One Pot Creamy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese.
This super easy One Pot Creamy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is the perfect recipe for sneaking in the vegetables. Short cut pasta and nutrient-packed cauliflower are boiled together until al dente. Then a splash of milk, a handful of sharp cheddar cheese, and just a touch butter are all stirred together for a creamy mac and cheese, that’s cozy yet healthy(ish) too. Added bonus, this simple mac and cheese is made all in one pot, in just about thirty minutes.
Sharing the absolute easiest, coziest, comfort food recipe today. And you guys…it’s the perfect Monday recipe for cold, snowy winter days (which is what is going on here!). Growing up, mac and cheese was never something my dad would make. If my brothers and I were eating mac and cheese it was either the boxed Kraft mac and cheese or Stouffer’s frozen mac and cheese.
Oh my gosh, do you guys remember those days? Pure childhood comfort. I wouldn’t mind going back for just a day or so. Twas the best to come home from school, shower (I always, always showered the minute I got home from school…I was so weird), cozy up by the fire, and enjoy a cheesy bowl of pasta while watching Gilmore Girls.
Simply the best.
Lately, I’ve been drawing some inspiration from my favorite childhood comfort foods. Which made me realize that I don’t have a good stove-top mac and cheese recipe. How that is I have not a clue. But the good news is that I quickly worked to change that and created the perfect (healthy…ish) creamy, one pot mac and cheese.
Enter this stove-top, extra creamy cauliflower mac and cheese.
This. Is. So. Good. Healthy…ish. And easy too.
Here are all the details.
As I said, I’ve been looking to my childhood for some inspiration recently. And, of course, mac and cheese was a beloved staple for my brothers and me while growing up.
I knew I wanted to create the perfect stove-top mac and cheese that was similar to the boxed stuff, but much, much better…and so much healthier. With the addition of cauliflower, I was able to use way less cream, butter, and even cheese. But yet still have a super creamy and cheesy stove-top mac and cheese.
As you can guess, this is so quick and easy. Start by boiling a big pot of water on the stove. Use a pot that will be large enough to hold both the pasta and the cauliflower.
While the water is coming to a boil, start chopping the cauliflower. You’ll want to roughly chop the cauliflower into similar size pieces as your pasta. The idea is that the cauliflower really blends in with the pasta so that you may not even realize it’s there.
Once the water has come to a boil, add the pasta and the cauliflower. Boil together until al dente, then simply stir in all the remaining ingredients, and that’s kind of it. The key is using a touch of cream cheese and creamy dijon mustard for creaminess. This creates the perfect amount of creamy sauce, but still keeps things on the lighter side.
For the cheeses, I love using a mix of sharp white cheddar (for flavor) and creamy fontina and or provolone, for creaminess. Together they create that ideal cheese pull we all love so much.
Then a touch of garlic, a sprinkle of cayenne (to your taste), and fresh herbs for additional flavor and to finish out the recipe.
SIMPLE but GOOD.
Some ideas to switch up the recipe a bit…
If you prefer a baked make and cheese, that works well here too and will be delicious. Just leave out the final cup of cheese and instead transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, then top with that reserved cheese. Bake for twenty or so minutes and wallah…you’ll have cheesy baked mac and cheese!
Want to add more vegetables? Spinach and artichokes, roasted broccoli, or crispy mushrooms would all be great as additional stir-ins. Really you can easily adapt this recipe however you’d like. It’s pretty hard to mess up!
So while this isn’t identical to the Kraft box cheese (thank goodness), I’d take this recipe any day. I might be biased, but I think it’s so much better. The real cheese flavor shines through and the creaminess from the combination of cauliflower, cream cheese, and cheese is beyond perfect.
I couldn’t think of a better Monday night dinner. It’s cozy, but healthy..ish, easy and so delicious. Bonus? I am ninety-nine percent sure you can get your kids, husband, and all the picky eaters in your life to eat (and love) this.
Looking for other Mac and Cheese recipes…click here!
Lastly, if you make this one pot creamy cauliflower mac and cheese, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Watch the How To Video:
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
One Pot Creamy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
The perfect recipe for sneaking in the vegetables. Bonus...made in one pot in about 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 pound short-cut pasta, such as macaroni
- 1 small to medium head cauliflower, roughly chopped
- 3/4 cup canned coconut milk, heavy cream, or whole milk
- 3 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded fontina or provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper to taste
- fresh chopped parsley and or chives, for topping
Instructions
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1. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over high heat. Add 2 teaspoons salt,
the pasta, and cauliflower, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes. Do not drain the water. Stir in the milk, cream cheese, mustard, and garlic powder, and cook until the cream cheese has melted and the pasta is al dente, about 4-5 minutes more.2. Add the cheeses and butter, and stir until melted and creamy. Remove from the heat. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne. If the sauce feels too thick, add ¼ cup of milk or water to thin.
3. Divide the mac and cheese between bowls. Top with fresh parsley, chives, and pepper. Enjoy!
Our Favorite Recipes
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I’m not a huge fan of mac n’cheese, but the cauliflower is right up my alley
Thank you Ruth Miranda! I hope you try this! xTieghan
Aaaaah! Tieghan! You read my mind this morning!
