We can all use a little Mac and Cheese in our lives from time to time! I’m sharing my Cauliflower Mac and Cheese recipe with you all for a lower carb version that you can enjoy guilt-free! Simply roast some cauliflower florets and add them into this creamy cheese sauce. You’ll enjoy making this easy dish, and eating it as well!
As moms, dads, wives, heads of households, employees, or whatever roles you fill in life, we look for simplicity. We all love taking care of our loved ones and ensuring their happiness. Food is definitely one of those expressions of happiness. So, an easy-to-make and delicious to eat Mac and Cheese recipe that is a healthier option is the perfect way to unwind while showing our loved ones we care! Nothing like a short prep-time and even shorter cook-time dish says I love you!
Mac’n’Cheese has always been a great comfort food. It’s hearty cheesy sauce mixed with pasta makes for a satisfying dish that warms the soul. Plus, it’s an easy dish to whip up. It’s always been popular because it usually comes in microwavable or quick stove-top cooking instructions. This recipe offers you a lighter and healthier version with homemade sauce that is just as easy and quick as making it store-bought!
Why is this Low Carb?
Well, the obvious reason this is considered a lower carb Mac and Cheese recipe is because it’s pasta-free! We all know pastas are loaded with carbs and though sometimes we do need the energy we get from a large dose of carbs, we know it’s best to not overdo it.
The cauliflower is the perfect substitute for pasta. Especially roasting it or broiling it as my recipe calls for. Ensuring that the cauliflower is well-roasted helps keep it from falling apart when mixed into the creamy cheese sauce. It also gives it great texture when eating it!
Can I make this with even less carbs?
You can simply omit the whole milk and use a low-carb substitute. A low-carb heavy cream or low fat milk will do just as fine as whole or almond milk.
You can also choose lighter, fat-free cheese options from your local grocery store to save on carbs and make this an even healthier meal option!
Making this Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Keto
This dish is practically already keto! Just omit the milk and use heavy cream or any keto-friendly cream or milk option of your choice. Also, knowing which types of cheeses to combine to keep the sauce creamy will help if you want to omit cream or milk altogether. A great option for a creamy cheesy sauce is cream cheese!
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s important that you know that the more the sauce cools, the thicker it will become so it shouldn’t be served too hot or it will seem thinner. But, if it really is thinner than what you want, just add more shredded cheese!
You can easily make this recipe keto by substituting the whole milk for heavy cream. It can also be gluten-free if you omit the flour and use cream cheese to help keep the sauce nice and thick.
I would highly recommend that you don’t freeze this dish simply because cauliflower will turn mushy when thawed out and the sauce might separate.
Leftover Cauliflower Mac and Cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Tips:
How to Serve:
You can choose to cook this up layered in a Pyrex and serve it warm so everyone can revel in its cheesy glory! Or, you can cook it as I did in one pot and serve it up in individual plates.
Serve this dish with a yummy refreshing side salad like Greek salad, a Mediterranean salad, or any salad with a dressing of your choice. You can also serve it up with some naan or flat bread or even garlic bread!
Other sides that can be served with this are mozzarella sticks, jalapeno poppers, onion rings, or double-baked potato!
Other Important Tips and Tricks:
- If you want a light sauce, use almond milk or coconut milk if you don’t mind the flavor.
- Kick it up a notch by roasting garlic with the cauliflower florets and adding them into the sauce as well. Or add some paprika, chili flakes, or drizzle some sriracha over your plate.
- It’s a great idea to season the florets as they roast, right before you broil, with some salt and black pepper, or spices of your choice, to help give added flavor.
- When you roast, try to get the cauliflower a little extra crispy for better texture and prevent them from getting too mushy when folding into the sauce.
- Make sure you melt your cheeses well and get the sauce to the perfect consistency before folding in the roasted cauliflower.
Ingredients for Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
- cauliflower
- butter
- sharp cheddar cheese; shredded
- Monterey cheese; block or shredded
- flour
- whole milk or heavy cream (low carb version)
- salt
- black pepper
How to Make Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
- Wash and cut cauliflower into small florets. Place on a sprayed baking sheet. Generously spray the cauliflower florets then roast for 15 -20 minutes at 450F. Broil for a few minutes if needed.
- In a large sauce pan melt the butter, then add flour and whisk until combined.
- Pour in the milk as you whisk over medium high heat. Add in the salt and pepper.
- Lower the heat to low then add in the cheese is melted and mixture has thickened.
- Gently fold in the roasted cauliflower until they are all coated with the cheese sauce. Enjoy warm
Other Low Carb, Light, Vegan or Healthy Recipes to Enjoy
- SKILLET-SAUTÉED POTATOES AND ONIONS
- CAJUN SALMON RICE WITH TAHINI SALAD
- BRAISED GREEN BEANS- LOUBIEH BZEIT
- FOUR-INGREDIENT CHIA SEED PUDDING
- EFFORTLESS BANANA BREAD PUDDING
- EASIEST VEGAN SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE
- GRILLED LIME AND CILANTRO SHRIMP
- SATISFYING FRUIT SALAD
- HEALTHY PASTA SALAD AND DRESSING
- MEDITERRANEAN SALAD PITA WRAPS
Roasted Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and cut cauliflower into small florets. Place on a sprayed baking sheet. Generously spray the cauliflower florets then roast for 15 -20 minutes at 450F. Broil for a few minutes if needed.
- In a large sauce pan melt the butter, then add flour and whisk until combined.
- Pour in the milk as you whisk over medium high heat. Add in the salt and pepper.
- Lower the heat to low then add in the cheese is melted and mixture has thickened.
- Gently fold in the roasted cauliflower until they are all coated with the cheese sauce. Enjoy warm
Yasmina says
This Roasted Cauliflower Mac and Cheese recipe is super easy. The video is very helpful as well. My kids enjoyed it evdn though they don’t like cauliflower that much! Thanks
Lama says
My kids loved it as well! My husband especially was head over heals over this recipe. Happy you stopped by to leave a review!!
Jessica says
This recipe was delicious. The cheese sauce was sooo yummy. I added a sprinkle of curry powder and it gave a nice flavor. I recommend this recipe!
Lama says
Amazing tip on adding curry powder! Thank you for stopping by and leaving a lovely review! 🙂