Ina Garten Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe

Looking for a comforting dish that brings together the creaminess of classic mac and cheese with a healthier twist? Ina Garten’s Cauliflower Mac and Cheese might be exactly what you need. With roasted cauliflower replacing traditional pasta and a rich, cheesy sauce that satisfies every bite, this dish redefines comfort food—without sacrificing taste or texture.

Perfect as a side dish or a main course, this recipe is great for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in.

Let’s explore what makes this version of mac and cheese so special and how you can recreate it in your own kitchen.

What is Ina Garten’s Cauliflower Mac and Cheese?

Ina Garten’s take on cauliflower mac and cheese swaps pasta with tender roasted cauliflower, coated in a silky béchamel sauce loaded with Gruyère and cheddar. It’s baked until bubbly and golden brown, delivering a deeply flavorful, cheesy casserole with a satisfying texture.

The roasted cauliflower brings a subtle nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the sharp cheeses. This dish is rich yet balanced, indulgent yet wholesome. It’s an excellent low-carb alternative to the traditional version, without compromising on comfort.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Brussel Sprouts Pancetta
• Ina Garten Roasted Cauliflower
• Ina Garten Overnight Mac and Cheese

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

• Healthier alternative – Cauliflower is low in carbs and adds nutrients without sacrificing flavour.
• Incredibly satisfying – The creamy cheese sauce and crunchy topping deliver the same pleasure as traditional mac and cheese.
• Simple to make – No complicated techniques—just roasting, mixing, and baking.
• Perfect for batch cooking – It reheats beautifully and stores well in the fridge or freezer.
• Kid-friendly – It’s a smart way to sneak vegetables into a cheesy favourite.
• Elegant enough for guests – Ideal as a dinner party side or vegetarian main course.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this creamy and comforting dish:

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing the dish)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk, warmed
• 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
• 1 1/2 cups grated sharp white cheddar cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil, for drizzling

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

• Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with butter.
• Step 2: Roast the cauliflower – Spread cauliflower florets on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 25 minutes until tender and lightly browned.
• Step 3: Prepare the cheese sauce – In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour, and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux.
• Step 4: Add the milk – Gradually whisk in warm milk and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
• Step 5: Stir in the cheeses – Remove from heat and mix in Gruyère, cheddar, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until smooth and melted.
• Step 6: Combine – Add the roasted cauliflower to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
• Step 7: Transfer to baking dish – Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly.
• Step 8: Add topping – Mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan, sprinkle over the top, and drizzle with olive oil.
• Step 9: Bake – Place in the oven for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
• Step 10: Rest and serve – Let it cool slightly before serving to allow the cheese to set.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

• Pair with grilled meats – Chicken, steak, or pork chops make a hearty companion.
• Serve alongside roasted veggies – Carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts complement the cheesy base.
• Add a fresh salad – A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
• Offer warm crusty bread – Great for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Top with crispy bacon – Adds texture and savoury depth.
• Enjoy as a vegetarian main – Serve with soup or grains for a complete meal.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

• Roast the cauliflower properly – Golden edges add a deep, nutty flavour that enhances the dish.
• Use high-quality cheese – Gruyère and sharp cheddar make the sauce richer and more complex.
• Don’t rush the roux – Cooking the flour in butter removes any raw taste and builds the base.
• Warm your milk – This helps the sauce come together smoothly without lumps.
• Season generously – Cheese needs salt and a little pepper to shine.
• Let it sit before serving – The sauce thickens and flavours settle beautifully after a short rest.
• Toast your breadcrumbs – For an extra crunch, lightly toast breadcrumbs before topping.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

• Add pasta back in – Mix half cauliflower and half cooked elbow macaroni for a hybrid version.
• Spice it up – Stir in a pinch of cayenne or paprika for warmth.
• Mix in protein – Add shredded chicken, ham, or turkey for a heartier meal.
• Try different cheeses – Fontina, gouda, or mozzarella bring their own textures and flavours.
• Make it gluten-free – Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for dietary needs.
• Go extra veggie – Mix in spinach, peas, or broccoli for added colour and nutrients.
• Use a keto cheese sauce – Swap flour with cream cheese and heavy cream for a low-carb version.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

• Refrigerate leftovers properly – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze for later use – Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Label with date – Mark containers with the date to ensure freshness.
• Avoid freezing toppings – Add breadcrumbs fresh before baking if freezing unbaked casserole.
• Reheat from chilled – Use microwave or oven for best results.
• Divide into portions – Makes thawing and reheating easier when storing large batches.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

• Microwave for quick results – Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
• Use oven for crispiness – Reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes.
• Add a splash of milk – If the dish seems dry, a little milk helps revive creaminess.
• Cover with foil – Prevents the top from over-browning during oven reheating.
• Reheat from frozen slowly – Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as instructed.
• Avoid overcooking – Heat just until warmed through to maintain texture.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Protein: 14g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 5g
• Calcium: 260mg
• Iron: 1.2mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

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FAQs

How do you prevent the cauliflower from becoming mushy in mac and cheese?

To keep cauliflower from turning mushy, roast the florets at 375°F until just tender and slightly golden. Avoid over-roasting or boiling, as it can cause the vegetable to release too much moisture and lose its texture in the cheese sauce.

What type of cheese works best in Ina Garten’s cauliflower mac and cheese?

Ina Garten recommends a blend of Gruyère and sharp white cheddar. Gruyère adds a nutty depth, while cheddar brings a classic tangy richness. For best results, grate the cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded varieties.

Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time for this recipe?

Yes, you can prepare the cheese sauce a day in advance. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the texture before combining with the cauliflower.

How do you get a crispy topping on cauliflower mac and cheese?

For a golden, crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan and drizzle with olive oil before baking. Bake uncovered at 375°F until the top is bubbling and nicely browned—typically 25 to 30 minutes.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is the kind of dish that makes you rethink what comfort food really is. It’s creamy, cheesy, full of flavour, and comes with the added bonus of sneaking in a good amount of veggies.