Introduction

This Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting dish that offers a satisfying low-carb alternative to traditional macaroni and cheese. With tender cauliflower florets smothered in a rich cheese sauce, it’s perfect for a cozy meal that feels indulgent without the pasta.

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

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. Add them to the boiling water and cook for 5 minutes until tender.
Step 3: Drain the water from the pot, then return the pot to low heat. Add the heavy cream, cream cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, ground mustard, salt, pepper, and hot sauce to the hot pot with the cauliflower.
Step 4: Stir continuously until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth, 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

For extra creaminess, you can add a splash more heavy cream or a little grated Parmesan cheese.
Use smoked cheddar for a richer, smokier flavor.
Add cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for additional texture and taste.
For a spicier kick, increase the hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to help restore creaminess. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy.

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 moisture before cooking to avoid a watery sauce.

Is this recipe dairy-free or can it be made vegan?

This recipe is not dairy-free as it relies on cream, cream cheese, and shredded cheeses. However, you can substitute with plant-based cream, vegan cream cheese, and dairy-free cheese alternatives to make it vegan-friendly.

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 139 reviews

A comforting low-carb twist on classic mac and cheese using tender cauliflower florets simmered and coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce made with cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese, enhanced with a hint of mustard and a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Ingredients

1 pound cauliflower florets
¼ cup heavy cream
2 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
⅓ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
½ teaspoon ground mustard
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
Dash of hot sauce

Instructions

Boil Water: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil to prepare for cooking the cauliflower.
Cook Cauliflower: Chop the cauliflower into small pieces resembling macaroni size. Add them to the boiling water and cook for 5 minutes until tender but not mushy.
Drain and Add Ingredients: Drain the water from the pot, leaving the cauliflower inside. Immediately add heavy cream, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, shredded Monterey Jack, ground mustard, salt, cracked pepper, and a dash of hot sauce to the hot pot.
Melt Cheese: Stir the mixture continuously for 2-3 minutes until all the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is creamy. If the cheese hasn’t fully melted, briefly reheat on low to avoid a grainy texture.
Serve: Serve the creamy cauliflower mac and cheese immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Use Monterey Jack cheese for its mild flavor and smooth melting properties to complement the cheddar.
Do not overcook the cauliflower to prevent it from becoming mushy.
If your cheese sauce becomes grainy, it means it was overheated – melt cheese gently on low heat.
Feel free to adjust the dash of hot sauce to your preferred spice level or omit it for milder taste.

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