Name: 15-Minute Cauliflower Mac & Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
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

Stovetop Cauliflower Mac And Cheese

By Sarah Bond, BS Nutrition, MS Sensory Science, Updated Sep 30, 2025

4.75 from 32 ratings

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15 minutes

Serves 4 servings

36 Comments

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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!

Close up of cauliflower mac and cheese in a bowl.

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

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Labelled ingredients for cauliflower mac and cheese.

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.

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15-Minute Cauliflower Mac & Cheese

4.75 from 32 ratings

By: Sarah Bond

Prep: 10

Cook: 5

Total: 15

Servings: servings

With over a dozen raving reviews, this 15-minute stovetop cauliflower mac and cheese recipe is an easy low-carb keto dinner recipe. It's packed with rich flavor and is a tasty way to sneak in extra veggies. It's delicious for kids and adults!

Ingredients

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

For a melty browned top, transfer cooked cauliflower macaroni and cheese to a baking dish. Sprinkle with a bit more cheddar and broil in the oven for just a few minutes, until cheese has melted and is golden brown.

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!