Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe
Introduction
This Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting dish that swaps traditional pasta for nutritious cauliflower. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of mac and cheese with fewer carbs and more veggies.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cauliflower florets
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- ⅓ cup shredded Monterey Jack
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cracked pepper
- Dash of hot sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Step 2: Chop the cauliflower into small, macaroni-sized pieces and add them to the boiling water. Boil for 5 minutes until tender.
- Step 3: Drain the water from the pot. Return the pot with the hot cauliflower to the stove and add the heavy cream, cream cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, ground mustard, salt, pepper, and a dash of hot sauce.
- Step 4: Stir well until the cheese has fully melted, about 2–3 minutes. If needed, briefly turn the heat back on to help melt the cheese, but avoid cooking too long to prevent a grainy texture.
- Step 5: Serve immediately for the best creamy texture and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack for a balanced flavor with good meltability.
- Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or garlic powder to enhance the cheese sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or unsweetened almond milk.
- Try topping with toasted breadcrumbs for added crunch before serving.
Storage
Store leftover cauliflower mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cheese sauce from separating. Adding a splash of cream or milk while 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 pat dry before boiling to avoid excess water in the dish.
How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?
Use moderate heat when melting the cheese and avoid overcooking. Stir continuously and add dairy ingredients to the hot pot off the direct heat, reheating gently if needed.
Print
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A creamy and comforting low-carb alternative to traditional mac and cheese, using cauliflower florets instead of pasta for a healthier and vegetable-packed dish. This cauliflower mac and cheese features a rich cheese sauce made with cheddar, Monterey Jack, cream cheese, and a hint of mustard and hot sauce for added depth of flavor.
Ingredients
Cauliflower
- 1 pound cauliflower florets
Dairy and Cheese
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- Dash of hot sauce
Instructions
- Boil the Cauliflower: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Chop the cauliflower into small pieces roughly the size of macaroni noodles, then add them to the boiling water. Boil for 5 minutes until just tender but not mushy.
- Drain and Prepare Cheese Sauce: Drain the cooked cauliflower well. Return the pot to the stove and add the heavy cream, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, ground mustard, salt, pepper, and a dash of hot sauce to the warm pot with the drained cauliflower.
- Melt and Combine: Stir the mixture well, allowing the cheese to melt fully into a creamy sauce, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. If needed, briefly turn on the heat to help melt the cheese, but avoid cooking for too long as that can cause the sauce to become grainy.
- Serve: Once the cheese sauce is smooth and well combined with the cauliflower pieces, serve the dish immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure it melts smoothly without clumping.
- You can substitute Monterey Jack with mozzarella or any mild melting cheese if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your spice preference.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately to appreciate the creamy texture of the cheese sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cauliflower Mac and Cheese, low-carb mac and cheese, cauliflower recipe, cheesy cauliflower, healthy mac and cheese alternative
