Chipotle Cheddar Cauliflower "Mac and Cheese"
Chipotle Cheddar Cauliflower is made with roasted cauliflower that's tossed in a smoky, creamy cheddar cheese sauce. It can be enjoyed as a keto, gluten free main dish or side.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Total Time25 minutes mins
Course: Main Dish, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Gluten Free, Low Carb
Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free
Servings: 4
Calories: 439kcal
Roasted Cauliflower
- 1 large head cauliflower * cut into florets
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Toasted Almond Flour Crumbs
Chipotle Cheddar Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 ounce cream cheese
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder * see notes
- 1 cup cheddar cheese * shredded, I use sharp
- green onions or parsley * optional, garnish
Roasted Cauliflower
Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss the cauliflower florets with the olive oil and spread out onto a sheet pan. Season with salt and pepper.
Roast for 15 minutes, tossing half way through, or until fork-tender.
Toasted Almond Flour Crumbs
While the cauliflower is roasting, make the almond flour crumbs. Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a small skillet, then add the almond flour. Cook, stirring frequently, until lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the pan to cool.
Chipotle Cheddar Sauce
Melt the remaining butter in a medium saucepan. Stir in cream cheese and heavy cream until melted and hot. Remove from the heat and whisk in the chipotle chili powder and cheddar cheese until well combined.
Once the cauliflower is done roasting, add it to the saucepan with the cheese sauce and toss to combine.
Serve topped with the almond flour crumbs and a garnish of sliced green onions or parsley, if desired.
Tips and Techniques
- Shred the cheese from a block for the best texture and melting.
- You can adjust the recipe to be as spicy as you like. Start with 1/4 teaspoon of chipotle powder if you prefer the dish to be more mild and gradually add more, as desired.
- Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator. Use within 3-4 days.
** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary. For this recipe, 1 serving is approximately 1 cup of cauliflower florets + 1/4 of the cheese sauce.
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 439kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Cholesterol: 114mg | Sodium: 545mg | Potassium: 380mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1357IU | Vitamin C: 48mg | Calcium: 276mg | Iron: 1mg