15-Minute Cauliflower Mac & Cheese
User Reviews
4.7
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
5 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
347 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course
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Cuisine
American
15-Minute Cauliflower Mac & Cheese
Description
The 15-Minute Cauliflower Mac & Cheese centers on cauliflower florets steamed or cooked until fork-tender, combined with shredded cheddar and cream cheese that melt into a creamy sauce enhanced with Dijon mustard and salt. The cooking process involves steaming the cauliflower to retain some texture, then stirring in the cheeses while the cauliflower is still hot, which ensures a smooth, cheesy coating over each piece. The mustard adds subtle tang and depth to the cheese sauce.
Its flavor is dominated by sharp cheddar balanced with the creaminess of cream cheese, while the tender-soft cauliflower replaces pasta shapes commonly seen in traditional mac and cheese recipes. The method is straightforward, requiring minimal equipment, making it approachable for home cooks. The texture is creamy and comforting with a vegetable base.
Serving this dish as a side complements proteins or as a lighter vegetarian main course. For added interest, broiling with extra cheddar on top can create a browned, melty crust that adds texture.
A helpful tip is to try broiling the finished dish with a cheddar topping for a baked crust. Adjust salt and pepper after combining the ingredients to match your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower
- 8 oz block cheddar cheese shredded, 225 g
- 4 oz cream cheese 113 g
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard 5 g
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Cook: Roughly chop 1 large head cauliflower into bite-sized pieces. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, setting your steamer basket over it. Add cauliflower to the basket, cover, and let steam for about 10 minutes, or until cauliflower is fork-tender.Alternatively, you can microwave the cauliflower (in a covered bowl for 5 to 7 minutes) or boil the cauliflower (in a large pot of water for 5 mintues).
- Stir: Remove from heat and pour the water out of the pot then add the steamed cauliflower, 8 oz block cheddar cheese (shredded), 4 oz cream cheese, 1 tsp dijon mustard, and ½ tsp salt, stirring until the hot cauliflower has fully melted the cheese. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Happy eating!
Notes
- You can brown the top by transferring the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkling additional cheddar, and broiling briefly to melt and golden the cheese.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 347 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 347kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 5.3g | 2% |
| Protein | 17.7g | 35% |
| Fat | 28.9g | 44% |
| Saturated Fat | 18.2g | 91% |
| Cholesterol | 91mg | 30% |
| Sodium | 493mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 296mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 1.8g | 7% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Calcium | 449mg | 45% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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