Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Keto cauliflower mac and cheese is creamy, dreamy and irresistibly cheesy. This healthy dish eliminates carb-laden pasta and replaces it with tender cauliflower florets bathed in a three-cheese sauce. This comfort food keto macaroni has all the flavors you’ve loved since you were a child. You won’t believe this is low carb mac and cheese.

Low carb mac and cheese in a casserole dish.

This Keto macaroni substitute makes it possible for you to enjoy all of your favorite pasta recipes even when you’re on a Low Carb or Keto diet. Cauli mac and cheese is every bit as tasty as the original recipe but without all the guilt.

If you love cauliflower, try my Cheesy Cauliflower Bread Sticks, Cauliflower Pizza, or Buffalo Cauliflower Wings.

Why You’ll Love This Keto Mac and Cheese

It’s healthy. Cauliflower is full of nutrients and is a great substitute for macaroni pasta. Leave out or substitute the breadcrumbs for gluten free mac and cheese.
It’s fast. Following just 10 minutes of prep, this cauli mac and cheese will be on the table in about 30 minutes. Enjoy comfort food in no time at all.
It’s customizable. This keto macaroni recipe is exceptional as written, but you can easily add veggies, chicken, bacon and even lobster to customize this recipe.

Keto Macaroni Ingredients

Ingredients needed for low carb mac and cheese.

Cauliflower: look for a medium to large-sized cauliflower and cut it into florets.
Water: for boiling the cauliflower
Salt: adding salt to the cooking water allows you to perfectly season the cauliflower while it cooks.
Milk: use whole milk (or even heavy cream) to keep this Keto but substitute low fat milk if that’s not a concern.
Cream Cheese: bring the cheese to room temperature, and it will blend smooth and creamy.
Seasoning: a combination of garlic powder, dried parsley, ground black pepper and salt will give this cauli mac and cheese lots of flavor.
Cheese: use freshly grated colby jack and mozzarella cheese.
Unsalted Butter: for making the topping.
Panko Bread Crumbs: Substitute with gluten free breadcrumbs for a gluten free recipe.
Parmesan cheese: freshly grated cheese gives the topping a nutty flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes: for just a touch of spiciness.
Chopped Parsley: to garnish.

How To Make Low Carb Mac and Cheese

Prepare the equipment. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9X13 casserole dish and set aside.

Boil the cauliflower. Heat a large pot with water and salt on a medium flame. Once the water starts to boil, add the cauliflower florets and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender and crisp. Drain the water and keep the cauliflower aside.

Process of making cheese sauce for keto mac and cheese

Prepare the cheese sauce. Heat a medium sized dutch oven over medium flame. Add in the milk and cream cheese, whisk until well combined. Stir in the garlic powder, dried parsley, pepper and salt. Slowly add in the 1 cup of colby jack cheese and mozzarella cheese and off the flame. Whisk until the cheeses are completely melted.

Combining cauliflower and cheese for cauli mac and cheese.

Add the cauliflower. Add the blanched cauliflower florets to the cheesy mixture. Mix until well combined and transfer the cauliflower mixture to the prepared casserole dish.

Mix of cheese bread crumbs and butter for crunchy topping.

Prepare the topping. Meanwhile, prepare the topping by combining the melted butter, panko bread crumbs and parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Set aside.

Assembling keto mack and cheese for baking.

Add the toppings. Sprinkle the reserved colby jack cheese over the cauliflower evenly, followed by the sprinkle of prepared toppings and crushed chili flakes.
Bake and serve. Bake the mac and cheese for 20 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Garnish the keto mac and cheese with parsley and serve.

A scoop of cheese cauliflower mac and cheese.

Tips To Make Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Don’t overcook the cauliflower. It will continue to cook as it bakes.
Drain the cauliflower very well so your mac and cheese isn’t watery.
Experiment with different cheeses. Cheddar, fontina, mozzarella and gouda are all great alternatives.
Always use freshly grated cheese. It will melt better and smoother and taste creamier.
Don’t overheat the cheese sauce or it may break and become oily.
To make the topping extra crunchy, broil for a few minutes before serving.
No cauliflower? Steamed broccoli can also be used, but the flavor will be a little more pronounced.
Customize this recipe by adding garlic, chopped veggies, shredded chicken or bacon.
Make it spicy by adding sliced jalapeno or green chilis.
Mix in Buffalo sauce for even more flavor.

Keto mac and cheese in a bowl with a fork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my cauliflower mac and cheese watery?

The best way to ensure that Keto Cauli Mac and Cheese doesn’t end up watery is to drain the cauliflower well before assembling the dish. After boiling the cauliflower, drain it in a colander and allow it to drain for several minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

How do I thicken keto macaroni?

Flour and cornstarch are common thickeners, but both are forbidden on a Keto diet. If this sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like it, try adding a little more cream cheese.

What does cauli mac and cheese taste like?

Let’s be frank. We know this isn’t real “mac and cheese.” We know this is cheese covered cauliflower, but the final flavor and texture are similar to traditional macaroni and cheese. This recipe is perfect for helping you push through those pasta cravings when on a Keto or Low Carb diet.

How do I store and reheat Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese?

Cool Keto Mac and Cheese completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in microwave.

Can I freeze Low Carb Mac and Cheese?

I do not recommend freezing this dish, as the cauliflower will become watery after freezing. but if you have to, after assembling the dish, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and bake as directed or add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from frozen. I recommend that you add the breadcrumb mixture just before cooking. The final texture of the dish may not be the same as when baked fresh.

What to serve with cauli mac and cheese?

Enjoy this mac and cheese as a main dish or a side. It pairs perfectly with dishes like Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs, Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs and Cilantro Lime Shrimp.

Cauliflower mac and cheese in a casserole dish.

More Keto and Low Carb Recipes

I hope you enjoy all the recipes I share with you, including this delicious Low Carb Mac and Cheese recipe. I hope you try it, enjoy it, rate it, and share it with your friends and family!

If you try this recipe and liked it, please leave a star rating and comment below. Use my hashtag to share it with me on Instagram so I can see your delicious recreations! Also, follow me at Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK |INSTAGRAM |PINTEREST for all of my latest social posts and recipes.

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