Cheesy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, comforting keto version of mac and cheese made with steamed cauliflower and sharp cheddar for a low-carb comfort meal. This american-inspired keto (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs cauliflower florets, butter, cheddar cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Steam 2 cups cauliflower florets until very tender (about 10 minutes), then transfer to a food processor. Add 1 tbsp butter, 1/4 cup shredded cheddar, 1/4 cup grated parmesan, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/4 tsp mustard powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
  3. Step 3: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1-2 minutes until hot and bubbling, or serve at room temperature.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheesy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cheesy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cauliflower florets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cheesy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cheesy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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