This post contains affiliate links.
With dozens of raving reviews, this 15-minute stovetop cauliflower mac and cheese recipe is an easy low-carb dinner recipe. It’s packed with rich flavor and is a tasty way to sneak in extra veggies!
save this recipe!Cauliflower is the chameleon of the kitchen. It’s mild in flavor, so it can take on any other flavor, and its white color makes it easy to disguise. From Thanksgiving “Turkey” to pizza crust, cauliflower is one of the most versatile veggies.
So today, let’s use it to make cauliflower mac and cheese! It has just five ingredients and is ready in 15 minutes!
Reader rating
“This recipe was unbelievable!!! I am no chef but you made it so easy and tastes absolutely amazing, thank you so much! Will definitely be using more of your recipes!” —Jessica
Key ingredients
- Cauliflower: I like to chop it myself, but to save even more time, buy it pre-chopped!
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar cheese is my go-to, but feel free to sub half of the cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack!
- Cream Cheese: While most macaroni recipes rely on a flour roux to add creamy thickness, we’ll simply use cream cheese.
- Mustard: Our secret ingredient that brings everything together! It brings a pop of zing that makes this dish feel less heavy.
15-Minute Cauliflower Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower
- 8 oz block cheddar cheese, shredded, 225 g
- 4 oz cream cheese, 113 g
- 1 tsp dijon mustard, 5 g
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Cook: Roughly chop 1 large head cauliflower into bite-sized pieces. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, setting your steamer basket over it. Add cauliflower to the basket, cover, and let steam for about 10 minutes, or until cauliflower is fork-tender.Alternatively, you can microwave the cauliflower (in a covered bowl for 5 to 7 minutes) or boil the cauliflower (in a large pot of water for 5 mintues).
- Stir: Remove from heat and pour the water out of the pot then add the steamed cauliflower, 8 oz block cheddar cheese (shredded), 4 oz cream cheese, 1 tsp dijon mustard, and ½ tsp salt, stirring until the hot cauliflower has fully melted the cheese. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Happy eating!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information calculated by Sarah Bond, degreed nutritionist.
did you make this?Leave a comment below and tag @liveeatlearn on social media! I love seeing what you’ve made!More hidden cauliflower recipes
We love hiding cauliflower in recipes. If you have more cauliflower to use, here are a few of our favorites!
- Cauliflower Fried Rice: Rather than use rice, try using cauliflower to make low-carb fried rice.
- Fluffy Mashed Cauliflower: Another perfect keto option that is also beloved at holiday tables!
Could you use frozen steamed cauliflower?
That should work! Just make sure it’s piping hot when you mix in the cheeses 🙂
Allergic to cream cheese need a tasty alternative?
Can you do any dairy? Plain yogurt would be good here. Otherwise I’d go with a vegan cream cheese 🙂
Must have over-steamed the cauliflower, because I have delicious mashed cheesy cauliflower. Think next time I’ll use Greek yogurt.
My husband loved this and he hates cauliflower! Super easy and quick, and sooo 😋 delicious!
Thrilled you loved it, thanks for the review!
OMG! I just made this and it is SO good. Next time I will make a double batch.
Thrilled you loved it, thanks for the review!
This worked exactly as written, thanks!
Thanks for making it and sharing!
This cauliflower mac is delicious! I added 1 cup if macaroni, I couldn’t resist and it turned out perfect! So easy, so delicious 😋I’m new to your website and I’m loving it. I already shared it with both my siblings who are vegetarian. I can’t wait to try more recipes. Thank you
Thanks for cooking with me Beverly, can’t wait for you to try more!
Any suggestions for a mustard replacement? It’s the one thing I really can’t stand, no matter how ‘camouflaged’ it is with other ingredients. Thank you!
You can just omit it in this one! 🙂
This was delicious! I took the cauliflower out of the steamer, transferred it to my cast iron skillet and sprinkled cauliflower breadcrumbs & parsley on top, then put it in my broiler for about 10 minutes. Soo good!!!
Thanks for making my day with your comment Megan!