I just came down with the worst cold – sore throat, headache, the works… And nothing sounds good at all… I didn’t eat well all weekend, but I came on here looking for something creamy and comforting to help get back on track tonight. Your recipes can always inspire me. This is perfect!
Aw perfect timing! I hope you love this recipe, Kate! And I hope you start feeling better, thats the worst! xTieghan
Do you drain the water from the pasta and cauliflower after boiling?
Also, what do you mean by short cut pasta?
Hi Kelly! You do not drain the water! Also, I mean any pasta that you love that is not like long noodles (spaghetti).. I used cellentani pasta! I hope you love this! xTieghan
I’m assuming that you drain the water first before adding the rest of the ingredients???
Hi Linda! No, you do not drain the water! I hope you love this recipe! xTieghan
Going to make this for my 2 1/2 year old grandson. A great way to slip in some veggies.
Yes!! I hope he loves it! Thank you Karen! xTieghan
Hello! This looks divine but we’re on WW and this is more than 3 days of our points?. Do you think its even worth it for me to try the fat free cheese? Thank you!
Hi Jayne! I am not familiar with WW or how the point system goes.. I am really sorry about that! If you try this, I hope you love it! xTieghan
You don’t drain the Mac and cauliflower before adding the cheese?
Hi Sarah! You do not! Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I would probably drain the water from the pasta and cauliflower then add the other ingredients…sounds good!
Thank you! xTieghan
Isn’t the pasta supposed to be drained?
Hi LouAnn! It is not! Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Delicious!
Thank you so much Karla! xTieghan
This sounds fab! Could I cook it in the instant pot??
Hi Justine, I have not tested this for the Instant Pot so I really can’t say for sure. I would try cooking the pasta and cauliflower with water on high pressure for 3 minutes, then add the milk and cheeses on sauté. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you!! xTieghan
Looks great! I like my pasta very al dente, so would you recommend undercooking it even more to offset the milk+cheese continued cooking time?
Hi Lori! Sure you could cook this 1-2 minutes less for a pasta with more of a bite. I am sure that will be great. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you!! xTieghan
Do you think this could be made with only cauliflower for those of us who are trying to reduce/cut carbs?
Thanks!
Hey Sonia! Sure! Just boil the cauliflower in 1 cup water, then follow on with the recipe as directed. I would recommend using 2 small or 1 very large head of cauliflower to make up for the loss of pasta. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you!! xTieghan
Oh my gosh, this looks amazing!!!! I seriously loved cauliflower and only realized it a couple years ago (roasted cauliflower with garlic and onions is my fave)! But this combo sounds divine! I’ll have to try it! xo
It is one of the bests! I hope you try this and enjoy it! Let me know how it turns out for you! xTieghan
How many cups is a pound of macaroni for those of us who don’t use a scale. Thanks!
Hi Margaret! It is about four cups of dry pasta! I hope this helps and I hope this recipe turns out well for you! Thank you! xTieghan
This was one of the fastest recipes I e made and loved the addition of cauliflower. It made it taste lighter and everyone loved it!
Thank you so much Crista! xTieghan
Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe Tieghan. My 17 year old son (a picky eater) polished off the entire serving! We have a favorite dish now..
I have shared your website with many friends, and they love your recipes. Thank you for rescuing us:)
Aw I am so glad you have been loving my recipes! Thank you so much for trying this one! xTieghan
I would like to know if you can use frozen cauliflower instead of a head of it?
Hey Laurie! Frozen will be great! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you!! xTieghan
Just made this today and it was delicious. My 2 year old ate all of his and he doesnt eat very much. My husband hates cauliflower but liked this. Only change I made was using whole wheat pasta and it was great.
Wow that is so great! Thank you so much for trying this recipe, Sarah! xTieghan
I followed the recipe exactly, and this turned out perfect!! I love mac and cheese and I love cauliflower, so I was excited to try this—and it did not disappoint. So creamy and delicious. And so fast and easy. My family loved it!! The little bit of leftovers re-heated well the next day. A keeper!
YES! I am so happy to hear that Janet! Thank you for trying this one! xTieghan
My husband and I LOVED this recipe, definitely a new staple comfort food added to our list of go to recipes! We used chickpea pasta noddles instead and was the perfect substitute, and next time will definitely be adding some more veggies for added healthiness! Thanks for creating awesome recipes, you have a real talent!
Amazing! I am so glad this turned out so well for you Chelsea! Thank you! xTieghan
.. hoping this will be a Mac and cheese idea my husband and I can both like! I know, substituting any ingredient throws off what you originally intended. But I can’t eat cheese, so I will find the vegan cheese I know taste like the real deal and go with that. The rest, veggies as a base for the sauce and only using one pot, sounds like there’s hope! Always hard to get my husband to not be cautious of my weird foods, while he also wants us to try to eat healthier to feel better (because when you both work full time, processed foods become too tempting). This one looks like a hit!
Hi Elizabeth! I hope this recipe turns out amazing for you and your husband! I am so glad you are trying to get healthier! Love it! Let me know how this goes! xTieghan
Does the dish taste grainy from the cauliflower? In other cauli mac n’ cheese recipes, I’ve read to use a blender to smooth it out. Just want to make sure before I make it for my picky toddler! Also, do leftovers freeze well? Thanks!
