Best 8 Best Ever Cauliflower Mac Cheese Recipes

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**Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, cauliflower mac and cheese is a healthier take on the classic comfort food.** Made with a base of tender-crisp cauliflower florets, a creamy cheese sauce, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, this dish is sure to please even the most discerning palate. It's also a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables into your diet.

This recipe collection features three delicious variations on cauliflower mac and cheese:

* **Classic Cauliflower Mac and Cheese:** This is the basic recipe that you can use to create your own variations. It's made with a simple roux-based cheese sauce, cauliflower florets, and a breadcrumb topping.
* **Broccoli Cheddar Cauliflower Mac and Cheese:** This variation adds broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese to the classic recipe. It's a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables.
* **Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Mac and Cheese:** This recipe is perfect for those who follow a vegan diet. It's made with a creamy cashew-based sauce, cauliflower florets, and a breadcrumb topping.

All of these recipes are easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So whether you're looking for a classic comfort food dish or a healthier alternative, you're sure to find a cauliflower mac and cheese recipe in this collection that you'll love.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

CAULIFLOWER "MAC AND CHEESE" BAKE



Cauliflower

Replace macaroni with cauliflower in our twist on a classic Mac and Cheese. Our imposter pasta is sure to become a new family favourite.

Provided by Cracker Barrel

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     CRACKER BARREL Shreds

Time 45m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

6 cups small cauliflower florets
3 tablespoons non-hydrogenated margarine, divided
1 onion, chopped
⅓ cup flour
2 teaspoons dry mustard
2 ½ cups milk
1 ½ cups CRACKER BARREL Shredded Double Cheddar Cheese, divided
⅓ cup KRAFT 100% Parmesan Aged Grated Cheese, divided
½ cup panko bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Cook cauliflower in boiling water in large saucepan 4 minutes; drain well.
  • Melt 2 Tbsp. margarine in large saucepan on medium heat. Add onions; cook and stir 3 minutes or until crisp-tender. Stir in flour and mustard; cook and stir 1 minute. Whisk in milk; cook 5 minutes or until thickened, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Add 1-1/4 cups Cheddar and 3 Tbsp. Parmesan; stir until Cheddar is melted. Add cauliflower; stir to evenly coat. Spoon into 2.5-L casserole dish sprayed with cooking spray.
  • Microwave remaining margarine in medium microwaveable bowl on HIGH 30 sec. or until melted. Stir in bread crumbs and remaining Parmesan; sprinkle over cauliflower mixture.
  • Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through, topping with remaining Cheddar for the last 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 320.7 calories, Carbohydrate 25.4 g, Cholesterol 22.6 mg, Fat 18.7 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 16.2 g, SaturatedFat 9.7 g, Sodium 460.5 mg, Sugar 8.8 g

BEST EVER CAULIFLOWER MAC & CHEESE



Best Ever Cauliflower Mac & Cheese image

We all know that the best topping for cauliflower is cheese, now you can have both your comfort food and your veggie all in one bowl. Inspired by Jamie Oliver's cauliflower mac & cheese, this one is a creamy, vegetarian dish with hidden veggies for your kids!

Provided by colleenfitzgerald_1

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 40m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cups cauliflower, fresh or frozen
8 ounces macaroni
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
1 1/4 cups milk
3/4 cup cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
pepper
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Cook the cauliflower in simmering water until tender. Use a slotted spoon to remove.
  • Cut the cauliflower florets into bite size pieces.
  • Return water to the boil and cook the pasta in the same water. Drain.
  • Combine the melted butter, breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese in a bowl and set aside.
  • Melt the butter in medium sauce pan.
  • Add flour mixed with salt, nutmeg and pepper, using a whisk to stir until well blended.
  • Slowly add the milk and cream, stirring continuously until blended.
  • Simmer for 2 minutes or until it thickens, stirring constantly.
  • Remove from heat and add the cheese, stirring until melted.
  • Combine the pasta, cauliflower and cheese sauce and transfer to a buttered casserole dish.
  • Top with the breadcrumb mixture.
  • Bake for 20 minutes, until the breadcrumbs form a crispy crust.

