This Keto Cauliflower Mac And Cheese Recipe is creamy, cheesy, and very comforting. It tastes like classic mac and cheese. But it is low carb and keto friendly. Cauliflower replaces pasta perfectly here. Many people cannot believe it is keto. This dish is great for lunch or dinner. Even kids enjoy it.
In this guide, you will learn how to make Keto Cauliflower Mac And Cheese step by step. The flavors are rich and smooth. This Keto Cauliflower Mac And Cheese Recipe uses simple ingredients. You will also learn the best ingredients for Keto Cauliflower Mac And Cheese to get perfect results every time.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
The secret is the cheese sauce. It must be rich and creamy. Using cream cheese adds smooth texture. Heavy cream keeps it thick without flour. Sharp cheddar gives strong cheese flavor. Garlic adds warmth and depth.
Cooking cauliflower just right is very important. Overcooking makes it watery. Draining well keeps sauce thick. Baking at the end melts everything together. These small steps turn cauliflower into comfort food. That is why this recipe tastes so good.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Keto Cauliflower Mac And Cheese
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Course: Main Course or Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 390 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large pot
- Colander
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Baking dish
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients You Need for Keto Cauliflower Mac And Cheese
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup cream cheese
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cauliflower
Wash cauliflower well. Cut into medium florets. Try to keep pieces similar for even cooking.
2. Cook the Cauliflower
Boil salted water. Add cauliflower. Cook for five minutes until just tender, not mushy.
3. Drain Very Well
Drain cauliflower completely. Let steam escape. Extra water will ruin sauce texture.
4. Start the Cheese Sauce
Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Add heavy cream and cream cheese.
5. Whisk Until Smooth
Whisk sauce gently. Let cream cheese melt fully. Sauce should look smooth and creamy.
6. Add Seasonings
Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir gently to combine.
7. Add the Cheeses
Lower heat. Add cheddar and mozzarella slowly. Stir until melted and thick.
8. Combine Cauliflower and Sauce
Add drained cauliflower to cheese sauce. Mix gently until coated well.
9. Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour mixture into greased baking dish. Spread evenly for even baking.
10. Bake Until Bubbly
Bake at 190°C for 15 minutes. Top should bubble and look lightly golden.
11. Rest and Garnish
Remove from oven. Rest five minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Do not overcook cauliflower. It should stay slightly firm.
- Use sharp cheddar for stronger flavor.
- Add parmesan for extra richness.
- Use smoked paprika for deeper taste.
- Add cooked bacon bits for keto protein boost.
- Mix in cooked chicken for a full meal.
- Use mustard powder for classic mac flavor.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Fat | 33 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Net Carbs | 5 g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot and fresh. It pairs well with grilled chicken. Steak also works nicely. Serve with a simple green salad. Add roasted vegetables for color. This dish fits holiday meals too. It works as a side or main dish. Keto bread on the side is optional. Everyone will enjoy its creamy texture.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep in fridge for three days. Reheat gently on stove or oven. Add a splash of cream if dry. Microwave works but stir often. Avoid overheating to prevent oil separation. This dish tastes even better next day. Sauce thickens nicely overnight.
Keto Cauliflower Mac And Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup cream cheese
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Cauliflower
- Wash cauliflower well. Cut into medium florets. Try to keep pieces similar for even cooking.
Cook the Cauliflower
- Boil salted water. Add cauliflower. Cook for five minutes until just tender, not mushy.
Drain Very Well
- Drain cauliflower completely. Let steam escape. Extra water will ruin sauce texture.
Start the Cheese Sauce
- Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Add heavy cream and cream cheese.
Whisk Until Smooth
- Whisk sauce gently. Let cream cheese melt fully. Sauce should look smooth and creamy.
Add Seasonings
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir gently to combine.
Add the Cheeses
- Lower heat. Add cheddar and mozzarella slowly. Stir until melted and thick.
Combine Cauliflower and Sauce
- Add drained cauliflower to cheese sauce. Mix gently until coated well.
Transfer to Baking Dish
- Pour mixture into greased baking dish. Spread evenly for even baking.
Bake Until Bubbly
- Bake at 190°C for 15 minutes. Top should bubble and look lightly golden.
Rest and Garnish
- Remove from oven. Rest five minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Do not overcook cauliflower. It should stay slightly firm.
- Use sharp cheddar for stronger flavor.
- Add parmesan for extra richness.
- Use smoked paprika for deeper taste.
- Add cooked bacon bits for keto protein boost.
- Mix in cooked chicken for a full meal.
- Use mustard powder for classic mac flavor.
FAQs about Keto Cauliflower Mac And Cheese Recipe
Does cauliflower really taste like pasta in this recipe?
Cauliflower does not taste like pasta. But the creamy cheese sauce makes it very satisfying. Most people forget it is cauliflower.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it earlier. Store covered in fridge. Bake just before serving for best texture.
Is this recipe truly keto friendly?
Yes, it is low carb and high fat. It fits well in keto diet plans when eaten in portions.
Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cauliflower works. Thaw completely and drain very well before using.
Why is my sauce watery sometimes?
This happens when cauliflower is overcooked or not drained well. Always remove excess moisture.
Conclusion
This Keto Cauliflower Mac And Cheese Recipe proves keto food can be comforting. You now know how to make Keto Cauliflower Mac And Cheese easily at home. It is creamy, cheesy, and filling.
Using simple ingredients for Keto Cauliflower Mac And Cheese gives great results. This recipe is perfect for keto beginners. It also works for family dinners. Serve it proudly and enjoy every bite. Once you try it, you will make it again.
Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.