Description
A delicious and comforting low-carb twist on classic mac and cheese featuring roasted cauliflower coated in a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce. This recipe is perfect for those looking to enjoy a cheesy dish without the pasta, ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Cauliflower
- 8 cups chopped cauliflower (~2 heads, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Cheese Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese (~2 cups)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425℉ to prepare for roasting the cauliflower.
- Prepare the cauliflower: Spread the chopped cauliflower on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, ground black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika.
- Season thoroughly: Use your hands to massage the olive oil and seasonings into the cauliflower, ensuring each piece is well coated for even roasting and flavor.
- Roast the cauliflower: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes until the cauliflower starts to turn golden brown. Once done, remove and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: While the cauliflower roasts, pour the heavy cream into a large saucepan and heat it over low to medium heat on the stovetop.
- Simmer the cream: Stir consistently for about 2 minutes until the cream begins to simmer gently, but do not allow it to boil.
- Add cheese to the cream: On low/medium heat, add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the cream and stir until the cheese has melted into a smooth sauce.
- Combine cauliflower and cheese sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat, fold in the roasted cauliflower along with the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, mixing well until the cauliflower is evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the cauliflower mac and cheese immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce may be less rich.
- Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop or oven.
- Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese for the best melting quality and flavor.
- To make it vegetarian, ensure the cheese used is free from animal rennet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