Hi Farah! It does not taste grainy, no! Also, yes it should freeze great! Thank you so much! xTieghan
Thank you for this yummy recipe! I made a few substitutions based on what I had available in my kitchen (2% milk, a 12 oz bag of Trader Joe’s frozen riced cauliflower, only one cup of shredded cheddar and one cup of shredded mozzarella) and it still worked out well. I also skipped the pepper, cayenne, and parsley, and chives for my picky eaters. They’re loving it, and they have NO idea they’re eating cauliflower right now!
Yes hidden veggies haha! Thank you so much for trying this Nicole! I am so glad it turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Just made this for dinner, so great! I only had cheddar and cream cheese, so that’s what I used and I’m not complaining!!! I had a big cauliflower so I didn’t use all of it. I’m wondering how much water I would use to add another cup or so if cauliflower??
Hey!! I would recommend using the same amount of water. The water is only needed for the pasta, not the cauliflower. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you!! xTieghan
SO good!
Thank you Michelle! xTieghan
This was super creamy and felt great in the mouth, loved the addition of cauliflower. The cheese seemed a little lacking – so I added some more cheddar and a little pepper jack and that amped it up a bit. Before doing this, it didn’t taste anything like boxed mac and cheese, but still was pretty good on its own.
ALSO, DON’T DRAIN THE WATER! It works perfectly!
Made this for dinner last night. Used a large elbow macaroni and it worked great. As I started making it, I was skeptical about using the starchy water as the base for the cheese sauce… but it works! It was so good and enjoyed by my entire family. And it was so quick! Mac and cheese dishes are never this quick! Note – I found that the macaroni and cauliflower need to be stirred frequently and watched closely since there is not a ton of water in the pot – but worth the monitoring.
Hi Maryann! I am really glad this turned out so well for you and your family! Thank you so much for trying it! xTieghan
So easy & delicious!! Next time will definitely add some mushrooms or something! Would you recommend making the mushrooms on the side and mix in At the end?? So good!
Hi! Yes, Liz I think that will turn out amazing! Thank you so much! xTieghan
The conversion does not change the amount of water? If I did half the recipe would I cut the water in half? If so it seems too little of water.
Hey Erin, yes, if you cut the recipe in half, use half of the water. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you!! xTieghan
Delicious! I was craving comfort food, and was curious about this recipe. How could it work in one pot??? But it did perfectly. I loved the mustard and creaminess of cheese and coconut milk. No you cannot taste coconut. Simply the best!
Haha so glad you tried this and loved it! Thank you so much Tracy! xTieghan
This was really good! I wish I read the do not drain instructions more closely, because I boiled everything with too much water and it came out a little soupy. But I will likely make this again, so now I know for next time!
Thank you Cathy! xTieghan
I made it for dinner last night. I used red lentil pasta and for cheese a mix of cheddar and gruyere. We liked it a lot, healthy comfort food 🙂
Thank you so much Lea! I am so glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
The recipe turned out great as far as the pasta and cauliflower goes (perfect texture of noodles and cauliflower). However, the Dijon mustard was very overpowering! It could have been the brand we used, but I had to triple check to see if I accidentally added more than the recipe called for— I did use the correct amount. We ended up adding some buffalo sauce to try and mask the Dijon flavor. Good recipe, but we’d personally modify it next time and cut down on the mustard.
Hi Taryn! I am sorry that it was so overpowering! If you have any questions, please let me know! I hope you love it more with less mustard! xTieghan
This is going to be a go to for me on busy weekday nights, or weekend nights where we are craving some delicious (and healthy-ish) comfort food. The cauliflower is a wonderful addition that always surprises me when I bite into it, and makes me think “ooo, yum! I forgot there was cauliflower in here”. A favourite for sure.
Thank you so much Kristie!! xTieghan
I simply cannot get over how easy & delicious this was! And this is coming from someone who is NOT a huge cauli fan. Only changes I made were: used 1 tsp of dry mustard powder instead of the dijon & omitted the butter. Thanks sooooo much for creating & sharing this recipe 🙂
Thank you so much Nic! xTieghan
So good! I was skeptical. But it was the perfect creamy Mac and cheese. But now I can’t stop eating it. I added artichoke hearts and peppadew peppers at the end.
I am so glad you enjoyed this Selina! Thank you for trying this! xTieghan
Wow this was so good! Creamy, smooth, rich and cheesy even though I swapped goat cheese for the cream cheese and did less than two cups shredded goat Gouda for the shredded cheese. Definitely need to stir the pasta and cauliflower while cooking so it doesn’t stick but so easy and quick. Cheesy and delicious! Love it!!
Thank you Barbara! I am so glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Tieghan, this is another winner! Such a simple recipe but so comforting and delicious. Grated the cheese last night, (I used cheddar and gruyere), to make it this morning for the kids to eat after school. Took me 30 minutes to make while getting myself ready for the day at the same time! I would happily eat the whole pot myself. Thanks for another great recipe!