MAC AND CHEESE WITH CAULIFLOWER



Mac and Cheese with Cauliflower image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, finely grated
1/3 cup panko
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
8 ounces whole-grain elbow macaroni
1 small head cauliflower, cut into small florets
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups 2% milk
2 ounces light cream cheese, at room temperature
8 ounces white cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
1 5-ounce package baby spinach (about 8 cups)

Steps:

  • Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 grated garlic clove in a small nonstick skillet over medium heat until foamy. Stir in the panko, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring, until golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in the parsley.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook as the label directs for al dente, adding the cauliflower during the last 4 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/4 cup cooking water, then drain the macaroni and cauliflower; set aside. Carefully wipe out the pot.
  • Return the pot to the stove, add the remaining 3 tablespoons butter and melt over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 2 grated garlic cloves and cook 1 minute. Whisk in the flour and cook until golden, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the milk, return to a simmer and cook until thickened and smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk in the cream cheese and cheddar until smooth; season with 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  • Stir the spinach into the cheese sauce until wilted, then add the macaroni and cauliflower; season with salt and pepper. Stir in the reserved cooking water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Divide among bowls and top with the herbed panko.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 740, Fat 35 grams, SaturatedFat 20 grams, Cholesterol 99 milligrams, Sodium 873 milligrams, Carbohydrate 74 grams, Fiber 10 grams, Protein 32 grams, Sugar 11 grams

CAULIFLOWER "MAC" AND CHEESE



Cauliflower

Somewhere between macaroni and cheese, British cauliflower cheese and a cauliflower gratin is this burbling dish of tangy, creamy cauliflower. Cauliflower florets cut into noodle-size pieces step in for macaroni in this pasta-less macaroni and cheese; they're roasted and draped in a mixture of melty Cheddar, heavy cream, garlic and cayenne. You could also add mustard, thyme or rosemary, or even caramelized onions, and swap out the Cheddar for Gruyère or another cheese. As the cauliflower cooks in the cream mixture, the cream thickens slightly and the cauliflower continues to brown. Serve it with a bright, crisp salad to offset the richness.

Provided by Ali Slagle

Categories     dinner, weekday, casseroles, vegetables, main course, side dish

Time 35m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 large cauliflower (2 1/2 pounds), cut into small florets the size of macaroni
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 1/2 cups grated Cheddar (about 6 ounces)
1 cup heavy cream
1 garlic clove, finely grated
1/4 teaspoon cayenne

Steps:

  • Heat the oven to 450 degrees. Toss the cauliflower with the olive oil on a baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper, spread in an even layer and roast until browned and cooked through but retaining some bite, about 15 minutes.
  • Transfer the cauliflower to an 8-inch or other 2-quart baking dish. (You could also bake this in individual ramekins; just mix the cauliflower with the other ingredients in a medium bowl before dividing.) Reserve 1/4 cup Cheddar. Add the remaining 1 1/4 cups Cheddar, heavy cream, garlic and cayenne to the cauliflower and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper, then top with the reserved 1/4 cup Cheddar.
  • Roast until the cream has thickened, the cheese has melted, and some of the cauliflower is browned on top, 15 to 20 minutes. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.

VEGAN CAULIFLOWER MAC AND CHEESE



Vegan Cauliflower Mac and Cheese image

This low-fat, dairy-free version of an American classic certainly has the right look, with its creamy orange sauce, thanks to pureed cauliflower, vegan Cheddar and turmeric. We used umami-packed miso paste and nutritional yeast to evoke the savory, nutty quality of cheese.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 50m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

3 cups small cauliflower florets, chopped
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large shallot, minced
1 large clove garlic, minced
Juice of 1 small lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
1 tablespoon white or yellow miso paste
2 teaspoons spicy mustard
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric
3/4 cup plain unsweetened almond or other plant-based milk
1/4 cup nutritional yeast flakes
2 teaspoons packed brown sugar
10 ounces shredded vegan Cheddar (about 2 1/2 cups)
1 pound elbow macaroni
Hot sauce, for serving, optional

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  • Put the cauliflower and 1 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cover, bring to a simmer and cook until the cauliflower is fully softened, about 20 minutes. Transfer the cooked cauliflower and all the cooking liquid to a food processor and set aside. Wipe out the saucepan.
  • Heat the oil in the saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic and cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice, miso, mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, cayenne and turmeric until well combined. Gradually whisk in the almond milk, nutritional yeast and brown sugar and bring just to a simmer. Remove from heat.
  • Process the cauliflower until smooth. With the food processor running, gradually add the warm almond milk mixture and process until extra creamy.
  • Transfer the cauliflower-almond milk mixture to a large saucepan over medium heat, add the vegan Cheddar and stir occasionally until it melts.
  • Meanwhile, add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to package directions. Strain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
  • Add the pasta to the sauce and stir to combine. Stir in some of the reserved pasta cooking liquid to reach your desired consistency. Add salt to taste. Serve hot with hot sauce on the side if using.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 460 calorie, Fat 15 grams, SaturatedFat 1.5 grams, Sodium 650 milligrams, Carbohydrate 67 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 16 grams, Sugar 6 grams

