Description
A comforting and cheesy cauliflower mac and cheese recipe that uses roasted cauliflower in place of pasta, creating a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that’s rich, creamy, and full of delicious melted cheeses. This dish is perfect for those looking to enjoy a classic comfort food with a healthy twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into small bite-size pieces (1 large head OR 2 small heads)
Seasoning & Oil
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. onion powder
- 1/4 tsp. paprika (optional)
Cheese Sauce
- 1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (or milk or combination to total 1 1/2 cups)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup gruyere cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Roast Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the cauliflower pieces on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Toss well to coat evenly. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the cauliflower is tender and some pieces begin to brown.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a large pot over low heat, combine the heavy cream and cream cheese. Whisk continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the mixture is smooth. Add shredded cheddar, gruyere, and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring constantly until all the cheeses melt and the sauce is creamy and slightly simmering. Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika (if using), then remove from heat and whisk vigorously to incorporate air and create a silky texture.
- Combine Cauliflower with Sauce: Add the roasted cauliflower pieces into the cheese sauce pot. Stir gently to coat all cauliflower pieces with the creamy cheese sauce evenly. Serve immediately to enjoy warm, gooey cheesy cauliflower mac and cheese, optionally garnishing with a sprinkle of paprika for added flavor.
Notes
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy texture; leftovers can be refrigerated but may thicken and need reheating with a splash of milk or cream.
- You can substitute heavy cream with milk or a combination of both to reduce fat content.
- For a spicier kick, add more paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
- Use fresh, good-quality cheeses for optimal flavor and melting consistency.
- The cauliflower pieces should be roughly gnocchi-sized to mimic the feel of mac and cheese noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cauliflower mac and cheese, low carb mac and cheese, roasted cauliflower recipe, gluten free mac and cheese, cheesy cauliflower dish