Hi Cynthia! I am really glad this turned out so well for you! Thank you so much for trying it! xTieghan
Had this for dinner tonight and it was delish! I also added sautéed spinach and a panko/butter topping, so good. My kids and husband loved it. Love all your recipes and have both your cookbooks 🙂
Aw thank you so much Sarah! I am so glad you enjoyed this and hopefully are enjoying the books! xTieghan
So easy, and SO delicious! ?
Thank you Lee! xTieghan
Literally the best mac & cheese I’ve ever made. Used Neufchâtel instead of cream cheese to reduce some of the fat. Threw some fresh jalapeño on top for an extra zing. Thanks so much for the fab recipe!
Thank you so much Andrea! I am so glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
This recipe is AMAZING! I am never making traditional mac and cheese again – this tastes just as good (if not better), and is so much less mess with only one pot and no draining! It’s such a great way to get more veggies into a guilty pleasure meal that I love. I added spinach and a little extra cayenne pepper. I also used almond milk the second time I made it and it still tasted great! THANK YOU! A+++
I am so glad you are loving this recipe, Brittany! Thank you so much for trying it! xTieghan
This is another winner! Made this tonight and it was so creamy and delicious!
That is so amazing to hear! Thank you so much Laura! xTieghan
If I didn’t have (and don’t want to go the store haha!) to get cauliflower, could I just swap an equivalent amount of pasta?
Hey Elizabeth! No need to add any additional pasta, just omit the cauliflower all together and follow the recipe as directed (minus the cauliflower). Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you!! xTieghan
I just made your delicious Mac and cheese but subbed broccoli for the cauliflower and used Irish cheddar for a Saint Patrick’s day gathering. Delicious!!!
Thank you so much Lori! xTieghan
So easy and delicious!!! Made it last night and I’m having leftovers currently for my lunch! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Nancy! I am so glad you enjoyed this! xTieghan
This Mac & Cheese recipe is so good! It tastes amazing hot and also really good as cold leftovers, if you are into that sort of thing. I love the addition of cauliflower, and think in the future I may even add more veggies — mushrooms, onions, or maybe broccoli. It is nice and light AND cheesy, but not so cheesy that I need to take a nap after eating it. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a health(ish) version of comfort food.
Hi Katie! I am so glad this recipe turned out so well for you! Thank you so much for trying it! xTieghan
Made this today and it was absolutely yummilicious!! Used Gouda instead of fontina because that’s what I had and made half the recipe. OMG! So creamy. So good. Even my picky husband who does not like cooked cauliflower loved it. Because who won’t eat cheese over their veggies!!! And the cauliflower just blended right in so you barely noticed. Wondered how the coconut milk would work but didn’t even have a coconutty taste. I’m telling you – run out – get the ingredients and make this dish! I just might have to have me a 3rd helping.
Hi Chris! This was so amazing to read! Thank you for trying this recipe, so glad you all loved it! xTieghan
Made this the other night and it was so good! We loved it and will definitely make it again… next time adding more cauliflower and I will sprinkle some crispy prosciutto on top for added flavor.
I am so glad this turned out so well for you! Thank you so much! xTieghan
This meal is a winner!! Not gonna lie, my husband and I debated for 15 minutes whether it called for enough water to cook the GF noodles we typically use, but I’m so glad we ultimately decided to follow the recipe as-is, because it turned out amazing! We gobbled up several bowls and cant wait to make it again! I told so many friends about it too! Thanks for sharing!
I am so glad you both loved this recipe so much Nicki! Thank you so much for trying it! xTieghan
What stage do I stop at if I want to bake it in the oven instead?? What are the steps? Trying to make it to transfer to someone’s house and bake it in the oven there as the final step 🙂
Hi Aisling,
I would complete the recipe as is, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with additional cheese and then cover. Hope this helps!
So tasty, quick and easy! And very comforting in difficult times! Wondering best way to reheat it as we have quite a bit leftover?
So glad you enjoyed the recipe! I would place on the stove on a low heat and slowly reheat.
Made this tonight. It was a winner. I was skeptical about the unorthodox way of cooking the pasta and cauliflower but it came out great. With the “stay at home” order happening I used what I had … 1% milk with an extra Tbsp of sour cream for the dairy, and all cheddar cheese. Thank you
Thank you so much Allyson! I am so glad this turned out so well for you!! xTieghan
Made this tonight and it came out absolutely delicious!!!
Thank you so much Kalie! I am so glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Hi! I do not have cream cheese on hand what other cheeses would be good substitute?
Hi Corrina,
I would recommend using another creamy cheese in place of the cream cheese! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Really good simple one-pot meal. The cauliflower adds a really nice texture difference
I used 1/4 t. Cayenne pepper and it was a good amount for my taste
Next time I make this I may double the Dijon mustard as I really didn’t taste it
If you’re just one or two people be prepared for A LOT of leftovers! It does re-heat well though.
The two of us have each had 2 servings and there’s still 3-4 servings left
Hi Tiffany! I am so glad this one turned out so well for you! Thank you so much for trying it! xTieghan
Made this deliciousness tonight! My family absolutely loved it and it was so easy to make! My quarantine challenge is to make one or more of your dishes every day. Thank you for the best recipes!
