Cauliflower Mac and Cheese as tasty as grandma’s mac & cheese

Published September 13, 2018
Updated November 13, 2025

Cauliflower mac and cheese is a budget-friendly, low carb, gluten-free, low sodium way to enjoy traditional macaroni and cheese.  Who doesn’t love such cheesy goodness on a cold winter day? This recipe was created and photographed by one of our Registered Dietitians for people who need to avoid gluten and/or balance their carbohydrate intake.  All you need for this easy and delicious recipe is one head of cauliflower, olive oil, milk, a few cheeses and spices.

See complete recipe below and let us know if you think it is as tasty as your grandma’s traditional mac & cheese.

If you are interested in other tasty side dishes that are low in carbs and/or gluten-free, you have come to the right place.  Take a look at the recipe database on this website and search for gluten-free or diabetes and you will find a wide variety of nutritious recipes that taste good too.

If you like our cauliflower mac and cheese, here ere are a few to give you an idea of other low carb recipes that we have to offer:

Cauliflower Mac & Cheese

Author: Amaris Galik
Prep 10 minutes
Cook 1 hour
Total 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 6
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American

Ingredients

  • 1 large cauliflower head
  • olive oil cooking spray
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 oz cream cheese reduced fat
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp garlic
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup cheese cheddar, shredded and mild
  • 1/2 cup Swiss cheese
  • salt and pepper to taste

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 450° F.
  2. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with olive oil spray.
  3. While oven is heating up, cut the head of cauliflower into small florets and place onto the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Place cauliflower in the heated oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes stir the cauliflower (being sure to flip the florets) and place back in the oven for another 15 minutes.
  5. While cauliflower is cooking, grease an 8 x 8 baking dish.
  6. Once cauliflower is finished, transfer it to the prepared 8 x 8 baking dish. Set oven to 375° F.
  7. Place 1 cup of milk in a saucepan and bring to a simmer.
  8. Add the cream cheese, dijon mustard, and garlic to the milk and stir until smooth.
  9. Once smooth, add the ½ cups of parmesan, mild cheddar, and swiss cheese along with a dash of salt and pepper. Whisk this until the cheeses are completely melted.
  10. Pour on top of cauliflower and mix.
  11. Bake in oven for 15 minutes. Once finished, let cool slightly, serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Carbohydrates10gProtein12gFat13gSodium309mgPotassium509mgFiber3g

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Please note:

Nutrition info is an estimate and may contain errors. 

Klara Knezevic has over a decade of experience in the nutrition field and currently serves as the CEO and co-owner of Rebecca Bitzer and Associates. Klara is passionate about sharing practical nutrition tips to help you feel confident in the choices that you make. Coauthor of Cooking with Food Sensitivities Survival Guide and Nourished: 10 Ingredients to Happy, Healthy Eating.

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