Buffalo Cauliflower Mac and Cheese ditches the pasta for tender cauliflower bites smothered in bold, cheesy buffalo sauce. A sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles takes it over the top for a zesty, creamy twist everyone’s favorite comfort food.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe

• Healthy alternative to traditional macaroni and cheese
• Bold and rich buffalo wing flavor
• Smooth and creamy cheese sauce
• Quick and easy to make

Mac and cheese is an all-American comfort food, but the pasta doesn’t exactly fit into Keto or low-carb lifestyles. That’s where this Buffalo Cauliflower Mac and Cheese comes in, transforming the classic dish into a guilt-free alternative. By swapping macaroni for tender cauliflower bites, you get all the creamy, cheesy goodness with a fraction of the carbs.

The buffalo cheese sauce adds the perfect combination of tangy heat and rich creaminess, making every bite oh-so satisfying. Topped with a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles, this dish delivers a flavor punch that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re serving it as a side or a main, it’s a delicious way to enjoy your favorite flavors in a much healthier way.

This recipe for buffalo cauliflower “mac” and cheese is quick and easy to make, and absolutely bursting with flavor! If you love this recipe, you should also try my Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken and my Buffalo Coleslaw.

🛒 Ingredients for Buffalo Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

• Cauliflower
• 1/2 batch Buffalo Cheese Sauce and Dip
• Blue cheese crumbles (optional)

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Mixing bowl

🔪 How to Make Low Carb Mac and Cheese

Add the cauliflower florets to a microwave safe bowl.  Microwave for 7-8 minutes or until slightly tender (or your desired texture).  

You can steam it instead, if you don’t have or want to use a microwave, but I would not boil it, it will be too watery. Drain any water and pat dry with paper towels.

Prepare the Buffalo Cheese Sauce per the instructions.

The cauliflower should be cooked through by now.

Pour the sauce over the cauliflower.

Toss to coat.

Serve with blue cheese crumbles over the top.

☑️ Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

You can also freeze leftovers in freezer safe containers. Just keep in mind that the texture of this low carb cauliflower dish will change slightly when frozen. If the sauce separates when reheating, just keep stirring it until it comes together.

🍴 What to Serve Cauliflower Mac and Cheese With

I think the better question would be what CAN’T you serve with cauliflower mac and cheese? It’s such a versatile side dish, it will go perfectly with most any low carb entrée. Here are just a few of my favorites I hope will give you some inspiration:

• Keto Blackened Salmon
• Instant Pot Pot Roast
• Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
• Pork Chops with Mushroom Gravy
• Instant Roasted Chicken
• Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

💡 Tips For Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

• For a time saver, you can cut up the cauliflower the day before or you can buy precut florets from the produce department at most grocery stores.

• Fresh cauliflower is recommended for this recipe. If you only have frozen, you can use that, just do not precook it. Add it to the warm sauce and cook it on low heat until warm.

• If the sauce is little too thin, add a little more cheese until it’s the consistency you prefer.

• Store bought Buffalo wing sauce can be used instead of the homemade recipe mentioned in this recipe. Just make sure you carefully read the label for ingredients that are not recommended for those following Keto or low carb diets.

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Blue cheese: You can add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or feta if blue cheese isn’t your thing.

• Cauliflower: Broccoli florets or chopped zucchini can be used as a low-carb alternative.

• Protein add-ins: Add shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked ground turkey for a hearty meal.

• Vegetables: Mix in diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach for added texture and nutrients.

• Crunchy topping: Sprinkle crushed pork rinds or almond flour “breadcrumbs” on top for a crispy finish. Cooked, diced bacon makes an awesome addition.

• Fresh herbs: Garnish with chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your buffalo sauce and any added toppings to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the cauliflower and buffalo cheese sauce in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge, and combine them just before reheating.

Is Cauliflower Keto?

It certainly is! In fact, cauliflower plays a huge part in many popular Keto recipes. It works as a great substitute for potatoes, rice and in the case of this Keto side dish, pasta. Cauliflower truly is the quintessential Keto vegetable!

Cauliflower is low in carbs and high in fiber and is very nutritious. According to this article, cauliflower provides a significant amount of antioxidants as well as some of almost every vitamin and mineral that you need.

How Many Carbs in Cauliflower?

For a whole cup of cooked cauliflower, there’re 3 net grams of carbs which is much less than the amount of carbs found in rice or potatoes. You just can’t beat that!

🍽️ More Buffalo Flavored Recipes

• Buffalo Chicken Casserole
• Buffalo Deviled Eggs
• Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
• Buffalo Cheese Sauce & Dip
• Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Buffalo Chicken Tenders

*Originally published on August 17, 2018, updated on December 31, 2024 with improvements to the recipe, new photos, new recipe information and helpful tips.