Creamy Cauliflower Mac N Cheese

By Toya.L

Delight in the perfect marriage of comfort and nutrition with our “Comforting Creamy Cauliflower Mac ‘n’ Cheese.” This Mac n Cheese is a perfect side dish for the holidays, or whenever your craving traditional Mac n Cheese, but not wanting all of the carbs. This dish offers all the cozy satisfaction of traditional mac ‘n’ cheese but with a wholesome twist. Our three-cheese creamy cheese sauce is luxuriously blended with tender cauliflower florets, creating a velvety texture that coats each bite of cauliflower with a symphony of flavors. It’s a harmonious pairing of comfort and well-being, offering the classic taste you love with the added nutrition of cauliflower. Savor each bite, knowing you’re treating yourself to a comforting classic made even more wholesome.

This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Please read our *Disclosure policy here.

This Creamy Cauliflower Mac N Cheese is so comforting, and delicious. It tastes like the real Mac N Cheese. But includes half the carbs. It is a big hit at holiday parties. Everyone always asks for seconds.

Can I eat Mac N Cheese on a low carb diet?

Traditional macaroni and cheese is not typically considered low in carbohydrates due to the pasta, which is a carb-rich ingredient. This Creamy Cauliflower Mac N Cheese uses cauliflower in place of the pasta. Which is low in carbs.

❤️What is there to love about Creamy Cauliflower Mac N Cheese ❤️

• Wholesome Comfort: It combines the comfort of traditional mac ‘n’ cheese with the wholesome goodness of cauliflower, offering a nutritious twist on a classic favorite.
• Family-Friendly: Creamy Cauliflower Mac ‘n’ Cheese often appeals to both kids and adults, making it a family-friendly choice for mealtime.
• Versatile Side Dish: It can be a standout side dish at gatherings or a satisfying main course when you’re craving comfort food.

Creamy Cauliflower Mac N Cheese Ingredients:

Creamy Cauliflower Mac N Cheese Instructions:

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
• Prep the Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into florets, making sure they are similar in size for even cooking.
• Steam the Cauliflower: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets.
• Boil the cauliflower for about 7-10 minutes, or until it’s tender but not mushy. Remove from heat, drain and set aside.
• Melt the butter: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Combine the cheese: In a large bowl, combine the sharp cheddar cheese, Monterrey jack cheese, and the muenster cheese.
• Combine Everything: Pour the melted butter into the cauliflower and mix, add in the heavy cream, the eggs, and the minced garlic. Stir everything together well. Next add in 1 1/2 cups of the cheese, add the salt and pepper, and mix well.
• Prepare a baking dish: Butter the bottom and the sides of a large baking dish and pour the Cauliflower Mac N Cheese into the baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese and dot with 1 tbsp of butter.
• Bake in preheated oven: Bake the Cauliflower Mac N Cheese at 400°F (204°C) for 30-35 minutes until bubbly around the edges.
• Serve and Garnish: Spoon the creamy cauliflower mac ‘n’ cheese into serving dishes. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
• Enjoy: Serve the Creamy Cauliflower Mac ‘n’ Cheese hot, and enjoy your low-carb, comfort food-inspired meal.

*NUTRITION DISCLAIMER

Tips for Creamy Cauliflower Mac N Cheese:

• Don’t Overcook the Cauliflower: Steam the cauliflower until it’s tender but not mushy. Overcooking can result in a soggy texture.
• Balance the Cheese: Experiment with the cheese ratios to achieve your preferred level of cheesiness. Some like it extra cheesy, while others prefer a milder cheese flavor.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: Grate your cheese from a block for a creamier texture. Pre-packaged shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the sauce.
• Consistency Control: Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less cream as needed. If it’s too thick, add a bit more cream; if it’s too thin, cook it down a bit longer.

Flavor Variations:

• Buffalo Cauliflower Mac ‘n’ Cheese: Toss the steamed cauliflower in buffalo sauce before adding it to the cheese sauce. Drizzle extra buffalo sauce on top for a spicy kick.
• Bacon and Cheddar: Crumble crispy bacon on top of your cauliflower mac ‘n’ cheese and use extra sharp cheddar cheese for a smoky, savory flavor.
• Jalapeño Popper Mac ‘n’ Cheese: Add diced pickled jalapeños and cream cheese to the cheese sauce for a spicy and creamy twist. Top with crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy element.
• Mushroom and Swiss: Sauté sliced mushrooms and incorporate them into the dish with Swiss cheese for an earthy and nutty flavor.
• Truffle Mac ‘n’ Cheese: Drizzle truffle oil over the dish for an elegant, aromatic touch. You can also use truffle-infused cheese for added depth of flavor.
• Lobster Mac ‘n’ Cheese: Stir in chunks of lobster meat for a luxurious and indulgent variation.
• Pesto Mac ‘n’ Cheese: Blend homemade or store-bought pesto into the cheese sauce for a burst of fresh basil and pine nut flavor.
• Sundried Tomato and Basil: Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
• Cajun Spice: Season the cheese sauce with Cajun spice blend for a bold, spicy, and flavorful mac ‘n’ cheese.
• Gouda and Ham: Use smoked Gouda cheese and diced ham for a smoky and savory mac cheese with a hearty twist.
• Italian Herb Mac ‘n’ Cheese: Blend Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme into the cheese sauce for an Italian-inspired flavor.
• Greek-Inspired: Add Greek seasoning, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean twist.
• Garlic and Parmesan: Infuse the sauce with roasted garlic and use generous amounts of Parmesan for a robust and nutty flavor.

Storing, freezing, thawing, and reheating instructions:

• If you have leftovers, allow the dish to cool to room temperature.
• Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store the dish in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Creamy Cauliflower Mac n Cheese:

• If you want to freeze the dish, make sure it has cooled completely.
• Divide the leftovers into meal-sized portions if necessary.
• Place the portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags.
• Label the containers or bags with the date for reference.
• Store the dish in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Thawing Creamy Cauliflower Mac ‘n’ Cheese:

• To thaw in the refrigerator, remove the container or bag from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator the night before you plan to reheat it.
• Allow the dish to thaw slowly in the refrigerator. This can take several hours or overnight, depending on the portion size.

Reheating Creamy Cauliflower Mac ‘n’ Cheese:

• To reheat the dish, you have a few options:
  • Oven: Preheat your oven to around 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen or thawed dish in an oven-safe dish or on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to prevent excessive browning, and bake for about 20-30 minutes, or until it’s heated through.
  • Microwave: If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave. Place the dish in a microwave-safe container and reheat it in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring or checking the center to ensure it’s heated evenly.
  • Stovetop: You can also reheat on the stovetop in a pan over medium heat. Add a bit of water or cream to maintain moisture and prevent sticking.
  • Regardless of the method you choose, heat the dish until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
  • Stir occasionally if needed to distribute the heat evenly.
  • Once it’s heated through, your Creamy Cauliflower Mac ‘n’ Cheese is ready to be enjoyed.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Can I use frozen cauliflower for this dish?
  • Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower florets if you don’t have fresh cauliflower on hand. Thaw and drain the frozen cauliflower before using it in the recipe.
• What type of cheese is best for this dish?
  • Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for its sharp flavor, but you can use other cheeses like Monterrey Jack, Muenster, Gouda, Swiss, or Parmesan to customize the taste. Experiment to find your favorite combination.
• Can I add vegetables or proteins to this dish?
  • Yes, you can add various vegetables (e.g., peas, spinach) or proteins (e.g., diced ham, grilled chicken) to customize the dish to your liking.
• How can I make the dish spicier?
  • To add heat, consider incorporating ingredients like diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.