Aw love that! I hope you are having a great time Melissa! xTieghan
I only have access to cheddar and mozzarella at the moment, do you think this will still work if its all cheddar and no fontina? Or subbing some mozzarella? This looks so good but I dont want to ruin it! Thank you! 🙂
Hi Jaclyn,
I think cheddar and mozzarella would be totally fine to use. Use what you have during this time right?! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
So yummy! Loved it! I added more water than 4 cups because the 4 cups didn’t cover my pasta and cauliflower well… but it was so delicious! Love your recipes!!
Thank you so much Lindsay! I am really glad this recipe turned out so well for you! xTieghan
This was sooo good. Made half for just the two of us. I accidentally put too much salt. Had to doctor up a bit with more cream, water and cauliflower. Leftovers were great too. This is a keeper. Have both your cookbooks.
I am so glad this recipe turned out so well for you CJ! Thank you for trying it! xTieghan
Tieghan – Thank you so much for this amazing recipe! I love to cook and this was my first recipe of yours to try. Ordering your cookbook right now! I made the creamy Mac and cheese and my family put it in the top 5 dinners I have ever made! Thanks again! 🙂
Thank you Liz!! xTieghan
Made this last night and it was delicious. I used elbow macaroni for the pasta, fontina cheese instead of provolone, and coconut milk for the milk. So good and so creamy. Only took 20 minutes – perfect.
Hi Angie! I am so glad this turned out so well for you! Thank you so much for trying it! xTieghan
I decided to make this for dinner tonight and am so glad I did! My 4 year old proclaimed that it was “the best Mac and cheese ever!” The recipe is quick, easy and delicious. I did have to add almost half a cup of water at the end, and I think I’ll add a bit more cayenne pepper next time to give it a bit of a kick. Thanks for a great, simple, quick recipe!
Aw that is so amazing to hear! I am glad you both loved this recipe, Noshaba! Thank you! xTieghan
So good and so darn easy! Regretting all the years of NOT making my homemade Mac & cheese one-pot style! Also, added seasoned Parmesan Panko crumbs on top (just for the grown ups as the kiddos refused….) and the crunch was perfection. This will be a staple in our house!
Right?! It is so much better! I am so glad this one turned out so well for you Meghan! Thank you so much for trying this! xTieghan
Do you think this recipe would work if baked afterwards? If so how long? I’m going for the crispy cheese top look, but wondering if it would require alternative preparation. Thanks!
Hi Meaghan,
Yes you could totally do that, I would transfer to a baking dish, cover with cheese, and bake for about 15-20 or until the cheese is melted at 350. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Good recipe but absolutely drain the water after boiling the pasta and save it. Add it as needed to thin your sauce. Otherwise you’re going to be boiling the noodles for 20 minutes to reduce the water left in the pot.
Hi Connor! Did your noodles overcook? This has never been a problem for me or others that have tried the recipe.. I would love to help! xTieghan
O.M.G! This was so unbelievably amazing! Cheesy, creamy, goodness. So impressed how the cauliflower just “melted” into the sauce. Sharing with everyone!!
Thank you for trying this Alex! I am really glad it turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Made this tonight but used Banza pasta and it was fabulous! I felt like I maybe needed a tad bit more liquid, but it’s still delicious just have a bit of a layer at the bottom of my pan. Definitely quicker than I thought it was going to be too.
That is so amazing! Thank you so much for trying this Natalie! xTieghan
Just discovered your website! Where have I been? In beautifull British Columbia, Canada.!!
Made your Mac and cheese. Was skeptical about the one pot thing, but oh my, so easy and so delicious.
Hubby loved it too and didn’t really notice the cauli until I asked him.
I added 1 cup gruyere because I had it.
Having the left-overs today, can’t wait.
Looking forward to try more of your recipes.
Hi Antonia!! Well I am glad you found my site haha! Thank you for trying this one, its one of my favs! I hope you continue to love all of the other recipes on my site! xTieghan
Can’t taste the Cauliflower! no-one in my family tends to like any vegetable mix ins, but they didn’t notice it at all!
Amazing! Thank you Harrison! xTieghan
Delicious!! I will absolutely make it again!! I followed the recipe to the t! I added some extra S&P at the end to our preference. Thank you For sharing. I’ll be making this again!
That is so amazing to hear! Thank you so much Kristy! xTieghan
I did this recipe yesterday and it had no flavour. Sorry bit I would not recommend
Hi Paula! I am really sorry to hear that. Is there anything that I can help with? I hope you continue to love other recipes of mine! xTieghan
Just wanted to make sure: do you turn down the heat when you add the cheese, or leave the water boiling?
Thanks!
Hey Margaret,
You can leave the heat up until the pasta come to al dente. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I’m late to the party but this was delicious and so easy! I used whole wheat macaroni, and I added a bit more water because I think my head of cauliflower was fairly large. I used a mix of mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and provolone for the cheese because that’s what I had on hand. Once again delicious!
Thank you so much Rachel! I am really glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
This is my new go-to mac and cheese recipe. I love it!
