Best 10 Cauliflower Mac And Cheese Casserole Recipes

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Cauliflower mac and cheese casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables, and it is also a great dish to serve at parties or potlucks. Cauliflower mac and cheese casserole is made with a combination of cauliflower, macaroni noodles, cheese, and a creamy sauce. The cauliflower adds a healthy twist to the classic mac and cheese dish, and it also helps to reduce the calories and fat content. Overall, this is a delicious and healthy dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

BAKED CAULIFLOWER "MAC" AND CHEESE



Baked Cauliflower

Low Carb Cheesy Baked Cauliflower "Mac" and Cheese is perfect when you're craving macaroni and cheese-without the pasta!

Provided by Gina

Categories     Dinner     Lunch     Side Dish     Snack

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 8

8 cups chopped cauliflower florets (1/2-inch pieces (26 oz))
1 tbsp Real California butter
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/4 cup minced onion
3 tbsp flour (use ap gluten-free flour for GF)
2 cups fat free Real California milk
7 ounces freshly grated Real California sharp cheddar (about 2 cups total)
1/2 teaspoons salt

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
  • Place 1 inch of water in a large pot with 1 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil. Add the cauliflower and cook until tender crisp, 6 to 7 minutes. Drain and set aside in a large bowl.
  • Heat butter and oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and cook about 2 minutes.
  • Stir in flour. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring continually 3 - 4 minutes, to cook out the flour.
  • Add the milk and continue whisking, raising heat to medium-high until it comes to a boil and becomes smooth and thick, about 2 minutes stirring; season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper.
  • Once it becomes thick, remove from heat completely onto another burner if possible. Add the cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup at a time mixing well until cheese is all melted.
  • Stir in cooked cauliflower, then pour into a baking dish and bake until bubbly and golden, about 15 to 20 minutes. Then broil 2 minutes, or until the top is slightly browned.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 1/4 cups, Calories 238 kcal, Carbohydrate 16.5 g, Protein 14 g, Fat 14.5 g, SaturatedFat 8.5 g, Cholesterol 42 mg, Sodium 381 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 7 g

CAULIFLOWER "MAC AND CHEESE" BAKE



Cauliflower

Replace macaroni with cauliflower in our twist on a classic Mac and Cheese. Our imposter pasta is sure to become a new family favourite.

Provided by Cracker Barrel

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     CRACKER BARREL Shreds

Time 45m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

6 cups small cauliflower florets
3 tablespoons non-hydrogenated margarine, divided
1 onion, chopped
⅓ cup flour
2 teaspoons dry mustard
2 ½ cups milk
1 ½ cups CRACKER BARREL Shredded Double Cheddar Cheese, divided
⅓ cup KRAFT 100% Parmesan Aged Grated Cheese, divided
½ cup panko bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Cook cauliflower in boiling water in large saucepan 4 minutes; drain well.
  • Melt 2 Tbsp. margarine in large saucepan on medium heat. Add onions; cook and stir 3 minutes or until crisp-tender. Stir in flour and mustard; cook and stir 1 minute. Whisk in milk; cook 5 minutes or until thickened, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Add 1-1/4 cups Cheddar and 3 Tbsp. Parmesan; stir until Cheddar is melted. Add cauliflower; stir to evenly coat. Spoon into 2.5-L casserole dish sprayed with cooking spray.
  • Microwave remaining margarine in medium microwaveable bowl on HIGH 30 sec. or until melted. Stir in bread crumbs and remaining Parmesan; sprinkle over cauliflower mixture.
  • Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through, topping with remaining Cheddar for the last 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 320.7 calories, Carbohydrate 25.4 g, Cholesterol 22.6 mg, Fat 18.7 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 16.2 g, SaturatedFat 9.7 g, Sodium 460.5 mg, Sugar 8.8 g

