Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Side

Missing the gooey, cheesy comfort of macaroni and cheese on your low-carb diet? This Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is the perfect solution! By substituting cauliflower florets for pasta, you get all the warmth and indulgence of the classic dish without the carbs. Furthermore, the combination of sharp cheddar cheese and nutty Gruyère cheese creates a rich, complex sauce that is absolutely irresistible. This easy, low-carb side dish is ready in minutes and perfect for any dinner table.

Ingredients for the Creamiest Keto Mac & Cheese

• Cauliflower florets: The low-carb substitute for macaroni; they absorb the rich cheese sauce beautifully.
• Almond flour: Used to create a quick, low-carb roux when combined with the butter, which helps the sauce thicken.
• Butter: Used to melt the almond flour and create the roux base for the sauce.
• Heavy cream: Provides the necessary liquid and fat content for the creamy sauce base.
• Salt: Essential seasoning to bring out the sharp flavor of the cheese.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Provides the familiar, tangy, classic mac and cheese flavor.
• Gruyère cheese: Adds a deep, nutty, and complex flavor that elevates the sauce beyond standard cheddar.

How to Make Keto Cauliflower Mac & Cheese

This recipe moves quickly and involves three distinct phases: steaming the cauliflower, building the creamy cheese sauce, and combining the elements.

1. Steaming the Cauliflower

The key to a good texture is steaming the cauliflower just until it’s tender, not mushy.

1. Steam: Place a steamer basket in a large stockpot and fill the pot with 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil.
2. Cook: Add the cauliflower florets to the steamer basket, cover, and let steam for 3-5 minutes or until the cauliflower is fork tender.
3. Set Aside: Remove from heat and any water and set aside.

2. Building the Low-Carb Cheese Sauce

This phase creates the thick, creamy sauce using a low-carb version of a traditional roux.

1. Make Roux: To a medium sauce pan, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in almond flour and stir for 30 seconds.
2. Add Cream: Slowly add heavy cream while stirring constantly. Add salt.
3. Thicken Base: Let mixture come to a boil and let simmer for 5-7 minutes or until mixture has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4. Add Cheese: Once cream base has thickened, slowly add in shredded cheese, adding in a handful at a time and stirring until smooth. Continue until all the cheese has melted and cheese sauce is smooth and creamy. Remove from heat.

3. Finishing and Serving

1. Combine: Add cauliflower florets into the cheese sauce and stir until florets are well coated.
2. Serve: Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes and Serving Suggestions

• Cheese Blend: Substitutions: You can substitute the Gruyère with another excellent melting cheese like white cheddar or Monterey Jack, but the Gruyère adds a unique depth.
• Cauliflower Texture: Doneness: Do not over-steam the cauliflower! It should be just fork-tender. If it is too soft, it will fall apart when stirred into the sauce.
• Making it Ahead: The sauce can be made an hour ahead of time and kept warm on very low heat. However, it is best to steam the cauliflower and combine just before serving for the best texture.
• Serving Suggestions: This keto cauliflower mac & cheese is the ultimate side dish for protein like steak, grilled chicken, or pork chops.