Thank you so much Sara! xTieghan
This was amazing and easy. Making it again his weekend and freezing it to take with us for a 4-day vacation. Am sure the grandkids will love it too. Won’t mention the cauliflower until after they have eaten. Will report back.
Thank you so much Antonia!! I am so glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
I recently prepared this dish for my family members and everyone loved it! Such a big step up from box Mac and cheese, I don’t think I can ever go back. This will be a new go-to for days when I really want some quality comfort food.
Yes!! Such a step up! I am really glad this turned out so well for you all, Kate!! Thank you for trying it! xTieghan
Tried it and it was delicious, added some finely chopped kale at the end since the garden has been producing a surplus. I’m curious if anyone has tried freezing this recipe? I’m trying to stock my freezer 🙂
Hey Erin,
I am so glad you enjoyed the recipe! I have not tried freezing this, my only concern is that the noodles would become soggy. Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Hi, does the coconut milk have a strong flavor, or could we sub for whole milk?
Hey Ann,
You could sub whole whole milk! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I have made this SO many times, it’s my husbands absolute fave comfort food! We’ve tried it with several different cheese blends but found that using gouda with any other cheese seems to be the secret mix:) Anyway. This is the best Mac and cheese ever & it comes out perfectly every time following the directions precisely. It’s now earned a place in my little recipe rolodex on the counter.
Aw that is so amazing to hear! Thank you so much for trying this recipe, Mia! xTieghan
This looks great. Have you tried it in a slow cooker?
Hey Marsha,
I would recommend just making this on the stove top, it comes together in no time:) I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Could this be made ahead?
Hey Maria,
Sure you can make this ahead. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Delicious! I was skeptical part way through cause there was such little water but i followed the recipe and it turned out perfect! Made steamed broccoli as a side dish and my family devoured the meal.
Thank you so much Christina! I am really glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Can you freeze the leftovers? What’s your recommendation?
Hey Briana,
Yes, I would freeze in an airtight container. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
YUM!! This was SO good. I used cheddar, fontina and provolone. I could eat this everyday.
Thank you Meghan!! xTieghan
I still can’t get over how good that first bite was. This recipe is amazing; the perfect quick and delicious meal for dinner. Thank you for making and sharing this one! Do you have any recommendations for what kind of a side to pair with this?
Hey Kari,
I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe! Here is a salad I would recommend serving with this dish: https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/super-green-sun-dried-tomato-herb-salad/
Please let me know if you have any other questions. Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Hi! I’ve made this recipe before and LOVED it! I’ve been asked to make it for Christmas Day, but need to make it ahead of time. I wondered if I made this and transferred it into a baking dish, if I just added your cracker crumble and baked it if it would turn out creamy and delicious and not too dry? Thank you!
Hey Lauren,
I am so glad you have enjoyed this recipe! Yes, think that would work well! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Just finished making this! It is delicious and super easy. I added some Canadian Bacon too. I found there wasn’t much water to drain like some reviewers we’re worried about, I actually ended up adding more water to mine. At 9 months pregnant, I appreciate the easy clean up, quick, and yummy recipe-Thank you!
Hey Jennilea,
Thank you so much for giving the recipe a try, I am so glad it was enjoyed! Happy New Year! xTieghan
Just curious why if your mom was a full time (stay at home) mom, you said your dad wouldn’t make you guys Mac and cheese??
Hey Mary,
My dad cooked dinner:) xTieghan
Great recipie! I used elbow macaroni and it worked well. I held back the cayenne pepper and just addded it individually to each serving.
Hey Jessica,
I am thrilled that you liked the recipe, thanks so much for giving it a go! Have an awesome week:) xTieghan
Hi my kids saw this recipe and said “please make this today!” Im curious my water doesnt cover my pasta/cauliflower? Do I need to add more water?
Hey Susan,
Nope, you can follow the recipe as I:) I hope you love the recipe! xTieghan
Made this recipe tonight. If you are craving that perfect cheesy gooey Mac and cheese. Make this. So delicious. So comforting. Big hit!
Hey Phanann,
I am so glad that the recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! Have a great week:) xTieghan
Delicious! I made this with coconut milk and lactose free cheese. Turned out so yummy and creamy. Hot tip: Taste before adding more salt, mine turned out a little too salty. Should have tasted it first! I appreciate that the recipe is simple and that a variety of spices could be added to change the flavour. Husband suggested we add curry favours next time.
Hey Anna,
I am so glad that the recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! Have a great week:) xTieghan
This is delicious!!!! I added broccoli and chicken along with the cauliflower and it’s wonderful!!! Thanks for another great recipe!
Hey Candace,
I am so glad that the recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! Have a great week:) xTieghan
So delicious! I added a stock cube to the water to add a bit more flavour and it turned out amazing!
Hey Erin,
I am so glad that the recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! Have a great week:) xTieghan
Made just a half recipe but this was delicious! I sadly didn’t have cream cheese but used a few chopped up cheese curds instead and that worked great! I also had leftover Buffalo chicken from your Buffalo chicken quesadillas so I threw that in and topped with a few diced cherry tomatoes. Sooo good! Thanks for the recipe
Hey Katrina,
Thanks so much for making the recipe, I am so glad it was enjoyed! xTieghan
Can I use frozen caulirice instead of fresh cauliflower?