CAULIFLOWER "MAC" AND CHEESE



Cauliflower

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 50m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon butter, plus more for the pan
1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
1 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
Hot sauce, as needed
1 cup grated pepper jack cheese
One 4-ounce log fresh goat cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a baking dish with butter.
  • Cook the cauliflower in the boiling water until just crisp-tender, about 10 minutes. Drain well.
  • In a large saucepan, heat the milk and butter over medium heat. Whisk in the dry mustard and add some hot sauce, salt and pepper. Just before the milk comes to a boil, turn off the heat and stir in the pepper jack and goat cheese. When melted and smooth, stir in the cauliflower. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle over the Parmesan.
  • Bake until the top is golden brown and the mixture is bubbling, about 30 minutes. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER BAKED MAC AND CHEESE



Buffalo Cauliflower Baked Mac and Cheese image

This incredible and substantial side dish has that traditional buffalo-wing flavor, but without any meat. Serve with extra hot sauce on the side for your friends and family who love heat.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h35m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

7 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the dish
Kosher salt
1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
1 pound elbow macaroni
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup hot sauce, plus more for serving, preferably Frank's RedHot
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons dry mustard
2 1/2 cups half-and-half
1 pound sharp yellow Cheddar, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 3 1/2 cups)
8 ounces pepper jack cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
2/3 cup sour cream
1 cup panko
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and butter a 13-by-9-inch baking dish.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and fill a large bowl with ice water. Cook the cauliflower until just tender, about 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove the cauliflower and immediately submerge it in the ice water to cool completely, then drain. Bring the salted water back to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, melt 3 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the celery and onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the blanched cauliflower and garlic and cook 2 minutes, then add 1/2 cup hot sauce and simmer until slightly thickened, about 1 minute more.
  • Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and mustard until smooth. Whisk in the half-and-half, then add the remaining 1/4 cup hot sauce and stir until thick, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the Cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, then whisk in the sour cream until smooth.
  • Spread half of the macaroni in the prepared baking dish and pour over about half of the cheese sauce. Top with the cauliflower mixture and the remaining macaroni. Pour the remaining cheese sauce evenly on top.
  • Put the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl and microwave until melted, about 30 seconds. Stir in the panko, blue cheese and parsley. Sprinkle over the macaroni and bake until bubbly, 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes, then serve with additional hot sauce on the side.

CAULIFLOWER "MAC 'N' CHEESE" CASSEROLE



Cauliflower

This gluten-free dish offers all the melty goodness of a mac 'n' cheese dinner, without the carb-heavy pasta. A dash of curry powder adds a gentle hint of spice that makes this a freezer dinner the whole family can get excited about. Make a double batch and freeze an extra for an emergency dinner that's actually delicious.

Provided by Anna Stockwell

Categories     Freezer Food     Macaroni and Cheese     Cauliflower     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Cheese     Milk/Cream     Dinner     Vegetarian     Cheese Week

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

8 cups coarsely chopped cauliflower (about 2 pounds)
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1 1/2 cups whole milk
6 ounces cream cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
6 ounces mozzarella, shredded (about 1 1/4 cups)
6 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded (about 1 1/4 cup), plus more for sprinkling
1 tablespoon finely chopped chives (optional)
Special Equipment
1 (2-quart) or 4 (2-cup) freezer-to-oven-safe baking dishes

Steps:

