Smoked Gouda Cauliflower 'Mac' with Chives
Creamy, cheesy cauliflower 'mac' made with smoked Gouda and fresh chives, a comforting keto-friendly alternative to traditional pasta. This American-inspired keto recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs Cauliflower, Smoked Gouda cheese, Heavy cream for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head, riced (4 cups) Cauliflower
- 1 cup, shredded Smoked Gouda cheese
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Onion powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped, for garnish Chives
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Steam 4 cups riced cauliflower for 10-12 minutes until tender but not mushy, then drain thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer.
- Step 2: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until fragrant (30 seconds).
- Step 3: Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1 cup shredded smoked Gouda until smooth and thickened (3-4 minutes), stirring constantly.
- Step 4: Add drained cauliflower to saucepan and stir until evenly coated and heated through (2 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped chives.
- Step 5: Serve immediately, garnished with extra chives for a creamy, cheesy dish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoked Gouda Cauliflower 'Mac' with Chives take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Smoked Gouda Cauliflower 'Mac' with Chives?
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 from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Gouda Cauliflower 'Mac' with Chives?
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 Smoked Gouda Cauliflower 'Mac' with Chives for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Smoked Gouda Cauliflower 'Mac' with Chives 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My family loved this cauliflower mac, even my picky eater. So creamy and satisfying!
- ★★★★★
Absolutely delicious and so easy to make. Will be a staple in my keto diet.
- ★★★★★
This is the best keto mac I've ever had! The smoked gouda flavor is perfect.
