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Mac and cheese with cauliflower in a white dish with spoon in the dish.
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5 from 3 votes

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

This Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is a low-carb, veggie-packed twist on the classic comfort dish! It’s creamy, cheesy, and satisfying.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free
Skill Level: Beginner
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Rena

Ingredients

  • 1 large head of cauliflower chopped into 1-inch pieces (around 8 cups)
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • Kosher salt and ground pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  • Using a steamer basket fitted over a pot of boiling water, steam the 1 large head of cauliflower for around 7-8 minutes. Don't overcook it, we want it with some crunch, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
    Chopped cauliflower in a steel pot.
  • In a saucepan, add the 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 1/4 cup milk (from the 2 cups whole milk). Whisk until smooth. Stir in the remaining milk and seasoning (Kosher salt and ground pepper, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder), and place over medium heat.
    A blue spoon dripping cheese sauce into a pot of sauce.
  • Once the milk mixture starts to bubble, it will thicken. Add the 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese and continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is thickened and creamy. Remove from heat.
    Milk and shredded cheese in a saute pan.
  • Place the steamed cauliflower in an oven-safe dish. Stir in the cheese sauce and give it a quick toss to coat the cauliflower with the sauce.
    Pouring cheese sauce over chopped cauliflower in a baking dish.
  • Bake for 35 minutes. Broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden top. Serve and enjoy.
    Mac and cheese with cauliflower in a white dish with spoon in the dish.

Video

Notes

  • Use shredded cheese from a chunk of cheese that you grate yourself. This is better than already-shredded, because the already-shredded has some coating that will prevent it from fully melting, and the sauce may get lumpy.
  • Feel free to use 2% milk if you like
  • Add other veggies like broccoli or zucchini

Nutrition

Calories: 239kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 356mg | Potassium: 443mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 511IU | Vitamin C: 46mg | Calcium: 390mg | Iron: 1mg