You’re going to love this low carb alternative to macaroni and cheese! This cheesy cauliflower casserole is so full of cheesy goodness and SO satisfyingly easy to make that you won’t miss the original.
If you’ve been reading for a bit, you know my husband and I recently embarked on a new diet and lifestyle change. So far with the Ketogenic diet we have lost over 60 pounds combined since April. Pretty amazing right?
Well with any diet, there are certain cravings that can be enough to break some people. I would probably be one of those people if I didn’t see first hand the results from this way of eating.
So what’s on my list of things I miss? First off, bread. Like fresh, hot out of the oven with a crunchy crust, slathered in butter, bread. Excuse me while I wipe the drool from my chin.
Read Also: Keto and Low Carb Aldi Shopping Guide
Something else I miss? Macaroni and cheese. I love mac and cheese, especially the homemade, topped with breadcrumbs, loaded with cheese kind. But let’s be honest, right now I’d settle for the cheap blue box with powdered “cheese” kind and I would happily devour the entire box without remorse. Ok, maybe just a tiny bit of remorse.
But how do you make a low carb version of mac and cheese? With my favorite versatile veggie cauliflower of course! Who needs the blue box when you have this low carb cheesy cauliflower casserole instead?
Even if you aren’t following a low-carb or keto diet, you can still enjoy this cheesy cauliflower casserole. It’s a great way to jazz up the everyday boring side dish and with only a few ingredients, it couldn’t get any easier make. Go ahead and top it with crunchy bread crumbs or even crackers to give it a little crunch. I’ll look the other way.
Tips for making Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole, AKA Low Carb Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Make sure you drain off as much water as you can from the cauliflower after boiling. One reader even suggests roasting the cauliflower instead of boiling for extra flavor and to prevent the sauce from becoming runny from excess water. GREAT IDEA!
You can omit the mustard if you don’t like the flavor. I prefer to use a dijon or spicy mustard for extra flavor and kick, but regular yellow mustard works fine too. You could also use powdered mustard in a pinch.
Make sure to continuously stir the heavy cream when bringing it to a boil to prevent scalding and souring. It’s easy to scald heavy cream!
After the cheesy cauliflower casserole has cooked all the way, turn on the broiler for an extra bubbly topping. A few readers have suggested adding a topping of crushed pork rinds for an added crunch! Perfect!
Let the low carb cauliflower mac and cheese stand for about 5-10 minutes after baking to let the sauce get really thick.
More low carb recipes you’ll enjoy:
- Keto Cream Cheese Brownies
- One Pot Cheesy Chicken and Zoodles
- Bacon Alfredo Spaghetti Squash
- Cheesy Chicken Bacon Broccoli Bake
- Oven Roasted Cauliflower Steaks | Made in a Day
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Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole | Low-Carb, Keto
Loaded to the brim with gooey, cheesy goodness, this cheesy cauliflower casserole is the perfect low-carb and keto friendly macaroni and cheese substitute.
Ingredients
- 1 whole head of cauliflower, , cut into florets
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, , divided
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 and grease a 9x9 glass baking dish
- Bring large pot of water to a boil. Add cauliflower and 1/2 tsp salt and cook until cauliflower is just fork tender. Do not over cook.
- Drain cauliflower well and place back in pot. Set aside.
- In a small sauce pan, bring cream to a simmer, stirring well to avoid scorching.
- Whisk in cream cheese and mustard and stir until mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and whisk in 1 cup shredded cheese and seasonings.
- Pour over cauliflower and gently mix to combine.
- Place cauliflower in prepared dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned, or about 15 minutes.
- For an extra bubbly topping, broil on high for 2-3 minutes but be sure to watch carefully
Nutrition Information
Yield 6 Serving Size 6 servingsAmount Per Serving Calories 344Total Fat 31gSaturated Fat 18gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 92mgSodium 589mgCarbohydrates 7gNet Carbohydrates 5gFiber 2gSugar 4gProtein 12g
Debbie
Wednesday 3rd of March 2021
I know this will sound crazy to a lot of you, but I want to make this dish a little milder on the cheese. I like cheese, but maybe the cheddar was too sharp. Can I mix it up to make it milder? what cheese would you suggest?
Amanda
Thursday 4th of March 2021
Hi Debbie! Not crazy at all. You absolutely could switch out the cheese for something more mild. Perhaps a colby blend or harvarti?
Betsey
Saturday 25th of April 2020
Really great! Even hubby loved it after he got over the fact that there was no macaroni in it.
Lynnette
Tuesday 6th of August 2019
I love this recipe. I have made it many times now. I actually brought it to a work pot luck where many of us are doing KETO and low carb. It was a hit. Not a bite left in my dish. Several people asked for the recipe. I make this just about every week. It satisfy my comfort food need for something rich and cheesy.
Amanda
Wednesday 7th of August 2019
Thank you Lynnette! So glad you and your co-workers enjoyed the recipe!!
Pamela
Monday 25th of March 2019
This is simply FANTASTIC! perfect macros for me and beyond delicious. Great side for a meal or perfect on its on with a green salad. I’ve made a ton of actual Mac & cheese in my many years. I’ve also tried a few Keto versions and this one is by far the best. This is a staple for me!
Thanks!
Yoli
Sunday 3rd of February 2019
I made this recipe with some modifications, more of a vegetable casserole. I used frozen cauliflower and added brocolli florets, red and green peppers and since onions, because my hubby, a huge meat eater, decided he wanted some. I steamed the vegetables instead of roasting them. I subbed some of the cheddar for jalapeno cheese to give it a kick and chopped a vegetarian sausage and added it also. (https://www.target.com/p/field-roast-italian-vegetarian-sausage-12-95oz/-/A-53129347). My hubby loved it and i have already gotten a request for seconds.