The Best Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe
This creamy, cheesy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is a low-carb, comforting dish featuring roasted cauliflower florets smothered in a rich blend of cream cheese, cheddar, Gruyere, and Monterey Jack. Perfect as a healthier alternative to traditional mac and cheese, it combines roasting and stovetop techniques to create a smooth, velvety sauce that coats every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into small bite size pieces (1 large head OR 2 small heads)
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. salt
Cheese Sauce
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. onion powder
- 1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (or a mix of milk and cream totaling 1 1/2 cups)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 tsp. paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Roast Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Place the cut cauliflower pieces on the sheet, drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cauliflower is tender and some pieces have browned slightly.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a large pot over low heat, combine the heavy cream and cream cheese. Whisk continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated. Then, add the shredded cheddar, Gruyere, and Monterey Jack cheeses. Keep stirring until all cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and if desired, paprika. When the sauce just begins to simmer, remove the pot from heat and whisk vigorously to achieve a creamy texture.
- Combine and Serve: Add the roasted cauliflower to the cheese sauce and mix well so every piece is coated thoroughly. Serve immediately, garnishing with additional paprika if you like a little extra spice. Enjoy your deliciously creamy, low-carb cauliflower mac and cheese!
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute some or all of the heavy cream with milk.
- You can swap the cheeses for alternatives such as mozzarella or fontina, but the flavor profile will differ.
- Roasting the cauliflower enhances its natural sweetness and adds a nice texture contrast.
- This dish is best served fresh but can be refrigerated and gently reheated on the stovetop.
- Adding paprika on top is optional but adds a subtle smoky flavor and appealing color.
Keywords: cauliflower mac and cheese, low carb mac and cheese, roasted cauliflower, creamy cheese sauce, healthy comfort food