Hey Samantha,
Yes, that should work just fine. I hope you love the recipe. Let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I made this for all of my roommates, and it was a big hit! Loved how easy it was and only having to wash one pot!
Hey Quinn,
I am so glad this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! Have the best week. xTieghan
OMG this is delicious! I maybe added more cayenne and garlic used orecchiette and whatever yummy cheese in the fridge!! Thank you for inspiring me all the time❤️
Hey there,
I am so glad this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! Have the best week. xTieghan
I made this tonight and it was a hit! Even the picky 7 y/o ate it and didn’t even notice the cauliflower! I baked it with a topping of cheese and panko. It was very good but I do think I might add a tiny bit more cheese next time. It was very good but sometime when I make Mac and cheese I want it to be extra creamy and decadent. Came together in half the time as my old Mac and cheese recipe so you can’t beat that!
Hey Melissa,
I am so glad this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! Have the best week. xTieghan
Great recipe! I used all cheddar, otherwise I followed the recipe exactly and it worked out perfectly.
Hey Dorothy,
I am so thrilled that you enjoyed the recipe, thanks so much for trying it out!! xTieghan
Goodbye, any other stovetop mac and cheese!! My grocery store was out of cauliflower but they had orange cauliflower, which was perfect as it added to the orange color of mac and cheese! I was nervous there was too much liquid but fear not, once you add the cheese it was perfect! My husband is all about the crunchy topping so I toasted some corn flakes (leftover from the cajun popcorn chicken bites we made to go with the mac, also a winning HBH recipe) with butter in the oven and we sprinkled on top before serving, added the perfect crunch! I think next time I might add spinach or peas and ham to sneak even more veggies into this! Thanks for all your recipes!!
Hey Hannah,
I am so thrilled that you enjoyed the recipe, thanks so much for trying it out!! xTieghan
my favorite mac and cheese recipe ever! I add charred broccoli to the top to add in some color and extra veggies. Thanks for another amazing dish!
Hey Kaitlyn,
I am so thrilled that you enjoyed the recipe, thanks so much for trying it out!! xTieghan
Made this tonight for the first time and it was delicious! The addition of mustard really makes it. I was worried about the water level to begin with but it all works out perfectly as the recipe outlines! I am loving your website and recipes! Thank you!
Hey Helen,
I am so thrilled that you enjoyed the recipe, thanks so much for trying it out!! xTieghan
Very good will definitely make again. I use low carb pasta and found it needed more water during first 8minutes. I added 2c water and that worked. Will 1/2 this recipe next time and add more cauliflower.
Hey Deanna,
I am so thrilled that you enjoyed the recipe, thanks so much for trying it out!! xTieghan
Delicious and easy…and incorporates a veggie! Love it and will make again!
Thanks so much Monica! xTieghan
This was creamy and delicious and my 22 year old son, who refuses to eat cauliflower, didn’t even know it was in there! My only issue was that I only wanted to make half so I halved all the ingredients including the water. I only used 2 cups and that wasn’t the best choice. I kept adding water as needed. Should I have used the full 4 cups even if I only used half the pasta and cauliflower? A little Franks red hot sauce on top and this was the best comfort food I’ve had all week. Also one pot…what could be better?
Hey Patti,
Thanks a lot for giving the recipe a go, I am so delighted that it was enjoyed! Yes, I would have kept the same measurements for the water. Have a great week:) xTieghan
Hi! I would like to use frozen cauliflower–should I thaw it or just throw it in frozen with the pasta? Thank you!
Hey Kit,
I would thaw the cauliflower so you can drain any excess liquid. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Very yummy! Just made this for dinner and everyone loved it!
Hey JoEllen,
I am so thrilled the recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a go! Happy Friday! xTieghan
Made these for the Super Bowl and it was delicious! I love anything that tastes like comfort food and also sneaks in veggies. I will definitely make this again. Thanks!
Hey Mary Kate,
I am so glad the recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! Have a great week! xTieghan
Thank you! I have made this several times. Love that it is a healthier version of mac n’ cheese!
Hey Yola,
Thanks so much for making the recipe, I am delighted it was enjoyed! xTieghan
This Mac and Cheese is so good! I love that it is so easy to make and uses pantry staples. Thank you so much for this recipe!
Hey Bob,
Thanks so much for making the recipe, I am delighted it was enjoyed! xTieghan
This was sooo yummy! i made a big batch so as to have leftovers and it was just as good (if not better in that awesome leftover way) the next day! Thank you so much! One of meany recipes of yours i love!
Hey Ariana,
Thanks so much for making the recipe, I am so glad it was enjoyed! Thanks! xTieghan
So incredibly easy for a busy weeknight and makes tons of leftovers!
Hey Heather,
I so appreciate you giving the recipe a try, I am thrilled it was enjoyed! xTieghan
You have amazing recipe skills & Patience!! I am astonished that people ask the same question – over, and over, and over!! I trusted you and it was great!!!
