Cauliflower Mac ‘N Cheese

Looking for a healthier, low-carb twist on a classic comfort food? This Cauliflower Mac ‘N Cheese delivers all the cheesy, creamy goodness of traditional mac without the pasta! Roasted cauliflower florets replace macaroni, bathing in a rich, velvety cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and cream cheese. It's kid-approved, keto-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners or guilt-free indulgence. Whether you're cutting carbs or just love cauliflower, this is a satisfying, cozy dish you'll want to make again and again.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 head cauliflower
• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
• kosher salt to taste
• 1-2 teaspoons arrowroot powder or 1/4-1/2 tsp konjac
• 1 - 1 1/2 cups shredded (sharp!) cheddar cheese or a mix of gruyere & cheddar

Instructions:

1. Break up the cauliflower head into bite-sized florets and set aside.
2. Add butter to a Dutch oven or pot over medium/low heat and cook, stirring every so often, until fully browned (4-6 minutes). Add heavy cream, mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, a generous pinch of salt and stir until combined. Add in the cauliflower bites, stir until evenly coated, cover with lid and simmer until softened but still retain a bite (10-15 minutes). Feel free to add a little extra salt now, keeping in mind you'll be adding the cheese still.
3. Make an arrowroot or konjac powder slurry (i.e. mix the powder with a couple tablespoons of cold water). Add it to the cauliflower mixture and stir until thickened (I've noticed various brands behave a little different, so just add it little by little to taste). Add in the cheese, stir until melted and serve right away!

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve this dish warm and bubbly. It's perfect as a hearty side for grilled chicken or steak, or enjoy it as a main with a fresh green salad. Top with crispy bacon bits or a sprinkle of chives for extra texture and flavor.

Tips:

• Use a blend of cheeses like cheddar + mozzarella for extra meltiness.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or mustard powder to enhance the cheese flavor.

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🖨️ Printable recipe/ Download PDF

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