November 25, 2020 at 7:19 pm

        Ok! Thank you for your speedy response (especially right around the holidays!)… I’m very excited to try this – my 4yo son has never had Mac & Cheese

        Reply
        • amandalyn1010@gmail.com'Lyn says

          November 28, 2020 at 3:42 pm

          5 stars
          I just wanted to come back and say this recipe is SO yummy! I had never cooked cauliflower (maybe never had it), but I prefer this now over traditional Mac & Cheese.
          Thanks for the recipe and help!

          Reply
          • Kathryn Donangelo says

            November 29, 2020 at 1:46 pm

            Hi Lyn, I am so happy to hear that you loved it!! Thank you for trying my recipe and I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

  16. robinlori3@gmail.com'Robin says

    January 25, 2021 at 3:39 pm

    Ratio of cauliflower to sauce was not equivalent. Came out very saucy, but delicious!

    Reply
  17. mannecke@msn.com'Suz says

    February 19, 2021 at 5:19 am

    5 stars
    I made with mango habanero bacon and also added diced jalapeños. I wasn’t concerned about gluten free/keto, so I also added penne pasta and topped with panko bread crumbs, more crumbled bacon, and then added smoked paprika to the top. So yummy!

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      February 19, 2021 at 8:32 am

      That all sounds like great additions to this Mac and cheese! So glad you loved it and I’ll have to try it with pasta! Thanks for trying my recipe 🙂

      Reply
  18. tntbrown25@sbcglobal.net'Tracy Brown says

    February 20, 2021 at 5:32 pm

    This will for sure be in the rotation! TracyThx for sharing this recipe!

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      February 21, 2021 at 7:04 pm

      Thank you Tracy! I hope you love this Cauliflower Mac and Cheese, it’s one of my favorites!

      Reply

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