Print

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe

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.

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

  1. Boil Water: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil to prepare for cooking the cauliflower.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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