Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This cauliflower mac and cheese is a creamy, comforting dish that offers a light twist on the classic favorite. Using tender cauliflower florets instead of pasta, it’s perfect for those seeking a low-carb or vegetable-packed alternative without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pound cauliflower florets
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 2 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• ⅓ cup shredded monterey jack (see notes)
• ½ teaspoon ground mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cracked pepper
• Dash of hot sauce

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a pot of water to a boil.
2. Step 2: Chop the cauliflower into small, macaroni-sized pieces. Add them to the boiling water and cook for 5 minutes until tender.
3. Step 3: Drain the water from the pot. Return the hot cauliflower to the pot and add the heavy cream, cream cheese, cheddar, monterey jack, ground mustard, salt, pepper, and a dash of hot sauce.
4. Step 4: Stir well until the cheese melts completely, about 2-3 minutes. If necessary, briefly turn the heat back on to help melt the cheese, but avoid cooking too long to prevent a grainy sauce.
5. Step 5: Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Tips & Variations

• Feel free to swap monterey jack with mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor profile.
• Add cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for extra texture and richness.
• Use smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne for a smoky, spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove over low heat to prevent the cheese sauce from separating. Adding a splash of cream or milk during reheating can help restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Yes, frozen cauliflower works well—just thaw and drain any excess water before cooking to avoid a watery dish.

Is this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet?

This recipe relies on dairy cheeses and cream for its creamy texture, but you can experiment with dairy-free cream substitutes and vegan cheeses to make it suitable for a dairy-free diet.

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 92 reviews

This Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is a low-carb, creamy alternative to traditional macaroni and cheese, featuring tender cauliflower florets coated in a rich and cheesy sauce made with cream cheese, cheddar, and Monterey Jack. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for those seeking a lighter but satisfying meal.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1 pound cauliflower florets

Dairy & Cheese

• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 2 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ⅓ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Spices & Seasonings

• ½ teaspoon ground mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
• Dash of hot sauce

Instructions

1. Boil water and prep cauliflower: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. While waiting, chop the cauliflower into small, macaroni-sized florets so they cook evenly and resemble pasta shapes.
2. Cook cauliflower: Add the chopped cauliflower florets to the boiling water and let them cook for about 5 minutes until tender but not mushy. This step softens the cauliflower to mimic macaroni texture.
3. Drain and add cheese ingredients: Drain the cooked cauliflower well, then return it to the same pot. Add the heavy cream, room temperature cream cheese, shredded cheddar, shredded Monterey Jack, ground mustard, salt, cracked pepper, and a dash of hot sauce into the pot with the hot cauliflower.
4. Melt cheese and combine: Stir the mixture continuously for 2 to 3 minutes allowing the cheeses to fully melt and combine with the cream and seasonings, coating the cauliflower evenly. If necessary, briefly return the pot to low heat to help melt the cheese, but avoid cooking too long to prevent graininess.
5. Serve immediately: Once the cheese sauce is smooth and creamy, remove from heat and serve the cauliflower mac and cheese hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce without lumps.
• Monterey Jack cheese adds a mild creaminess; you can substitute with mozzarella or another mild cheese if unavailable.
• Adjust the hot sauce quantity to your preferred spice level.
• Do not overcook the cauliflower to keep a slight bite to mimic macaroni.
• Reheating might thicken the sauce; add a splash of cream or milk to loosen it if needed.

Keywords: Cauliflower Mac and Cheese, low carb mac and cheese, keto mac and cheese, creamy cauliflower cheese, healthy mac and cheese, stovetop cauliflower recipe