This keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese recipe that will have nothing but clean plates for the dishwasher. Even cauliflower “hating” kids have been known to clean the plate and ask for more.
Spoonful of cauliflower mac and cheese

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

This Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is the biz! I always say I am not a cauliflower fan, but I will tell you straight up if I was fed this in a blind taste test I would not taste or smell the cauliflower.

What is the secret to this amazing keto mac and cheese is the Ranch Dressing.

A deliciously creamy, well-seasoned ranch dressing without buttermilk. It is by far my favourite dressing and super versatile. But this cauliflower mac and cheese, takes it to a whole other level.

The Ingredients

All the ingredients to make a cauliflower mac and cheese healthy recipe are all found in your local supermarket.

cauliflower mac and cheese in small frying pan

This is what you will need to make the BEST EVER Keto Mac and Cheese recipe. Trust me, even the kids will love this recipe.

Cauliflower cut into florets, I cut them real small, like bite-size. When cauliflower is in season, I buy up at the cheaper price and freeze as much as I can. I rice cauliflower or cut into florets that way it is so much cheaper and I am not paying crazy prices when I am recipe testing. So, YES, you can use frozen cauliflower in the cauliflower mac and cheese recipe.

Cream cheese – softened

Thickened cream or heavy cream

Ranch Dressing – use the link for the recipe (honestly, it is awesome)

How To Make Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Cut the cauliflower into small florets and steam for 15 minutes or until fork tender

process shot of cauliflower chopped into small florets
Bite size florets

Chop streaky bacon and fry until crispy.

chopped bacon on a cutting board
Cutting boards available in store

In a large bowl combine cream cheese, cream, Ranch Dressing, jalapeños, and half the cheese and half the chives.

bowl full of cheese and cream
Combine until smooth

Fold through cauliflower and half the bacon.

bowl filed with cream, cheese, bacon and cauliflower

Transfer the cauliflower mac and cheese to a small baking dish or pan. Bake in an oven preheated to 180℃ for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.

frying pan with cauliflower mac and cheese in it

Variations

To me there is just soooo many variation possibilities to this recipe. It would work with a combination of any of the below low carb keto vegetable list or with seafood (fresh or canned) and chicken.

Here are just a few tasty extras you can add in

  • broccoli
  • pumpkin (kent)
  • celeriac
  • radish
  • zucchini
  • mushrooms
  • cabbage
  • brussel sprouts
  • yellow squash
  • greeen beans

For more low carb vegetables lists and more information on getting started with the keto lifestyle go to out Getting Started section for free PDF printables, lists, information, macro calculator and more.

spoonful of cauliflower mac and cheese

Recipes Using Cauliflower

Well as I mentioned, I am not a huge cauliflower fan however, I have made quite a few recipes now that I love.

If you are like me and not a big fan try some of the super low carb keto cauliflower recipes and let me know what you think. Honestly, there are some cracking good recipes here.

  1. Keto Potato Salad
  2. Cheese and Bacon Cauliflower Buns
  3. Keto Cauliflower Wraps
  4. How to make Cauliflower Rice Tasty

Watch Me Make It

Spoonful of cauliflower mac and cheese

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

This keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese recipe that will have nothing but clean plates for the dishwasher. Even cauliflower “hating” kids have been known to clean the plate and ask for more.
5 from 74 votes!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free
Recipe Category: Low Carb
Calories: 348kcal
Author: Megan Ellam
Servings: 4 serves
Tap or hover over number to scale ingredients
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Ingredients 

  • 400 g (4 cups) cauliflower cut into florets
  • 100 g (3.5 oz) cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup (1/2 cup) thickened cream 125g
  • 1/2 cup (1/2 cup) Ranch Dressing 125g click for recipe
  • 2 tablespoons (2 tablespoons) pickled jalapeños chopped
  • 1/2 cup (1/2 cup) shredded cheddar cheese 50g
  • 4 slices (4 slices) streaky bacon roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons (2 tablespoons) fresh chives finely sliced

Instructions

CONVENTIONAL METHOD

  • Preheat oven to 180 ̊C fan/200°C static /400°F
  • Pan fry bacon until crispy. Reserve.
  • Steam cauliflower for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, place into microwave-safe dish and add a couple of tablespoons of water. Cover and cook on high for 10-15 minutes, or until just tender.
  • Combine cream cheese, cream, ranch dressing, jalapeños, and half the cheese. Stir through cauliflower, add half the bacon, and half the chives.
  • Transfer to a small baking dish. Top with remaining bacon and cheese. Bake 20-25 minutes or until cheese is lightly golden. Serve with a sprinkle of chives.

THERMAL METHOD

  • Preheat oven to 180 ̊C fan/200°C static /400°F
  • Pan fry bacon until crispy. Reserve.
  • Pour 600g of water into mixing bowl and insert the steaming basket. Place cauliflower florets into basket. Steam 15 min/120°C/speed 2. Set aside to cool slightly. Discard water.
  • Place the cream cheese, cream, ranch dressing and jalapeños into mixing bowl. Heat 2 min/60 ̊C/ speed 2.
  • Stir through half the cheese, half the bacon and half the chives. Follow from Step 4 in conventional method.

