This low carb cauliflower Mac and cheese makes the perfect holiday side dish! You’ll love how easy it is to make this keto-friendly recipe that’s also kid-friendly and approved!
Easy Low-Carb Mac And Cheese
My go-to side dish has always been macaroni and cheese. It was a no brainer because EVERYONE loves it and it goes great with leftover chicken and even turkey! So when I became serious about the keto diet, I knew I had to make a version of it that fit my new lifestyle.
This recipe is perfect! It tastes like the real thing without the pasta (and all those carbs!). Sure the cauliflower has a different texture, but the taste is so incredible that I don’t mind it – and neither do my kids.
Low-Carb Side Dish That Feeds A Family
This will be my first low carb holidays and this creamy low carb mac and cheese will be another go-to side dish. Perfect to serve with a side salad or with Keto almondine asparagus or even these bacon wrapped Brussel sprouts!
I’ll be honest, Low carb Mac and cheese isn’t exactly the same as the classic comfort food recipe but it will satisfy your cravings and it’s just as tasty – minus all the unwanted carbs. It’s also a great way to get kids to eat their veggies, and have that cheesy side dish we all want during the holidays!
Similar: Keto Cabbage Beef Casserole
Can you make Cauliflower Mac and cheese ahead of time?
You can make this low carb cauliflower Mac and cheese the day before. Follow the instructions below, allow to cauliflower mac and cheese to cool down, and then cover and refrigerate. To freeze and bake at a later time, cook, allow to cool, and cover your baking dish with an airtight lid or plastic wrap and freeze.
How to Reheat Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese
You can reheat leftover cauliflower in the microwave or stovetop. If frozen, simply remove the lid, and bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes.
Can you use a different cheese?
You can also choose to use sharp cheddar cheese or pepper jack cheese for a tasty kick!
What goes with Cauliflower Mac and cheese?
This cauliflower mac and cheese taste amazing thanks to its Keto cheese sauce (scroll down for recipe) that pairs well with just about any protein source! It’ll also taste great with holiday leftovers!
How To Customize Cauliflower Mac And Cheese
There are lots of ways you can change this recipe to make it just how you like it. Here are some of my favorite ideas.
- Make it spicy – top it with some jalepeños
- Add some green – sprinkle chives on top
- Crispy topping – add crushed pork rinds on top before you bake it
- Pick your protein – mix in some ham or chicken and this becomes a complete meal.
More Low carb recipes you’ll love:
- Skillet Keto Cornbread
- Low Carb Green Bean Chicken Casserole
- Keto Pepperoni Cloud Bread
- Low Carb Crustless Pumpkin Pie
How To Make Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
The entire recipe is in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. First, here are some of my best tips I learned while I made it.
Gather Your Ingredients First
It feels like a cooking show, but it really does speed up the entire cooking process! Here is what I used in my recipe:
- Cauliflower, cored and cut into florets
- Butter
- Garlic Cloves
- Black OR white pepper
- Shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
- Shredded parmesan cheese
- Salt
- Heavy cream
Chop Up The Cauliflower Into Small Florets
The smaller you make them, the easier it is to eat, and the better it tastes. The grocery store sells bags of cauliflower florets – use them if you are crunched for time!
Spray Your Casserole Dish With Non-Stick Spray
This is so important. The cream and cheese make the cauliflower stick to your pan.
Add Dots of Butter On Top of the Cauliflower
You don’t have to mix it up – the butter will melt while it cooks.
Top With Shredded Cheese
Again, no mixing required! This is so easy you can do this while you are multitasking other things.
Pour The Heavy Cream On Top
Just drizzle it evenly throughout the entire casserole dish. As it bakes, it will naturally soak up the cheese and butter and spices.
Bake For 30 Minutes
It only takes half an hour for this beauty to bake and be ready for dinner!
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe
Here is the entire recipe in the printable card, just like I promised. Don’t forget to pin this post – your family is going to love it!
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
This cauliflower mac and cheese is a low-carb side-dish that kids love!
Ingredients
- 2 heads cauliflower cut into florets
- 6 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 tsp pepper black or white
- 2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese shredded
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
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Fill a stockpot with water and 1 teaspoon salt. Set over high heat and bring water to a boil. Add cauliflower to pot and return to boil Cook for 8 minutes or until tender. Drain well.
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Spray a 13×9 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray or coat with additional butter. Add the cauliflower to the casserole dish.
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Dot the top of the cauliflower with butter. Sprinkle with minced garlic and pepper.
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Top with parmesan cheese and white cheddar. Pour heavy cream over the cheeses.
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Bake for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted.
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