This cheesy “mac and cheese” cauliflower is a twist on a classic—tender florets coated in a creamy, velvety cheese sauce. It delivers all the comfort of traditional mac and cheese, just a little lighter and packed with flavor. Perfect as a side dish or a stand-alone bowl of warm, cheesy goodness. This recipe came about when we were trying to incorporate a little healthier recipes into our dinner schedule. Let’s be honest though, we do love a good traditional macaroni and cheese recipe, however this one still delivers if you are in search of something a little lighter on the carbs. We pulled this together during one of the many Saturdays of watching the Food Network.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter

1 cup whole milk

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard or whole grain mustard

2 large heads of cauliflower

Hot sauce, or diced Chipolte peppers for a little spice. (Optional)

1 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese

1 cup grated mild cheddar cheese

1/4 cup grated parmesan

1 cup grated of your choice of shredded cheese. (Mozzarella, Sharp, or Colby Jack are good options). Honestly, mix it up by using 3-4 cheeses of your choice.

1 cup plain bread crumbs

2 tbsp. Garlic Powder

Salt and Pepper to taste

Diced Parsley to finish the top

Cauliflower “Mac” & Cheese

This low-carb cauliflower “mac” brings all the cheesy comfort without the carb-crash. Cauliflower florets get wrapped in a rich cheddar sauce, then finished with a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping that gives you that classic baked-casserole feel. It’s a smart swap for anyone easing back on pasta but still craving something warm, indulgent, and familiar.

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Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Side Dish

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 30

Calories:

Equipment

1 9×13 Baking Dish

Ingredients

4 tbsp Butter about half a stick
1 Cup Milk
½ tsp Dry Mustard
2 Heads Cauliflower florets
15 oz. Ricotta Cheese (small tub)
1 Cup Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese
1 Cup Mild Cheddar
¼-½ Cup Grated Parmesan (for the topping)
1 Cup Shredded Cheese of choice However you decide to mix it up, just allow about 3 cups shredded cheese. We mix it up every time. You can use more if you wish, we won't judge. 😀
1-11/2 Cup Bread Crumbs Panko breadcrumbs work too!
Hot Sauce as needed for spice Optional
Finley diced Chipotle peppers for more spice Optional

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. (Salt the water after boiling) Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Grease your baking dish
Once boiling cook the cauliflower until just crisp-tender, about 10 minutes. Drain well. Don't overcook it, you want it still a little crunchy. Anything over 10 minutes is too long.
In a large saucepan, heat the milk and butter over medium heat. Whisk in the dry mustard, (or whole grain mustard) garlic powder, and add some hot sauce (or chipotle peppers), salt and pepper. Just before the milk comes to a boil, turn off the heat and whisk in the pepper jack (or Colby Jack cheese), and cheese (or mild cheddar cheese). 3 cups of whatever you've chosen.
When melted and smooth, stir in the cauliflower, and the ricotta cheese. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle over the Parmesan and bread crumb mixture.
Bake until golden brown at 375, about 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly.

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. (Salt the water after boiling) Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Grease your baking dish

Once boiling cook the cauliflower until just crisp-tender, about 10 minutes. Drain well. Don’t overcook it, you want it still a little crunchy. Anything over 10 minutes is too long.

In a large saucepan, heat the milk and butter over medium heat. Whisk in the dry mustard, (or whole grain mustard) garlic powder, and add some hot sauce (or chipotle peppers), salt and pepper. Just before the milk comes to a boil, turn off the heat and whisk in the pepper jack (or Colby Jack cheese), and cheese (or mild cheddar cheese). 3 cups of whatever you’ve chosen

When melted and smooth, stir in the cauliflower, and the ricotta cheese. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle over the Parmesan and bread crumb mixture.