CAULIFLOWER "MAC" AND CHEESE



Cauliflower

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 50m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon butter, plus more for the pan
1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
1 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
Hot sauce, as needed
1 cup grated pepper jack cheese
One 4-ounce log fresh goat cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a baking dish with butter.
  • Cook the cauliflower in the boiling water until just crisp-tender, about 10 minutes. Drain well.
  • In a large saucepan, heat the milk and butter over medium heat. Whisk in the dry mustard and add some hot sauce, salt and pepper. Just before the milk comes to a boil, turn off the heat and stir in the pepper jack and goat cheese. When melted and smooth, stir in the cauliflower. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle over the Parmesan.
  • Bake until the top is golden brown and the mixture is bubbling, about 30 minutes. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER MAC AND CHEESE



Roasted Cauliflower Mac and Cheese image

This roasted cauliflower mac and cheese is a no-pasta version of a classic.

Provided by Fernella

Categories     Side Dish     Vegetables     Cauliflower

Time 55m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 head cauliflower, broken into florets
cooking spray
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 cups half-and-half
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons cream cheese
1 teaspoon unsalted butter, or as needed

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Spray cauliflower florets with cooking spray and season with salt and pepper; place on a baking sheet.
  • Roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat half-and-half in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add Mexican, Cheddar, and cream cheeses slowly, stirring to combine, until melted.
  • Butter an 8x10-inch baking dish.
  • Mix roasted cauliflower with cheese sauce. Transfer to the prepared dish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly, about 15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 624.5 calories, Carbohydrate 15.6 g, Cholesterol 156.1 mg, Fat 50.5 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 30.7 g, SaturatedFat 33.2 g, Sodium 845.6 mg, Sugar 3.8 g

CAULIFLOWER "MACARONI" AND CHEESE



Cauliflower

A healthier version of the classic comfort food... it won for "Best Mac and Cheese" at our annual cookout, kids love it, and you don't feel as guilty!

Provided by angelinamarie3

Categories     Cauliflower Side Dishes

Time 40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon minced garlic
½ cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a baking dish.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cauliflower and cook until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat, drain, and set on paper towels to dry.
  • Meanwhile, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and cook until bubbling. Slowly add 1 cup Cheddar cheese; cook, stirring constantly, until sauce is thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Place cauliflower in the prepared baking dish. Pour cheese sauce over top and stir until thoroughly coated. Sprinkle remaining Cheddar cheese over top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is fully melted, about 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 261.8 calories, Carbohydrate 6.3 g, Cholesterol 71.8 mg, Fat 21.8 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 11.7 g, SaturatedFat 13.7 g, Sodium 283.9 mg, Sugar 2.5 g

Tips:

  • Choose the right cauliflower: Look for a head of cauliflower that is compact and heavy for its size. Avoid any heads with brown spots or blemishes.
  • Cook the cauliflower properly: To ensure that the cauliflower is tender and flavorful, cook it until it is easily pierced with a fork. Overcooking will make the cauliflower mushy.
  • Use a good quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will have a big impact on the flavor of the mac and cheese. Choose a cheese that melts well and has a sharp flavor, such as cheddar or Gruyère.
  • Season the mac and cheese well: Don't be afraid to season the mac and cheese generously with salt and pepper. This will help to bring out the flavors of the cauliflower and cheese.
  • Top with breadcrumbs or crushed nuts: For a crunchy topping, sprinkle the mac and cheese with breadcrumbs or crushed nuts before baking. This will add an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Conclusion:

Cauliflower mac and cheese is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional mac and cheese. It is made with a creamy cheese sauce and tender cauliflower, and it can be easily customized to your liking. Try it and see for yourself!

Tips:

  • Choose the right cauliflower: Look for a head of cauliflower that is compact and heavy for its size. Avoid any heads with brown spots or blemishes.
  • Cook the cauliflower properly: To ensure that the cauliflower is tender and flavorful, cook it until it is easily pierced with a fork. Overcooking will make the cauliflower mushy.
  • Use a good quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will have a big impact on the flavor of the mac and cheese. Choose a cheese that melts well and has a sharp flavor, such as cheddar or Gruyère.
  • Season the mac and cheese well: Don't be afraid to season the mac and cheese generously with salt and pepper. This will help to bring out the flavors of the cauliflower and cheese.
  • Top with breadcrumbs or crushed nuts: For a crunchy topping, sprinkle the mac and cheese with breadcrumbs or crushed nuts before baking. This will add an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Conclusion:

Cauliflower mac and cheese is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional mac and cheese. It is made with a creamy cheese sauce and tender cauliflower, and it can be easily customized to your liking. Try it and see for yourself!

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