Published 10/31/2023 Who says mac and cheese must be made with noodles? We put a Fit Foodie spin on traditional mac and cheese and the result was “chef’s kiss.” Instead of noodles, we use roasted cauliflower as the base of this recipe. It’s hearty, cheesy, and a wholesome alternative to the classic. Our #1 tip for cauliflower mac and cheese success? Roast the cauliflower for 24 minutes – no more, no less. This was the perfect amount of time to ensure just-right roasted cauliflower (not mushy and not too crispy). Simply roast the cauliflower in the oven, make the cheese sauce on the stovetop, combine everything together, and broil until golden perfection for the ultimate noodle-free mac and cheese!
What You Need for Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
This three cheese cauliflower mac and cheese recipe features roasted cauliflower and a homemade cheese sauce. Here’s what you need for each:
Cauliflower: toss the cauliflower in olive oil and season with spices. Butter + Flour: Melted butter and white whole wheat flour are the base of this cheese sauce. You’ll make a thick paste before adding the creamy ingredients. Milk + Cheese: 2% milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and cream cheese add creaminess and flavor to the sauce. For best results, grate your own cheddar cheese and make sure to use block-style cream cheese (not the cream cheese spread). Parmesan Cheese: Once the cauliflower and cheese sauce are combined, add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese before broiling for extra cheesiness.
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Variations
Customize this noodle-less mac and cheese recipe to your liking. Here are a few variations to try: Use broccoli florets instead of cauliflower (or half and half). Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cauliflower for a little heat. Make a half batch and bake in an 8×8-inch pan.
Storage
Leftover cauliflower mac and cheese is great as leftovers and reheats wonderfully. Let the cauliflower cool completely, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or in an oven-safe baking dish until warmed through. We don’t recommend freezing leftovers as the cheese sauce can become grainy when thawed and reheated.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this cauliflower “mac” and cheese as a main dish by itself or with your favorite toppings like: roasted broccoli, peas, steamed vegetables, pulled BBQ chicken, and more. The topping possibilities are endless!
Cauliflower Recipes
Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes Cauliflower Pizza Crust Cauliflower Taco Skillet Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Wings General Tso’s Cauliflower Golden Roasted Cauliflower and Quinoa Salad Loaded Cauliflower Potato Soup
It’s also delicious as a holiday side or with a salad or protein of choice (like bacon wrapped chicken or stuffed pork chops).
