How to Make the Best Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
The Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is a low-carb spin on one of the most beloved comfort food dishes: mac and cheese.
While the traditional version is made with elbow pasta and a creamy cheese sauce, this keto-friendly adaptation swaps out the carb-heavy pasta for tender cauliflower florets, providing the same rich, cheesy experience without the guilt.
Mac and cheese as a dish has a long history, with roots tracing back to Europe. The earliest recipes for cheese and pasta appeared in Italy in the 14th century, but it was in America that the dish took off as a comfort food staple. Thomas Jefferson is often credited with popularizing it in the U.S. after bringing back a pasta machine from France in the late 1700s. Over time, mac and cheese evolved into a universally loved dish, found in both homemade and boxed varieties.
The keto version, using cauliflower, plays into the rising trend of using vegetables as healthier substitutes for high-carb ingredients. Cauliflower has become a favorite in low-carb diets because of its versatility, mild flavor, and ability to take on the texture of foods like potatoes and pasta. Paired with a rich, cheesy sauce made from cream, butter, and various cheeses, this dish offers all the indulgent flavors of mac and cheese without the carb overload.
An interesting fact is that cauliflower was once considered a luxury vegetable in Europe, often reserved for the elite. Today, it’s a superstar in health-conscious kitchens around the world, particularly in keto and low-carb recipes.
Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is a delicious, low-carb alternative to traditional mac and cheese. Made with tender cauliflower florets and a rich, cheesy sauce, this dish delivers all the comfort food flavors you love without the carbs.
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the cauliflower florets to the boiling water and cook for 5-7 minutes, until just tender.
Drain well and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
In a saucepan over medium heat, add the butter and melt.
Then add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the cream cheese and whisk until melted and smooth.
Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, whisking constantly until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked cauliflower florets with the cheese sauce. Mix until the cauliflower is fully coated.
- Transfer the cauliflower mixture to an 8x8-inch baking dish and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Let the cauliflower mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cauliflower Drying: Ensure the cauliflower is thoroughly dried before adding the cheese sauce, as excess water will thin out the sauce.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to use different cheese combinations, such as Gruyère, mozzarella, or a spicy pepper jack, to add different flavors to the dish.
Make It Crispier: If you prefer a crispy top, you can broil the dish for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
With a foundation in French culinary tradition and a flair for fusion cuisine, Chef Isabelle Laurent brings gourmet techniques to everyday meals. Trained in a virtual culinary institute, Isabelle specializes in elevating simple recipes with refined methods, blending classic French techniques with global flavors. Her approachable style and expert guidance make even the most sophisticated dishes accessible to home cooks of all levels. Known for her creativity, Isabelle believes in transforming ordinary ingredients into extraordinary meals, from classic fried chicken to indulgent espresso cheesecake.
Thank you for visiting Just4Recipes.com