Name: Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large head cauliflower, cut into small pieces (about the size of the thumb), equal to 6-7 cups; 1 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp flour; ¾ cup milk; ½ tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp fine sea salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, off the block; ½ cup shredded gruyere cheese, off the block; ⅔ cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; ½ tsp fine sea salt; Minced parsley, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 279 reviews

If you are looking for a comforting twist on a classic favorite, this Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. It offers all the creamy, cheesy goodness of traditional mac and cheese but swaps out pasta for tender cauliflower florets, making it a lighter yet equally satisfying dish. The combination of sharp cheddar and nutty gruyere cheeses creates an indulgent sauce that perfectly clings to each bite of cauliflower, while a crispy golden breadcrumb topping adds just the right amount of crunch. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something warm and cozy without the carb overload, and it’s sure to become a beloved meal for your whole family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The left side shows a cooking setup with a white bowl filled with fine grated yellow cheese on the bottom left, and a smaller white bowl containing white grated cheese on the top left. A wooden cutting board in the center holds many raw cauliflower florets, off-white in color with a rough texture. A small knife with a white handle rests on the board. Below is a shiny, empty metal pot with black handles, placed on a white and beige striped cloth, all set on a white marbled surface. On the right side, a white square baking dish holds one even layer of pale yellow cauliflower florets, filling the dish almost to the top, all sitting on the same white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, creaminess, and texture that make this dish unforgettable. You’ll be amazed how easy it is to gather these staples and transform them into something extraordinary.

1 large head cauliflower: Cut into thumb-sized florets for perfect tenderness and bite-sized pieces.
1 tbsp butter: Essential for both the richness of the cheese sauce and greasing the baking dish.
1 tbsp flour: Helps to thicken the cheese sauce into a luscious consistency.
¾ cup milk: Use your favorite type to create a creamy base for the sauce.
½ tsp garlic powder: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the flavor.
1 tsp fine sea salt: Enhances all the other flavors throughout the dish.
Black pepper: Freshly ground adds a nice mild heat and aroma.
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, off the block for best texture and taste.
½ cup shredded gruyere cheese: Adds a nutty creaminess that rounds out the cheese sauce.
⅔ cup panko breadcrumbs: For a crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
1 tbsp unsalted butter (melted): Mixed with breadcrumbs to achieve a golden, crunchy crust.
½ tsp fine sea salt: Season the breadcrumb topping for balanced flavor.
Minced parsley: Optional garnish for a fresh pop of color and brightness.

How to Make Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Cauliflower

Begin by preheating your oven to 375ºF and greasing a 9×9 casserole dish with butter or oil. Then bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Carefully add your cauliflower florets and cook them for about 4 minutes until they are tender but still hold their shape. Drain well and pat dry to remove excess moisture before placing them in your prepared baking dish. This step ensures your “mac” base is perfectly cooked and not soggy.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter and immediately sprinkle in the flour. Stir constantly so it forms a smooth paste without browning. Gradually whisk in the milk, lowering the heat to medium, and let the mixture thicken for 3 to 5 minutes. Season with garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Next, add your shredded cheddar and gruyere cheese slowly, whisking until melted into a velvety sauce. Pour this luscious cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower in your baking dish, making sure every piece gets coated with creamy goodness.

Step 3: Create and Add the Breadcrumb Topping

In a small bowl, combine your panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and salt. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated with the buttery mixture. Sprinkle this golden topping over your cheesy cauliflower, creating a layer that will bake to crispy perfection. This contrast between creamy and crunchy is what makes this Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe truly special.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the breadcrumb topping is beautifully golden brown and crisp. When you remove it from the oven, let the dish rest for about 10 minutes to let the sauce set slightly and the flavors meld. This resting time makes serving easier and even more delicious.

How to Serve Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe

A white square baking dish filled with baked macaroni topped with a golden brown breadcrumb layer that covers the pasta completely, showing small bumps of macaroni underneath. The top layer has a light toasted color with some cheese mixed in, creating a textured, slightly crumbly surface. Next to the dish, a small white bowl with shredded cheese sits on a white marbled surface. There is a dark metal spoon resting on a gray cloth beneath the dish, and two silver forks on a white plate placed nearby. The whole scene is set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of minced fresh parsley is a simple yet effective way to brighten up your Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe before serving. It adds a lovely splash of color and a mild herbal freshness that balances the cheesy richness. For a bit of extra indulgence, you can also toss some crispy bacon bits or a pinch of smoked paprika on top.

Side Dishes

This dish shines as a comforting main, but pairing it with something fresh can elevate your meal. Crisp green salads with lemon vinaigrette, roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, or even a tangy coleslaw complement the creamy textures and hearty flavors perfectly. These sides provide contrast and green freshness to balance your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

To really impress your friends or family, try serving this Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets for personal portions with that irresistible bubbly crust. You can also layer it in a baking dish with cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms for a fuller meal. For potlucks, consider sprinkling extra cheese on top halfway through baking for an ultra-cheesy, gourmet finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers of Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe, cool them completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the dish will keep fresh for up to 3 to 4 days. This makes it a great option for batch cooking and easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

While this recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for longer storage. To freeze, prepare the dish through the baking step minus the breadcrumb topping, then cool and tightly wrap with foil or plastic wrap. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh breadcrumbs before baking to refresh the crunch.

Reheating

For reheating refrigerated Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe, the oven is your best friend to restore crispiness. Heat at 350ºF for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the topping regains its crunch. If in a hurry, the microwave works too, but you may lose some of the crispy texture, so consider topping with additional fresh crumbs and broiling briefly.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cauliflower can be a convenient substitute. Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before boiling to avoid excess water in your dish.

What type of milk is best for the cheese sauce?

Whole milk is ideal for a rich and creamy sauce, but you can use 2% or even lactose-free alternatives. Just avoid ultra-thin plant-based milks as they may affect the creaminess.

Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Absolutely! This Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe contains no meat or meat-based products, making it perfect for vegetarians who still want a hearty, comforting meal.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

While this recipe relies on real cheese for flavor and texture, you can experiment with dairy-free cheese substitutes and plant-based milk, but expect some variation in creaminess and taste.

How can I make the breadcrumb topping extra crunchy?

Using panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter helps create a beautifully crisp topping. You can also toast the breadcrumbs lightly in a pan before sprinkling them on top for enhanced texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of mac and cheese without the heavy carbs. Its creamy sauce, tender cauliflower, and crunchy topping come together to create a dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and let it become one of your family’s new favorites as well!

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need