Dairy Free Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Craving mac and cheese but looking for both a lighter and dairy free alternative? Look no further! Enter this easy Cauliflower "Mac & Cheese," a dish that defies expectations. Roasted cauliflower provides the ideal pasta texture, and the creamy, flavorful sauce will leave you wondering how it's completely cheese-free.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This one is a crowd-pleaser! With the perfect balance of flavors and textures, this Cauliflower "Mac & Cheese" offers a unique plant-based twist on a classic comfort food. Prepare to enjoy a tasty and satisfying experience without compromising on flavor - from the fork tender cauliflower to a vegan cheese sauce that will have you fooled that it's made with no cheese.

Ingredients You Will Need

Cauliflower: Cauliflower serves as a nutritious alternative to traditional pasta in this dairy-free mac and cheese, offering a lighter yet satisfying twist to the classic dish.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness and enhances the natural flavors of the cauliflower once roasted.

Salt and Pepper: Salt enhances and balances flavors, while ground black pepper adds a gentle heat, improving the overall flavor of a dish.

Cashews: Raw cashews soaked in water create a creamy and dairy-free base that adds richness and smooth texture to sauces, making them a versatile and nutritious substitute in various plant-based recipes.

Garlic: Incorporating garlic adds a savory note that enhances the dish with its bold and aromatic flavor. Stick to fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a bolder flavor.

Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a fresh, bright, and tangy element, which can help balance the richness of the other ingredients.

Water: Adding water can help achieve a thinner consistency to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or concentrated.

Nutritional Yeast: Different from regular yeast, nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor to dishes without the need for dairy, making it a popular choice in vegan or dairy-free recipes.

Italian Nut Crumbs: These can be a fun alternative to traditional breadcrumbs. This is my favorite brand! You can also use 1 cup of almond flour mixed with a tablespoon of Italian seasoning.

Ghee: When using ghee as a binder with nut crumbs for a crunchy topping, ensure it is softened, not melted, to achieve the right consistency and texture.

Instructions

Preheat oven & prep: Preheat oven to 425˚F then line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Roast the cauliflower: Toss the cauliflower in olive oil then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Give it a good toss, then roast until fork tender (about 40-45 minutes).

Blend the sauce: While the cauliflower is roasting, blend the sauce ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy.

Get the topping ready: In a small bowl, mix the ghee and nut crumbs together. Be sure that the ghee is softened and not melted which will help create the right consistency for the topping.

Cut the cauliflower: Once roasted and slightly cooled, cut the cauliflower into bite-sized pieces.

Bring it all together: Transfer the cauliflower florets into a casserole dish, pour the sauce all over & give everything a good stir until the sauce is evenly distributed.

Top it off: Sprinkle the nut crumbs topping evenly over the top.

Bake it: Cover with foil, reduce the oven temperature to 350˚F, then bake it for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and finish baking: It will need about 10 more minutes of baking time, uncovered, which will help the topping get nice and crunchy!

Serve warm and enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Add water gradually: For optimal results, start by adding a slightly smaller amount of water to the dairy-free sauce mixture and gradually increase until reaching your desired consistency. This allows better control over the sauce's thickness.

Better blending: Before blending, ensure the cashews are adequately soaked for a creamier texture.

Recipe Variations

No high-speed blender? You can still make this dairy-free sauce using a food processor if you don't have a blender. Simply process the ingredients in the food processor until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture, ensuring that the cashews are well blended. While a blender is often recommended for a smoother result, a food processor can still effectively combine the ingredients.

No Nut Crumbs? You can swap out Nut Crumbs for your preferred breadcrumbs or almond flour to achieve that same satisfying crunchy topping. Mix in your favorite seasonings to tailor the flavors to your liking.

Storage Tips

This Dairy Free Cauliflower Mac and Cheese can be stored in the fridge for 4-5 days when placed in a sealed airtight glass container, and it's freezer-safe for up to 6 months.

FAQs About Recipe

What can you substitute for pasta in mac and cheese?

In this dairy free mac and cheese recipe, cauliflower makes a wonderful replacement for pasta, offering a more vegetable-forward option while still being fork-tender and delicious.

Why did my cauliflower cheese go watery?

It could be due to excess moisture in the cauliflower. Ensure the cauliflower is thoroughly roasted before adding the sauce to prevent sogginess.

Can you eat cauliflower mac and cheese as a main meal?

While this dairy free mac and cheese often is enjoyed as a side dish, you can absolutely make this your main dish - or pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a well-rounded meal.