  • Toss cauliflower and 1/4 tsp. salt in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, pierce plastic with a knife a few times to vent, and microwave on high 10 minutes. Carefully remove plastic and transfer cauliflower to a colander. Let cool to room temperature, then transfer to a large bowl.
  • Meanwhile, cook milk, cream cheese, curry powder, mustard, and remaining 1 tsp. salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth, about 4 minutes. Let cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Add cauliflower and toss to combine. Add mozzarella and 6 oz. cheddar and toss to combine-mixture should be cool enough so cheese doesn't melt. Transfer cauliflower mixture to freezer-to-oven-safe baking dish or dishes.
  • If baking immediately, preheat oven to 350°F. Cover dish with foil and bake casserole until heated through and just beginning to bubble, about 45 minutes for large dish, or about 30 minutes for small dishes. Remove foil and sprinkle cheddar over. Heat broiler and broil until top is browned and bubbling, 2-5 minutes.
  • If freezing to bake later, cover dish with an airtight lid or double layer of plastic wrap and freeze up to 3 months. To cook, preheat oven to 350°F. Cover dish with foil and bake casserole 45 minutes for large dish, or 30 minutes for small dishes. Remove foil and stir well with a rubber spatula. Continue to bake, uncovered, until just bubbling and heated through, 10-15 minutes more. Sprinkle cheddar over. Heat broiler and broil until top is browned and bubbling, 2-5 minutes.
  • To cook individually portioned frozen casseroles in the microwave, partially cover and microwave on high 4 minutes. Uncover, stir, and microwave at 1-minute intervals until heated through, 4-5 minutes more.
  • Top with chives, if using, before serving.
  • Do Ahead
  • Casserole(s) can be assembled 1 day ahead; cover and chill, or freeze up to 3 months.

CAULIFLOWER "MAC" AND CHEESE CASSEROLE



Cauliflower

Cauliflower "mac" and cheese is a great alternative to a pasta side dish. It's rich and creamy and gets the kids to love cauliflower!

Provided by Leigh K

Categories     Side Dish     Vegetables     Cauliflower

Time 50m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

cooking spray
1 large head cauliflower, cut into small florets
1 cup heavy cream
2 ounces cream cheese, cut into small pieces
1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 ½ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
⅛ teaspoon ground coriander

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spray a baking dish lightly with cooking spray.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add cauliflower and cook until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
  • Bring cream to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in cream cheese and mustard until smooth. Add 1 cup Cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and coriander. Whisk just until the cheese melts, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour over cauliflower, stirring gently to combine. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until light brown and bubbly, about 15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 345.6 calories, Carbohydrate 9.6 g, Cholesterol 100.9 mg, Fat 29.5 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 12.9 g, SaturatedFat 18.5 g, Sodium 490.5 mg, Sugar 3.6 g

CAULIFLOWER MACARONI AND CHEESE CASSEROLE



Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese Casserole image

A delicious way to enjoy cauliflower with a creamy cheese sauce that really adds much moisture to this casserole.

Provided by Cheerios

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 1h10m

Yield 7

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 cup sausage links
1 ½ cups elbow macaroni
1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
¼ cup butter, melted, or more as needed
¼ cup all-purpose flour, or more as needed
1 ½ cups milk
2 cups grated Cheddar cheese, divided
2 slices bread, toasted

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish.
  • Heat a skillet over medium heat; cook sausage until heated through, 5 to 7 minutes. Cut sausage into small cubes.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain.
  • Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add cauliflower, cover, and steam until tender, 5 to 6 minutes.
  • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; add flour and cook until a thick paste forms, 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly mix milk into butter-flour mixture until sauce is smooth and thickened, 2 to 4 minutes. Stir 1 cup Cheddar cheese into sauce until melted and smooth.
  • Spread cauliflower into the prepared casserole dish; top with macaroni, covering the entire surface. Stir cheese sauce into cauliflower and macaroni until well coated. Sprinkle 1 cup Cheddar cheese over the top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted and bubbling, about 35 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 395.3 calories, Carbohydrate 31.2 g, Cholesterol 64.9 mg, Fat 22.5 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 17.6 g, SaturatedFat 13 g, Sodium 489.4 mg, Sugar 5.5 g

CAULIFLOWER "MAC" AND CHEESE



Cauliflower

Somewhere between macaroni and cheese, British cauliflower cheese and a cauliflower gratin is this burbling dish of tangy, creamy cauliflower. Cauliflower florets cut into noodle-size pieces step in for macaroni in this pasta-less macaroni and cheese; they're roasted and draped in a mixture of melty Cheddar, heavy cream, garlic and cayenne. You could also add mustard, thyme or rosemary, or even caramelized onions, and swap out the Cheddar for Gruyère or another cheese. As the cauliflower cooks in the cream mixture, the cream thickens slightly and the cauliflower continues to brown. Serve it with a bright, crisp salad to offset the richness.

