Even the pickiest kid will like this low-carb keto mac and cheese. And the reluctant adult not on a keto diet (my husband) will request this side dish on a regular basis. This recipe even fits a gluten-free diet!
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Video
Why You’ll Love This
The classic rich, creamy flavor of regular mac and cheese.Ready in 30 minutes!Easy and kid friendly.Low carb and keto.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Fresh cauliflower – Fresh is best for this cauliflower mac n cheese recipe. You can use frozen, make sure some of the florets are small. Also, be sure to drain them well. Frozen tends to hold more water and will make the sauce runny.Heavy cream and Cream cheese – These make it creamy, smooth, and rich.Sharp cheddar – Fresh shredded. Pre-shredded cheese has cellulose to prevent it from clumping. The coating prevents it from melting properly and can make the sauce grainy.Dijon mustard – Adds a little bright, and tangy flavor.Seasonings – Garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
How to Make Cauliflower “Mac” and Cheese
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Chop the cauliflower into bite-size pieces, and boil them for about 5 minutes. Drain very well on paper towels, and place back into the hot pot. This will help dry up some of the moisture remaining. Place the cauliflower in a baking dish.
How to Make the Cheese Sauce
Bring the heavy cream to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat, and whisk in the cream cheese and mustard until smooth. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk just until the cheese melts about 1 to 2 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste if needed. Pour evenly over the cauliflower. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and bake.
Variations
Switch up the cheese for different flavor options. Use easy melting cheese such as gruyere, mozzarella, pepper jack, Monterrey Jack, or Gouda.Toss in a little parmesan to bump up the flavor.Roast the cauliflower in the oven first then proceed with the cauliflower mac and cheese recipe.If you like a topping on macaroni and cheese, sprinkle some crushed pork rinds over the top. You could even mix the pork rinds with a little melted butter.Make it a meal and toss in some cooked chopped chicken, turkey, ham, or even smoked sausage.
Let cool for about 5 to 10 minutes. Serve and enjoy without the carb guilt. This is one of those keto recipes you will make over and over again.
More Low Carb Recipes
Cauliflower Mock Potato SaladLoaded Cauliflower Mash CasseroleShrimp Salad RecipeThe Best Keto Grilled Pork Tenderloin RecipePork Egg Roll Bowl
