I present my take on a Cauliflower Mac And Cheese Casserole: tender cauliflower florets in a rich cheesy sauce of sharp cheddar and mozzarella, accented with garlic and onion powder and a finish of Parmesan and breadcrumbs. It redefines indulgence in a satisfying low carb twist.

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I recently came up with my twist on a classic favorite that I have to share. This AMAZING Cauliflower Mac And Cheese is my new obsession.

It all starts with a large head cauliflower cut into florets, caramelized ever so slightly to keep a bit of crunch. I melt butter in a pan and stir in a couple tablespoons of all-purpose flour before slowly adding whole milk.

Then I let in a generous amount of shredded sharp cheddar and a few spoonfuls of shredded mozzarella to create a rich and smooth sauce. I season it with salt, black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder which really brings out the flavor.

Once everything mixes together, I pour it over the cauliflower and top it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs if you like a little crunch. Trust me, this low carb version of a cheesy dish is a fresh take on what we know as a Cauliflower Mac And Cheese Casserole fun to make and enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because it gives me that comforting, cheesy flavor I crave, but in a healthier way. I mean, cauliflower instead of pasta feels like a smart twist and it still tastes amazing.

I also like how quick and easy it is to make. Even when I’m in a rush, I can get everything done without worrying about complicated steps.

Another thing I love is the way the cheese sauce comes together. When the cheddar and mozzarella melt into that buttery milk sauce, it creates a rich and creamy texture that really satisfies my cravings.

Plus, the optional crunchy topping of Parmesan and breadcrumbs is a game changer. It adds a fun texture contrast which makes eating every bite a little more exciting.

Finally, it just feels like a perfect balance of comfort food and a bit of healthiness. Its great for lazy days when I want something indulgent, but I still care about eating something a bit lighter.

Ingredients

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Cauliflower: it’s high in fiber and low in calories, addin freshness and a subtle crunchy texture.
Butter: gives a rich, creamy base to the sauce and helps blend flavours together nicely.
Milk: whole milk contributes protein and creaminess to the sauce making it super smooth.
Sharp Cheddar: packs a punch of tangy flavor and protein, essential for that cheesy kick.
Mozzarella: adds a stretchy, gooey element with mild taste, balancing the stronger cheeses.
Parmesan: its salty, nutty notes and crunchy topping bring extra depth to every bite.

Ingredient Quantities

1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk

1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the cauliflower florets; cook them for about 5 minutes until they’re just tender, then drain them well.

3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until foamy, then whisk in the flour and cook it for around 1 minute to get rid of the raw taste.

4. Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously, bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken, then season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.

5. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

6. Place the cooked cauliflower in the baking dish and pour the cheese sauce evenly over it, making sure all the florets are well coated.

7. If you are using the optional Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, mix them together in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over the top of the dish.

8. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes until the top looks a little crispy and golden.

9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

10. Enjoy your amazing Cauliflower Mac And Cheese while it’s warm and extra cheesy!

Equipment Needed

1. Preheated oven – you’ll need this to bake the dish
2. Baking dish – to hold the cauliflower and cheese sauce while it cooks
3. Large pot – for boiling water to cook the cauliflower
4. Colander – to drain the cauliflower after boiling
5. Medium saucepan – for making the cheese sauce
6. Whisk – to blend the flour and milk to the right consistency
7. Measuring cups and spoons – to get all the ingredients in the proper amounts
8. Small mixing bowl – for combining the Parmesan and breadcrumbs if you’re using them

FAQ

How can I tell when the cauliflower is done?

Just stick a fork in it, if it goes in smoothly, then it's tender enough.

Can I change up the cheeses in this recipe?

Yes you can. Feel free to mix in your favorite type of cheese, but keep in mind it might change the flavor a bit.

Is it possible to make a vegan version of this dish?

Sure thing! You can switch butter for vegan butter, swap whole milk with plant-based milk, and use vegan cheeses.

Can I prep some parts of the recipe ahead of time?

Definitely. You can pre-cook the cauliflower and even prepare the sauce. Just combine them when you're ready to bake or serve.

How do I get a crunchy topping on my mac and cheese?

If you like it crisp, sprinkle a mix of Parmesan and breadcrumbs on top and bake it for a few extra minutes til you get that crunch.

AMAZING Cauliflower Mac And Cheese Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Whole milk can be swapped out for unsweetened almond milk, soy milk or even coconut milk if you like a hint of sweetness
If you don’t have butter, try using olive oil or dairy-free margarine instead for a lighter twist
You can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend like rice flour to keep it allergy friendly without messing up the sauce
Instead of sharp cheddar, mix in some Monterey Jack or even Gouda for a different kind of stringy cheesy goodness
For crunch on top, crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs make great alternatives to regular breadcrumbs

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you dont overcook the cauliflower in the water; keep an eye on it so it stays just tender but not mushy, coz you want it to still have a bit of crunch after baking.

2. When you stir in the cheese into the sauce, turn the heat off first so it melts smooth. If the sauce is too hot it might gets lumpy which can ruin the creaminess.

3. For that extra crunchy topping, toss the breadcrumbs and Parmesan in a bit of melted butter before sprinkling over the dish. This little trick makes the top crisp up really nice during baking.

4. Let the dish sit for a few minutes once it comes out of the oven. Cooling it down a bit helps the sauce thicken up and stops you from burning your tongue when you dig in.

AMAZING Cauliflower Mac And Cheese Recipe

Recipe by Bob Jones

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

320

kcal

Equipment: 1. Preheated oven – you’ll need this to bake the dish
2. Baking dish – to hold the cauliflower and cheese sauce while it cooks
3. Large pot – for boiling water to cook the cauliflower
4. Colander – to drain the cauliflower after boiling
5. Medium saucepan – for making the cheese sauce
6. Whisk – to blend the flour and milk to the right consistency
7. Measuring cups and spoons – to get all the ingredients in the proper amounts
8. Small mixing bowl – for combining the Parmesan and breadcrumbs if you’re using them

Ingredients

1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the cauliflower florets; cook them for about 5 minutes until they're just tender, then drain them well.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until foamy, then whisk in the flour and cook it for around 1 minute to get rid of the raw taste.
Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously, bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken, then season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Place the cooked cauliflower in the baking dish and pour the cheese sauce evenly over it, making sure all the florets are well coated.
If you are using the optional Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, mix them together in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over the top of the dish.
Bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes until the top looks a little crispy and golden.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your amazing Cauliflower Mac And Cheese while it's warm and extra cheesy!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.