Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is everything you want in a homemade mac and cheese — it’s creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy breadcrumbs — but with a veggie twist! Replacing pasta with perfectly cooked cauliflower florets results in a comforting "mac" and cheese that’s gluten-free and better for low-carb and keto diets without sacrificing flavor.
The best part? This cheesy Cauliflower side dish is quick and easy to make using common refrigerator and pantry staples in just 40 minutes, with only 15 minutes of actual prep work. You need to add this to your weeknight dinner rotation!
Why You'll Love this Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipes
- A low carb mac and cheese. By switching out traditional pasta with cauliflower florets, you can enjoy a lower-carb and more nutrient-dense version of classic mac and cheese. This cheesy cauliflower is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet!
- It's comforting and cheesy. Want to offer a veggie side dish that will have everyone wanting seconds? This baked cauliflower casserole is it! The homemade cheese sauce is made with 3 types of cheese for the ultimate decadent cheese sauce. Both kids and adults will love the crunchy topping and generously cheesy cauliflower underneath.
- Crispy breadcrumb crust. This cauliflower mac and cheese imitates the iconic homemade pasta perfectly with a cheesy, golden-brown breadcrumb topping. If you love homemade mac and cheese, this cauliflower version is just the thing for you. Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to keep the mac and cheese gluten-free!
- Great alternative to pasta. Getting tired of serving a pasta side at every meal? Mix things up with this pasta-like cauliflower "mac" and cheese! The perfectly tender cauliflower florets smothered in a homemade cheese sauce make the perfect swap for pasta at any meal.
- Easy way to sneak in veggies. If you have picky eaters at home, this cauliflower mac and cheese is a great way to sneak in some more veggies into their diet without them even realizing it!
Ingredient Notes
To make this easy baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):
- cauliflower florets - this recipe works best with fresh cauliflower, so you can cut up your own heads or buy pre-cut florets and trim them to size as needed.
- unsalted butter - using unsalted butter gives you more control over flavor, but you can use salted butter if that’s what you have. Be sure to reduce or omit the salt called for in the recipe.
- all-purpose flour - to keep the recipe gluten-free, use a measure-for-measure gluten-free flour.
- milk - use regular dairy milk or try a plant-based milk like coconut milk instead.
- garlic powder - onion powder will also work in place of the garlic powder.
- cheddar cheese - you can use pre-shredded cheese to save time or buy a block and grate it yourself. You can also try Colby Jack or Monterey Jack instead.
- parmesan cheese - if you’re out of parmesan cheese, try Asiago instead.
- mozzarella cheese - mozzarella can be swapped for Monterey Jack or more cheddar as needed.
- salt
- panko breadcrumbs - you can use either regular or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- paprika - if you don’t have paprika, try a bit of chili powder in its place.
You will also need measuring cups and spoons, a large skillet, small mixing bowl, large cooking pot, large saucepan, and 2.5 quart casserole dish (or 8-inch square baking dish).
How to Make the Best Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
First, make the breadcrumb topping.
- Toast the breadcrumbs. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in panko breadcrumbs and cook for about 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown.
- Season. Transfer into a small mixing bowl and stir in the paprika and salt. Set aside.
Next, cook the cauliflower.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add cauliflower florets and cook until tender but still slightly firm, about 5 minutes. Drain well, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
Now, make the sauce.
- Make the roux. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to make a roux. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes until the roux is light and golden.
- Add milk. Gradually add in milk, whisking constantly until well incorporated and thickened.
- Add cheese. Add garlic powder, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese and reduce the heat to low. Turn off the heat and stir until all the cheese has melted.
- Toss in cauliflower. Add in cooked cauliflower and toss well.
Finally, assemble and bake.
- Assemble. Transfer the cauliflower mixture into a 2.5 quart casserole dish (or an 8-inch square baking dish). Sprinkle the panko breadcrumb topping evenly on top.
- Bake. Bake in a 375F preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let cool down for 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Try riced cauliflower. If you’re not a fan of the texture of cauliflower, try riced cauliflower instead. The smaller the pieces of cauliflower, the easier it will be to eat! Be sure to monitor it while it cooks as you’ll have to reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.
- Add cooked protein. Want to make this a bit more filling? Add in some cooked chicken, bacon, lobster, or shrimp, or tofu to add extra bulk and flavor.
- Customize the cheese. We used cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan, but you can use any kind of cheese that you like! I recommend option for a cheese that melts easily. Try Gruyere, Gouda, or Brie.
- Male it spicy. If you love a bit of heat, kick up the spice level by tossing in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Add veggies. Make this cauliflower macaroni more hearty by adding in extra veggies. Try spinach, mushrooms, green peppers, or corn.
How to Serve
This Cauliflower "Mac" and Cheese is delicious served as a main dish paired with some side dishes or as a side dish alongside a filling entree. Some of our favorite dishes to pair with this are:
- Kale Caesar Salad
- Oven Roasted Vegetables
- Garlic Breadsticks
- Caprese Sandwich
- Balsamic Chicken Kabobs
- Basil Tomato Soup
- Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Coleslaw
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Even cauliflower florets. To ensure even cooking, cut the cauliflower into even-sized florets. This will help them to cook uniformly so that they all have the same texture.
- Don’t overcook the cauliflower. You can to cook the cauliflower until just tender but still crisp and firm (about 5 minutes). If you cook the cauliflower too long, it can release excess water and cause the "mac" and cheese to become watery and mushy.
- Don’t split the cheese. One of the biggest mistakes you can make when cooking any mac and cheese from scratch is accidentally splitting the sauce. This usually happens when the cheese is added to a sauce when it’s too hot — so make sure you turn off the heat and give it a few seconds to stop bubbling before carefully stirring in the cheese.
- Keep it gluten-free. To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour for the roux. Also, opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs, or leave it out if you prefer.
- Let it rest. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after baking and before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
How to Store
Store any leftover cauliflower mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
How to Reheat
Reheat leftovers in a casserole pan in a 350℉ preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until uniformly heated through. You can also reheat it on a skillet on the stove over medium-low heat until warmed through and the cheese is melted.
How to Freeze
Allow the cauliflower macaroni and cheese to cool completely before wrapping the casserole pan tightly in a layer plastic cling wrap and another layer of aluminum foil or transfer it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw overnight before reheating and serving.
More Cauliflower Recipes
- Cauliflower Tots
- Mashed Cauliflower
- Baked Cauliflower Nuggets
- Creamy Garlic Cauliflower Soup
- Cauliflower Tacos
- Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites
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