Provided by Ali Slagle

Categories     dinner, weekday, casseroles, vegetables, main course, side dish

Time 35m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 large cauliflower (2 1/2 pounds), cut into small florets the size of macaroni
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 1/2 cups grated Cheddar (about 6 ounces)
1 cup heavy cream
1 garlic clove, finely grated
1/4 teaspoon cayenne

Steps:

  • Heat the oven to 450 degrees. Toss the cauliflower with the olive oil on a baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper, spread in an even layer and roast until browned and cooked through but retaining some bite, about 15 minutes.
  • Transfer the cauliflower to an 8-inch or other 2-quart baking dish. (You could also bake this in individual ramekins; just mix the cauliflower with the other ingredients in a medium bowl before dividing.) Reserve 1/4 cup Cheddar. Add the remaining 1 1/4 cups Cheddar, heavy cream, garlic and cayenne to the cauliflower and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper, then top with the reserved 1/4 cup Cheddar.
  • Roast until the cream has thickened, the cheese has melted, and some of the cauliflower is browned on top, 15 to 20 minutes. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.

CAULIFLOWER "MACARONI" AND CHEESE



Cauliflower

A healthier version of the classic comfort food... it won for "Best Mac and Cheese" at our annual cookout, kids love it, and you don't feel as guilty!

Provided by angelinamarie3

Categories     Cauliflower Side Dishes

Time 40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon minced garlic
½ cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a baking dish.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cauliflower and cook until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat, drain, and set on paper towels to dry.
  • Meanwhile, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and cook until bubbling. Slowly add 1 cup Cheddar cheese; cook, stirring constantly, until sauce is thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Place cauliflower in the prepared baking dish. Pour cheese sauce over top and stir until thoroughly coated. Sprinkle remaining Cheddar cheese over top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is fully melted, about 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 261.8 calories, Carbohydrate 6.3 g, Cholesterol 71.8 mg, Fat 21.8 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 11.7 g, SaturatedFat 13.7 g, Sodium 283.9 mg, Sugar 2.5 g

CHEESY HAM AND CAULIFLOWER CASSEROLE (MOCK MAC AND CHEESE)



Cheesy Ham and Cauliflower Casserole (Mock Mac and Cheese) image

"Macaroni and cheese with ham, made using cauliflower in place of the pasta. Serve with fresh veggies."

Provided by Joey Joan

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
1 1/2 cups milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1/8 teaspoon dried minced onion
1 pinch garlic powder, or to taste
salt and ground black pepper to taste
3 cups chopped cooked ham
2 cups french-fried onions

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  • Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add cauliflower, cover, and steam until tender yet firm to the bite, 2 to 6 minutes.
  • While cauliflower steams, heat milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Mix softened butter and flour together until it forms a ball. Melt flour ball into heated milk; lower heat and stir constantly until thickened. Add Cheddar cheese, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; heat until cheese is completely melted.
  • Combine cauliflower, ham, and cheese sauce in a large bowl. Gently mix together. Pour into the prepared baking pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Top with french-fried onions and bake for 10 minutes more. Let sit for 5 minutes or more before serving.

Tips:

  • To achieve the perfect creamy texture, use a combination of sharp cheddar cheese and cream cheese.
  • For a crispy topping, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
  • Add some chopped bacon or cooked chicken to the cauliflower mixture for extra flavor.
  • If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the cauliflower mixture to a baking dish before adding the topping.
  • Be sure to let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving so that it has time to set.

Conclusion:

This cauliflower mac and cheese casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It is low in carbs and high in flavor, making it a great option for those who are watching their weight or following a ketogenic diet. The casserole can be easily customized to your liking, so feel free to experiment with different cheeses, toppings, and seasonings.

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