Description
A creamy, cheesy, and low-carb cauliflower mac and cheese made with just five simple ingredients. This keto-friendly dinner is ready in 25 minutes and tastes better than takeout.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head cauliflower (about 4–5 cups florets / 600g), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated (200g)
- ½ cup heavy cream (120ml)
- 2 tablespoons butter (30g)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: ½ cup cooked crumbled bacon, 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs, or hot sauce
Instructions
- Wash and cut the cauliflower into uniform florets. If using frozen, thaw and squeeze out excess water thoroughly.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cauliflower and blanch for 5-7 minutes until tender but firm (al dente).
- Drain the cauliflower immediately and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Pat dry with paper towels.
- In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter until bubbling gently.
- Add heavy cream, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the grated cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
- Add the blanched cauliflower to the cheese sauce and toss gently to coat.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or mustard if needed. Serve immediately.
Notes
Grate your own cheese to ensure a smooth sauce; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent melting. Remove the pan from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation. Squeeze water out of cauliflower thoroughly to avoid a watery sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 26
- Saturated Fat: 16
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
Keywords: low-carb, keto, cauliflower mac and cheese, keto dinner, 5-ingredient recipe, gluten-free, comfort food, sharp cheddar