Best 4 Skinny Cauliflower Macaroni And Cheese Recipes

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Craving a comforting and healthier version of the classic macaroni and cheese? Look no further! This skinny cauliflower macaroni and cheese is a delightful low-carb and gluten-free dish that offers a guilt-free indulgence. Made with a creamy cauliflower sauce, tender macaroni, and a touch of sharp cheddar cheese, this recipe delivers all the flavors you love without compromising on your health goals. Join us on a culinary adventure as we explore the step-by-step instructions and additional recipe variations to satisfy every taste. From a vegan alternative to a spicy kick, find the perfect macaroni and cheese recipe that suits your preferences and dietary needs. Let's dive in and discover the goodness that awaits!

**Additional recipe variations:**

* **Vegan Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese:** For a plant-based delight, substitute the butter and milk with vegan alternatives, such as olive oil and almond milk. Use nutritional yeast to create a cheesy flavor and top with vegan cheese shreds for a melty goodness.

* **Spicy Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese:** Add a touch of heat to your mac and cheese by incorporating diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper into the sauce. This fiery twist will excite your taste buds and create a satisfyingly spicy dish.

* **Broccoli Cheddar Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese:** Combine the goodness of cauliflower and broccoli in this colorful and nutritious variation. Simply add steamed broccoli florets into the macaroni mixture before baking for a vibrant and veggie-packed meal.

* **Roasted Red Pepper Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese:** Enhance the flavors with roasted red peppers. Roast red bell peppers and blend them into the cauliflower sauce for a smoky and slightly sweet twist. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

BAKED CAULIFLOWER "MAC" AND CHEESE



Baked Cauliflower

Low Carb Cheesy Baked Cauliflower "Mac" and Cheese is perfect when you're craving macaroni and cheese-without the pasta!

Provided by Gina

Categories     Dinner     Lunch     Side Dish     Snack

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 8

8 cups chopped cauliflower florets (1/2-inch pieces (26 oz))
1 tbsp Real California butter
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/4 cup minced onion
3 tbsp flour (use ap gluten-free flour for GF)
2 cups fat free Real California milk
7 ounces freshly grated Real California sharp cheddar (about 2 cups total)
1/2 teaspoons salt

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
  • Place 1 inch of water in a large pot with 1 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil. Add the cauliflower and cook until tender crisp, 6 to 7 minutes. Drain and set aside in a large bowl.
  • Heat butter and oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and cook about 2 minutes.
  • Stir in flour. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring continually 3 - 4 minutes, to cook out the flour.
  • Add the milk and continue whisking, raising heat to medium-high until it comes to a boil and becomes smooth and thick, about 2 minutes stirring; season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper.
  • Once it becomes thick, remove from heat completely onto another burner if possible. Add the cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup at a time mixing well until cheese is all melted.
  • Stir in cooked cauliflower, then pour into a baking dish and bake until bubbly and golden, about 15 to 20 minutes. Then broil 2 minutes, or until the top is slightly browned.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 1/4 cups, Calories 238 kcal, Carbohydrate 16.5 g, Protein 14 g, Fat 14.5 g, SaturatedFat 8.5 g, Cholesterol 42 mg, Sodium 381 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 7 g

SKINNY CAULIFLOWER MACARONI AND CHEESE



Skinny Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese image

The savory version of having your cake and eating it too, this slimmed-down, super-creamy mac and cheese gets a veggie boost from 2 cups of cauliflower florets, which add wonderful flavor and texture.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 55m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

8 cups water
2 cups chopped cauliflower florets
1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni (8 oz)
1 1/2 cups fat-free (skim) milk
3 tablespoons Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (8 oz)
1/2 cup Progresso™ Panko Italian style crispy bread crumbs
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Steps:

  • In 4-quart saucepan, heat water to boiling over medium heat. Add cauliflower and macaroni; cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until macaroni is tender. Drain; return to saucepan, and cover to keep warm.
  • Meanwhile, heat oven to 350°F. Spray 2-quart glass baking dish with cooking spray. In 2-quart saucepan, stir milk, flour, mustard, salt, black pepper and red pepper with whisk until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and thickens. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese until melted.
  • Add cheese sauce to cooked pasta mixture; mix well. Spoon into baking dish. In small bowl, mix bread crumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle over pasta mixture in baking dish. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until edges are bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 410, Carbohydrate 47 g, Cholesterol 45 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 3 g, Protein 19 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 670 mg, Sugar 5 g, TransFat 1/2 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

SKINNY MACARONI AND CHEESE



Skinny Macaroni and Cheese image

59% less fat • 54% less sat fat • 24% fewer calories than the original recipe. Make it "my mac and cheese" with simple changes.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 45m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups uncooked regular or whole wheat elbow macaroni (8 oz)
2 cups fat-free (skim) milk
3 tablespoons Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
2 cups shredded reduced-fat sharp Cheddar cheese (8 oz)

Steps:

  • In 3-quart saucepan, cook and drain macaroni as directed on package. Return to saucepan; cover to keep warm.
  • Meanwhile, heat oven to 350°F. Spray 8-inch square (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. In 2-quart saucepan, stir milk, flour, mustard, salt, black pepper and red pepper with wire whisk until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and thickens. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese until melted.
  • Add cheese sauce to cooked macaroni; mix well. Spoon into baking dish.
  • Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until edges are bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 340, Carbohydrate 44 g, Cholesterol 25 mg, Fiber 2 g, Protein 19 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 640 mg, Sugar 5 g, TransFat 0 g

Tips:

  • Use fresh cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower florets are best for this recipe. Frozen cauliflower can also be used, but it will not be as flavorful.
  • Steam the cauliflower until it is tender but still has a little bite: You don't want the cauliflower to be too mushy, or it will not hold its shape in the mac and cheese.
  • Use a low-fat cheese: This recipe uses mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. You can use full-fat cheeses if you prefer, but the dish will be higher in calories and fat.
  • Add your favorite spices and seasonings: This recipe is basic, but you can add your favorite spices and seasonings to taste. Some good options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
  • Serve the mac and cheese immediately: This dish is best served immediately after it is made. It can be reheated, but it will not be as creamy and flavorful.

Conclusion:

This skinny cauliflower mac and cheese is a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional mac and cheese. It is made with cauliflower, low-fat cheese, and your favorite spices and seasonings. This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a potluck. It is also a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables.

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