Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
All the creamy, cheesy comfort of classic mac and cheese — without the carbs. Tender cauliflower florets stand in for pasta and get smothered in a rich, velvety three-cheese sauce. This keto-friendly crowd-pleaser is ready in under 40 minutes and is guaranteed to satisfy even the most devoted mac and cheese fans.
4 servings · Prep 10 min · Cook 28 min · Total 38 min
American · Main Course · Dinner
Ingredients
Open in recipe scaler →Main
1 large cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets (about 6 cups)
Cheese Sauce
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic minced
4 oz cream cheese softened, cubed
1 cup heavy cream
1.5 cup sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
0.5 cup Gruyère cheese freshly shredded
1 tsp Dijon mustard
0.5 tsp smoked paprika
0.75 tsp kosher salt plus more
0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground
Topping
0.5 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
Equipment
Oven
Stovetop
Saucepan
Baking Dish
Pot
Paper Towel
Fork
Broiler
Whisk
Spatula
Pan
Saucepan (1 Quart)
Baking Dish (7 x 7)
Dipping Fork
Grater
Colander
Instructions
- Preheat your #[Oven] to ![400°F]. Bring a large #[Pot] of salted @[Water] to a boil. Add the @[Cauliflower Florets] and cook for ~[4–5 minutes], until just fork-tender but not mushy — they should still hold their shape. Drain well in a #[Colander] and pat dry with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch #[Baking Dish].
- In a medium #[Saucepan] over ^[medium heat], melt the @[Butter]. Add the @[Minced Garlic] and cook for ~[30–60 seconds] until fragrant. Add the @[Cream Cheese] and stir until fully melted and smooth. Pour in the @[Heavy Cream] and whisk to combine. Reduce heat to ^[medium-low] and stir in the @[Dijon Mustard], @[Smoked Paprika], @[Salt], and @[Black Pepper]. Gradually add the shredded @[Sharp Cheddar] and @[Gruyere Cheese], a handful at a time, stirring constantly until the sauce is completely smooth and velvety. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the @[Cauliflower] in the #[Baking Dish] and gently toss to coat every floret. Spread into an even layer. Sprinkle the grated @[Parmesan Cheese] evenly over the top. Add @[Red Pepper Flakes] if desired.
- Bake uncovered at ![400°F] for ~[15–18 minutes], until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the @[Parmesan Cheese] topping is golden and lightly crisp. For extra browning, broil on ^[high] for the last ~[2 minutes], watching closely. Let rest for ~[5 minutes] before serving.
