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.
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
Chop streaky bacon and fry until crispy.
In a large bowl combine cream cheese, cream, Ranch Dressing, jalapeños, and half the cheese and half the chives.
Fold through cauliflower and half the bacon.
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.
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.
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.
- Keto Potato Salad
- Cheese and Bacon Cauliflower Buns
- Keto Cauliflower Wraps
- How to make Cauliflower Rice Tasty
Watch Me Make It
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 400 g cauliflower cut into florets
- 100 g cream cheese
- 1/2 cup thickened cream 125g
- 1/2 cup Ranch Dressing 125g click for recipe
- 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese 50g
- 4 slices streaky bacon roughly chopped
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
31 responses to “Cauliflower Mac and Cheese”
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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!-
Yay! Thanks Helen
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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 -
This is so simple but so delicious and a firm favourite to add to your pork crackling crusted schnitty.-
Its a big fave here too Lisa
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I just made this now. Absolutely delicious. Thank you
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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 😉
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Instead of grams what is recipe in ounces? And is thicken cream ..heavy ?cream ?
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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
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I don’t normally like cauliflower but loved this recipe. Thank you Megan, I am so glad I have bought your latest two books! -
I just made this with added broccoli for dinner… it was soooooooo good! -
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 !!-
A big fave of mine too Lynda. So happy you loved it too.
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Love this recipe, so tasty as a main or side. And very easy to make. -
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!!-
Awesome Aline. I hope you enjoy the recipe.
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So sorry I forgot the rating on your great dish! -
Can’t wait to try your mac and cheese. I’m constantly on the lookout for low-carb comfort foods for my family. Yum.
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I am sure you will love it Jessica. Enjoy!
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Looks like a better compromise when splurging to use the cauliflower in place of pasta. Yum.-
Absolutely Erica and so much better for you
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This is absolutely delicious!! No one would guess that it’s cauliflower. My whole family loved it.-
That is so awesome Krissy. I am so glad it was a hit
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This really is the best ever keto mac and cheese! So so good!-
I totally agree Emily
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Ranch, bacon, and cheese! Ummm sign me up! So many of my faves in one dish.-
Same. Not a bad mix at all
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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!-
Thanks Elaine. It is so good and yes broccoli would be amazing too.
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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!-
Oh thanks Sylvie it is waay better than the original I promise.
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