Hey Lesley,
Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I am so glad it was enjoyed! Happy Sunday:) xTieghan
Wow! My new go-to macaroni and cheese recipe. This is the definition of comfort food, and I love the texture and nutrition added by the cauliflower. I put in a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning and some crumbled bacon. Then, I topped it with a mixture of bread crumbs and cheese and baked it for 20 minutes at 350. So good!
Hey Cat,
I am so glad you have enjoyed the recipe, thanks so much for making it! Have a great week! xTieghan
This was awesome! Perfect for Monday night. I used local chive cream cheese and also added smoked paprika . Definitely a keeper. Bacon would be great and a dash of white wine. Pinch of nutmeg next time. Sooooo creamy
Hey there,
Thanks a bunch for making this recipe, I am so glad it was enjoyed! xTieghan
Simple and delish like allllll other HBH recipes. Recipe instructions are written perfectly and are super easy follow. Added some frozen peas to clean out the freezer. This would totally be a great base for a baked mac & cheese with a crunchy bread crumb topping. Will make again!
Hey Ciara,
Thanks a bunch for making this recipe, I am so glad it was enjoyed! xTieghan
So the cauliflower stays intact and doesn’t get blended up in the sauce?
Yes that is correct:) I hope you love the recipe!
Hi, can I use different cheeses? I’m not a fan of sharp cheddar.
Hey Jaimie,
Absolutely, any cheeses you enjoy will work here! I hope you love the recipe, let me know how it turns out! xTieghan
I loved it! It was very creamy and delicious. I used whole milk and rotini pasta. Loved how it’s just one pot!
Hey Kim,
Thanks for making this recipe! I am so glad it was a hit! xTieghan
This recipe looks incredible!! If I were to add broccoli or spinach, where do you think I should add it in? Thank you so much – all of your recipes are delicious!
Hey Annie,
I would add the broccoli with the cauliflower. I hope you enjoy this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
Hi!
Looking forward to trying this recipe. Curious – why does the macaroni NOT need to be drained?
TIA!
Hey Edina,
The water will be used to cook the cauliflower as well as the pasta and makes for a creamy sauce. I hope you love the dish, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
Woooooow this is GOOD and really easy. I did a really good cheddar, jack, and parmesean + asparagus and peas and it’s ridiculously good. Thanks for the easy one pot meal x
Hey Danielle,
I am delighted that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! xTieghan
This is AMAZING. I love the simplicity and flavor! I did just under a pound of pasta because I never trust recipes to have enough sauce (haha, sorry) but in this I could have totally used the entire box. It’s nice and cheesy and saucy, just how I like it! It was fast and not too many dishes, easy to make during my toddler’s nap. Thanks for this! Will be making again for sure!
Hey Nikki,
Awesome! I am thrilled that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for making it! Happy Friday:) xTieghan
This was great. I’ve tried making homemade mac before (with/without cauliflower) and have never really loved how it turned out. This is by far my favorite! I used medium shells that I had on hand and gave them a quick pre-cook before adding the cauliflower (which I cut into pieces that were probably a little small) because I knew the cook times would be very different, and it came out great! Everything was the perfect texture, the sauce was nice and smooth and cheesy, and the cauliflower was totally disguised. Definitely recommend!
Hey Kerry,
Awesome! I am thrilled that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for making it! Happy Friday:) xTieghan
I’ll definitely make this again! It was delicious and enjoyed by all. I sautéed leek and green onions and mixed it through at the end. Thank you for a lovely recipe!
Hey Christine,
Thank you so much for giving this recipe a try, I am delighted that it was enjoyed!! Have a great weekend! xTieghan
Let me begin by saying that I literally use your recipes for 85-95% of my cooking throughout the week. Breakfast, lunch, dinner the whole gambit. Your extra little touches and insanely good flavor profiles are what keeping me coming back day after day. This recipe I must say is by far the easiest, creamiest, dreamiest little one pot wonder. My 2 year old, one year old and my large man child devour it every time I make it. I have mixed in baby spinach at the end for extra veggies, subbed in half broccoli when that was all I had, used whatever cheese I had in the fridge and it always works. Plus, I can basically cook this with one arm which is a bonus since currently my littlest thinks the ground is hot lava. Keep up the amazing work!
Hey Sara,
I am so glad that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a bunch for making it! xxTieghan
I googled “best Mac n cheese” then remembered the half baked harvest blog. I’ve never been able to make delicious homemade Mac n cheese until now! You did it again, Tieghan!! All of Tieghan’s recipes are delicious. 😋I highly recommend this recipe!
Hey Beth,
Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I am so glad it was enjoyed! Happy Monday! xTieghan
Just made this! It’s quite yummy but I think I should’ve done sharp cheddar, instead of extra sharp. Mine turned out a little too tart! Is there any way to balance this?
Hey Rachel,
Fantastic! Thanks so much for making this recipe, I am it was enjoyed! Sorry, I’ve never experienced a tart flavor with Mac and cheese. was there anything you adjusted? xTieghan
I cut this in half since it was just for 2 people (my husband and myself) and it still made A LOT! It was really tasty, I followed the directions exactly, and the only thing I would change is to not use coconut milk. It totally overpowered the yummy flavors of the man n cheese. Regular milk or cream would be perfect.
Hey there,
Fantastic!! Love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it! Have a great Sunday:) xxTieghan