Craving the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese but want to keep it low-carb? Get ready to fall in love with this game-changing Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese that proves healthy eating doesn't mean sacrificing flavor! This mouthwatering dish transforms the humble cauliflower into a decadent, cheesy masterpiece that will have even die-hard pasta lovers asking for seconds. With golden-roasted cauliflower florets smothered in a rich, velvety cheese sauce, this recipe is about to become your new favorite guilt-free comfort food.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for roasting the cauliflower.
- Wash the cauliflower head thoroughly. Cut it into small, bite-sized florets, ensuring they are roughly uniform in size for even cooking.
- Spread the cauliflower florets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Roast the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the edges are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- While the cauliflower is roasting, prepare the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium-low heat.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the warm cream. Whisk continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Remove the roasted cauliflower from the oven and transfer to a baking dish. Pour the hot cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower, ensuring all florets are well-coated.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned on top.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. The cheese sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
- Serve hot as a delicious, low-carb alternative to traditional mac and cheese. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives.
Tips
- Choose a fresh, firm cauliflower for the best texture and roasting results.
- Cut florets into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and roasting.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet when roasting - give the cauliflower space to crisp up.
- Use high-quality, freshly grated cheese for the smoothest, most flavorful sauce.
- Whisk the cheese sauce continuously to prevent burning and ensure a silky texture.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or some crispy bacon bits on top.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently to maintain the creamy consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 406kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 113mg
