A creamy, cheesy, low-carb cauliflower mac and cheese that’s pure comfort food without the carbs. Perfect for keto diets — rich, delicious, and ready in under 25 minutes.
Cauliflower Mac And Cheese
If you’ve been missing mac and cheese since starting keto, this recipe will make you smile! 🧡
Our Cauliflower Mac & Cheese gives you that same warm, gooey, cheesy satisfaction — but without the pasta or the carbs. It’s made with tender cauliflower florets smothered in a buttery, creamy cheese sauce that melts beautifully.
This dish is rich, filling, and perfect as a main meal or side. Even non-keto friends will ask for seconds!
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 3–4
Diet: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free
🧄 Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower (cut into small florets)
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mix of mozzarella & parmesan)
- 1 tbsp cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- ½ tsp mustard powder (optional but adds depth)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- ¼ tsp paprika or chili flakes (for a mild kick)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the cauliflower.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cauliflower florets and cook for about 5–6 minutes until slightly tender but not mushy.
Drain well and set aside. - Make the cheese sauce.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add heavy cream and whisk gently.
Stir in the cream cheese (if using) until melted and smooth. - Add the cheese.
Lower the heat, then add shredded cheddar little by little, stirring constantly until it’s all melted into a smooth, velvety sauce.
Add salt, pepper, paprika, and mustard powder. - Combine and bake (optional).
Stir the cauliflower into the sauce until well coated.
For extra flavor, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes until golden and bubbly. - Serve hot.
Garnish with chopped parsley or chives. Serve as a main dish or alongside grilled chicken or steak.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Extra cheesy: Mix different cheeses like cheddar, gouda, and parmesan.
- Crispy top: Sprinkle almond flour and cheese on top before baking for a golden crust.
- Add protein: Mix in shredded chicken or cooked bacon for a more filling meal.
- Make ahead: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream.
🧮 Nutrition Estimate (per serving)
- Calories: ~420 kcal
- Fat: 36 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Net Carbs: 6 g
(Values may vary based on ingredient brands.)
