This cauliflower cheese bake is rich, creamy, and loaded with cheese — a delicious side that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special enough for the holiday table. It complements many main dishes and can easily be made low carb, keto, or gluten-free with a few simple swaps.
You Will Love This Recipe For Cheese Cauliflower!
Cauliflower is incredibly versatile — you can roast, steam, mash, or use it in place of pasta. This cheesy cauliflower bake is one of my favorites when I want comfort food without the extra carbs. It pairs beautifully with many proteins and can be adapted to your preferences by changing the cheese, herbs, or add-ins.
Family Favorite
There are two main versions of this recipe: the classic version using flour and seasoned breadcrumbs, and a low-carb/keto version using xanthan gum to thicken and crushed pork rinds for the topping. Both deliver the same creamy, cheesy flavor that families love.
Delicious!
Every time I make this, it disappears quickly — some even prefer it to classic mac and cheese. You can vary the cheeses (mild, medium, or sharp cheddar; white cheddar; smoked gouda; Swiss) and adjust herbs and seasonings to suit your taste. For a heartier meal, stir in 1 to 2 cups of diced ham or cooked chicken.
Cauliflower Cheese Bake Ingredients
You’ll need the following to make this cauliflower cheese bake:
- Fresh cauliflower head — pre-cut florets save time. You can use frozen cauliflower if thawed well and drained to avoid excess water.
- Butter
- All-purpose flour or xanthan gum — flour thickens the sauce in the regular version; xanthan gum is the low-carb alternative (use sparingly).
- Whole milk — for a richer sauce you can use heavy cream or a mix of milk and cream.
- Shredded cheddar cheese — save a small amount to sprinkle on top before baking.
- Fresh parsley — chopped, for flavor and garnish.
- Kosher or sea salt and ground black pepper
- Seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds — for the topping; use pork rinds for a keto option or omit for a lighter finish.
See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.
Save this recipe for later — it’s a great go-to side dish!
Variations and Substitutions
- Mix cheeses: mild, medium, or sharp cheddar; white cheddar; smoked gouda; or Swiss for different flavors.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or regular paprika for warmth and color.
- Stir in a little dry mustard powder for a subtle tang.
- Swap fresh parsley for dried Herbes de Provence or Italian seasoning if preferred.
How To Make This Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe
Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with butter.
Cook Cauliflower
Boil cauliflower florets in salted water for about 5 minutes until crisp-tender. Alternatively, microwave fresh or frozen cauliflower until just tender—watch closely to avoid overcooking. Drain well and transfer the florets to the greased casserole dish.
Make The Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour (or a small amount of xanthan gum for low-carb) until combined. Slowly add milk while whisking, bring to a gentle simmer, and whisk until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in most of the shredded cheese (reserve about 2 ounces for the top), chopped parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth and melted.
Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower and gently stir to coat. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, then add seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds.
Assemble and Bake
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbly. The casserole will set as it cools. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley or chives and serve warm. This side pairs well with holiday roasts or simple weeknight proteins.
What To Serve With Baked Cauliflower Cheese
This cauliflower mac and cheese works as a versatile side. For holiday meals try it alongside turkey breast, glazed ham, roast goose, leg of lamb, or prime rib. For weeknights pair it with air fryer chicken breasts or cast-iron pork chops. It also pairs well with BBQ mains like baby back ribs and baked beans, or with kid-friendly options such as air fryer chicken tenders and green beans.
FAQs
Yes. Assemble the casserole as directed, then refrigerate uncovered or covered and bake on the day you plan to serve it.
Once cooled, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The casserole will last 3–4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently until warmed through.
Can I ask you a favor?
If you make this recipe, please come back and leave a rating and review. I love hearing how your version turned out!
📖 The recipe.
Cauliflower Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups cauliflower florets (cut into 2″ pieces)
- 3 tablespoons butter (plus extra to butter dish)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (low-carb: ¼–½ teaspoon xanthan gum)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 12 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (save 2 ounces for the top)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons seasoned breadcrumbs (low-carb: use finely crushed pork rinds)
- Optional: chopped parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Butter a 2-quart casserole dish. Boil cauliflower in salted water for 5 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain and place in the prepared dish.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour (or xanthan gum). Gradually whisk in milk, simmering and whisking until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in all but 2 ounces of the shredded cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper until melted. Pour the sauce over the cauliflower and stir to coat.
- Sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top, then add breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds. Bake 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly. The casserole will firm up as it cools. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Kori’s Tips
- Add diced ham or cooked chicken to make this a complete main-dish casserole.
Nutrition
Calories: 194 kcal
Carbohydrates: 5.7 g
Protein: 9 g
Fat: 15.4 g
Fiber: 1.1 g
Sugar: 3.5 g
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Cauliflower mac and cheese is a comforting, versatile side dish that works for holidays and everyday meals. With a creamy cheese sauce and a golden topping, it delivers all the satisfaction of classic macaroni and cheese while letting cauliflower shine. Small ingredient swaps make it easy to adapt for low carb, keto, or gluten-free diets.