Description
Creamy cauliflower mac and cheese delivers comfort without carb overload, perfect for health-conscious cheese lovers. Hearty cauliflower florets nestle in rich, melted cheddar sauce, promising guilt-free indulgence you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower (or 16 ounces / 454 grams fresh florets), chopped into macaroni-sized florets
- 8 ounces (227 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, room temperature, cut into cubes
Dairy and Cheese Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- ¼ cup (25 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Pink salt, to taste
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400°F and prepare a casserole dish with a light coating of oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Carefully submerge cauliflower florets and cook until they reach a tender yet slightly firm consistency, approximately 4-6 minutes.
- Drain the cauliflower thoroughly in a colander, shaking off excess moisture, then transfer to the prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly across the bottom.
- Create a rich cheese base by combining heavy cream and cream cheese in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and fully integrated.
- Season the cream mixture with Italian seasoning, pink salt, and cracked black pepper, stirring to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the sauce.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and gradually incorporate shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses, stirring until the sauce transforms into a velvety, uniform consistency.
- Pour the luxurious cheese sauce over the cauliflower, gently folding to ensure each floret is generously coated with the creamy mixture.
- Sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese across the surface, followed by a light dusting of Italian seasoning and dried parsley for added depth of flavor.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges that indicate the dish is perfectly cooked.
- Allow the mac and cheese to rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the sauce set and makes serving easier.
- Serve warm as a delectable side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course, enjoying the rich, comforting flavors of this low-carb alternative.
Notes
- Swap pasta for cauliflower to create a deliciously low-carb alternative that satisfies comfort food cravings without excess carbohydrates.
- Drain cauliflower thoroughly to prevent watery sauce, ensuring a creamy and rich texture that mimics traditional mac and cheese.
- Use full-fat dairy products like heavy cream and cream cheese for maximum flavor and a luxuriously smooth cheese sauce.
- Select sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese for deep, robust flavor that elevates this classic comfort dish.
- Season generously with Italian herbs and black pepper to enhance the overall taste profile and add complexity to the cauliflower base.
- Bake until golden and bubbly to create a crispy, cheesy top that delivers restaurant-quality presentation and irresistible texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 339
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 88 mg