Video

Notes

Recipe Notes for Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese:
Ingredients:
  • Cauliflower: Choose fresh cauliflower florets as the base of your dish.
  • Heavy Cream: Use heavy cream to create a rich and creamy sauce.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and helps thicken the sauce.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese: opt for sharp cheddar for a strong flavor. Shred it yourself for best results.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan contributes a savory kick and enhances the cheesy goodness.
  • Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These seasonings add depth to the dish without adding carbs.
  • Dijon Mustard: A touch of sugar-free Dijon mustard enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Salt and Pepper: Season to taste, considering your dietary needs.
Storage:
  • Store leftover keto cauliflower mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • It’s best consumed within 2-3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.
Substitutes:
  • Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties like Gouda, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for unique flavor twists.
  • Vegetables: If you’d like to add more veggies, consider mixing in steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for added nutrients.
Serving Suggestions:
  • Standalone Dish: Enjoy the keto cauliflower mac and cheese as a comforting main course.
  • Protein Pairing: Serve alongside grilled chicken, baked salmon, or steak.
  • Salad Complement: Add a side salad of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness.
  • Crispy Topping: For some texture contrast, sprinkle crushed pork rinds or almond flour on top before baking.
  • Veggie Mix-in: Enhance the nutritional content by folding in some diced cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms.
Customize this keto cauliflower mac and cheese to fit your taste preferences and pair it with complementary dishes for a satisfying and indulgent low-carb meal.

Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 1serve | Calories: 348kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 360mg | Potassium: 391mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 672IU | Vitamin C: 49mg | Calcium: 144mg | Iron: 1mg | Magnesium: 24mg | Net Carbs: 5g
Tried this recipe?Mention @meganellam or tag #madcreations!

Share This Recipe

31 responses to “Cauliflower Mac and Cheese”

  1. Helen Jack

    5 stars
    This is simply divine! So nice to have hot or cold. You never feel like you are missing out with your recipes Megan; this is a classic example. This is a regular in our household!

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Yay! Thanks Helen

  2. Tracy Wilkinson

    5 stars
    I am so happy with this recipe. Tasty, spicy and the RANCH dressing is honestly what brings this to life. Make it and you’ll have left overs for any meals that need a push with dressings etc. I am loving Megan and her amazing recipes and am going to make a new one everyday. So excited for losing weight and eating delicious dishes. Thanks Megan & Dave

  3. Lisa K

    5 stars
    This is so simple but so delicious and a firm favourite to add to your pork crackling crusted schnitty.

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Its a big fave here too Lisa

  4. Monika

    I just made this now. Absolutely delicious. Thank you

  5. Shelly

    5 stars
    I can’t rave enough about this recipe. Since discovering it, it has been on the regular rotation pretty much weekly! Really hits the spot as the weather cools down too—even my non keto partner adores it! He likens it to his favourite jalapeño loaded fries, but better 🙂

    Hot tip: I make up the ranch which lasts for 3 batches of this Mac and cheese, plus a little left for drizzling on salads along the way 😉

    PS: I’m not a dill fan, so just left it out of the ranch spice mix and it was still amazing, if there are others on the fence about trying it! I always like to make a recipe exact to instructions first time before adapting it to my taste (I reckon you can’t really judge a recipe if you have subbed all the things right out of the gate!), so my non-love of dill held me back for far too long. I had the recipe book for almost a year before trying it, and realising what I was missing! So my fellow dill-avoidant, I say: makes this sans-dill right now. You are welcome in advance 😉

  6. SANDY

    Instead of grams what is recipe in ounces? And is thicken cream ..heavy ?cream ?

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Hi Sandy, If you search under the list of ingredients you will find a button to change it to cups and oz. Heavy cream is the same as thickened too. Merry Christmas

  7. Belinda

    5 stars
    I don’t normally like cauliflower but loved this recipe. Thank you Megan, I am so glad I have bought your latest two books!

  8. Rochelle B

    5 stars
    I just made this with added broccoli for dinner… it was soooooooo good!

  9. Lynda H

    5 stars
    Making this tonight as a side dish to another one of your favourite outlet dishes you have created Megan 😍
    I’m not a cauliflower eater especially when it’s frozen and diluted with extra water.
    Can not wait for my dinner tonight 💫🤤
    I can’t believe how simple it is to make it !!

    1. Megan

      A big fave of mine too Lynda. So happy you loved it too.

  10. Paula

    5 stars
    Love this recipe, so tasty as a main or side. And very easy to make.

  11. Aline

    5 stars
    Oh I love this recipe!! It reminds me of a cauliflower bake my mom used to make when we were kids – I’m trying it this weekend!! Can’t wait!!

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Awesome Aline. I hope you enjoy the recipe.

  12. Jessica Kirk

    5 stars
    So sorry I forgot the rating on your great dish!

  13. Jessica Kirk

    Can’t wait to try your mac and cheese. I’m constantly on the lookout for low-carb comfort foods for my family. Yum.

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      I am sure you will love it Jessica. Enjoy!

  14. Erica Schwarz

    5 stars
    Looks like a better compromise when splurging to use the cauliflower in place of pasta. Yum.

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Absolutely Erica and so much better for you

  15. Krissy Allori

    5 stars
    This is absolutely delicious!! No one would guess that it’s cauliflower. My whole family loved it.

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      That is so awesome Krissy. I am so glad it was a hit

  16. Emily

    5 stars
    This really is the best ever keto mac and cheese! So so good!

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      I totally agree Emily

  17. Lisa Huff

    5 stars
    Ranch, bacon, and cheese! Ummm sign me up! So many of my faves in one dish.

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Same. Not a bad mix at all

  18. Elaine

    5 stars
    Now that is some delicious cauliflower recipe I would LOVE to make some time this holiday season. Great tip on adding broccoli as an extra!

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Thanks Elaine. It is so good and yes broccoli would be amazing too.

  19. Sylvie

    5 stars
    Yum yum yum! This looks even more comforting than a classic mac and cheese! What a great way to eat more veggies – cant wait to try it!

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Oh thanks Sylvie it is waay better than the original I promise.

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