Mac and cheese is a staple in our house and pretty much has been since that blue cardboard box of mac and cheese emerged in my childhood. As a side dish, the main course, or a snack when I’m feeling frisky, there is just something about mac and cheese that soothes my soul. So when we went plant-based Whole 30, I was determined to cultivate a mac and cheese recipe that checked all of my dietary boxes and brought that same delicious nostalgia I knew so well. Enter: our Cauliflower “Mac” and Cheese.
The heartiness of traditional mac and cheese is met with the nutritional powerhouse of cauliflower, bringing you the creamy, savory goodness you’d expect from mac and cheese, except our version comes with additional benefits: health and convenience. Plant-based and Whole 30-compliant, our recipe is perfect for anyone who is trying to keep their eating habits clean or simply wants a healthier version of a classic.
The convenience shines through the methodology. A make-ahead freezer meal, Our Cauliflower “Mac” and Cheese is your ticket to a hassle-free, delicious dining experience at home, saving you time and energy and delivering all the flavor. It’s the ultimate solution if you’re anything like me (busy all the time) and are unwilling to compromise on nutrition or flavorful dinners. The secret is in the prep, which we’re getting to right about…now.
Why You’ll Love this Low Carb Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
- Healthy Alternative: With all the flavors of traditional mac and cheese, this recipe is a nutritional twist on a favorite comfort food, making it a guilt-free option for family dinners.
- Gluten-Free: This is a great option for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Reduces Mealtime Stress: Knowing dinner is already prepped and ready to go lessens the daily decision fatigue and stress centered around meal planning and preparing.
- Kid-Approved: Even the kids are fooled into eating this delicious, healthy Mac and Cheese, and loving it.
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Freezer Meal
The heartiness of traditional mac and cheese is met with the nutritional powerhouse of cauliflower, bringing you the creamy, savory goodness you’d expect from mac and cheese, except our version comes with additional benefits: health and convenience.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
- 1 Large Head Cauliflower chopped into 1-inch cubes
- 1 1/2 cup Cashews
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Mustard powder
- 1/2 cup Nutritional yeast
- 3/4 tsp Turmeric
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1 1/2 cup Almond milk
Prep/Freezer directions:Label 9×13 Pan/Dish with recipe name, cooking directions and expiration date (today's date plus three months)
Cover cashews with hottest tap water and allow to soak for 15 minutes.
While cashews soak, chop up cauliflower head.
Step 4: Strain cashews, add to a high-speed blender or food processor. Add remaining cheese sauce ingredients and blend until smooth.
Add cauliflower to 9×13 Pan/Dish, pour cheese sauce over cauliflower, stir together, cover and freeze for up to three months.
Oven Cooking directions:Preheat oven to 450°F
Remove Cauliflower mac and cheese from freezer and place in preheated oven covered with aluminum foil. Cook for 40 minutes.
Uncover and cook an additional 35-40 minutes.
Remove from over, sauce should be bubbling, allow to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving
Keyword Cauliflower Mac and Cheese, Oven Casseroles, Oven Freezer Meals Recipes, Plant Based Freezer Meal, Plant-Based Recipe
Equipment Needed to Make Dairy-Free Freezer-Friendly Mac and Cheese
- 9×13 aluminum/glass baking dish with lid (or aluminum foil to cover)
- 1 High speed blender/food processor
Ingredients for your Cauliflower “Mac” and Cheese
- 1 Large Head Cauliflower, chopped into 1-inch cubes
- 1 1/2 cup Cashews
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Mustard powder
- 1/2 cup Nutritional yeast
- 3/4 tsp Turmeric
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1 1/2 cup Almond milk
How to Make Cauliflower “Mac” and Cheese
Prep/Freezer Directions:
- Label 9×13 Pan/Dish with recipe name, cooking directions and expiration date (today’s date plus three months)
- Cover cashews with hottest tap water and allow to soak for 15 minutes.
- While cashews soak, chop up cauliflower head.
- Step 4: Strain cashews, add to a high-speed blender or food processor. Add remaining cheese sauce ingredients and blend until smooth.
- Add cauliflower to 9×13 Pan/Dish, pour cheese sauce over cauliflower, stir together, cover and freeze for up to three months.
Oven Cooking Directions:
- Preheat oven to 450°F
- Remove Cauliflower mac and cheese from freezer and place in preheated oven covered with aluminum foil. Cook for 40 minutes.
- Uncover and cook an additional 35-40 minutes.
- Remove from oven, sauce should be bubbling, allow to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
What to Pair with your Plant-Based Mac and Cheese
Sides:
Desserts:
Mocktails:
Popular Substitutions and Additions
Substitutions:
- Coconut Milk: For those with nut allergies or if you don’t care for almond milk, substitute it 1:1 for coconut milk. The texture will remain creamy, and coconut milk freezes well.
Additions:
- Spinach: Stir in 1 cup of chopped spinach for added nutritional benefits and color.
- Sauteed Mushrooms: Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms in a small amount of olive oil until browned, then stir them into the mix before baking. Their savory, umami flavor is a great addition to the flavors of the original recipe, and they are freezer-friendly.
With these substitutions and additions, you will be able to customize your dish to your liking, while still maintaining Whole30 Plant based compliance, as well as being freezer friendly.
How to Reheat and Store Cauliflower “Mac” and Cheese
Best way to Store Leftover Vegan Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Freezer Meal
If you happen to have any leftovers, the best way to store would be to allow the Mac and Cheese to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, place desired amount in airtight containers, and place in the fridge for best storage.
How Long Will Cauliflower “Mac” and Cheese Last In the Fridge?
When properly stored and cooled, Cauliflower “Mac” and Cheese will stay fresh for three to five days in the fridge.
Can I freeze Plant-Based Cauliflower Mac and Cheese?
Yes, We always recommend freezing before cooking because freezing cooked food never has the same enjoyable flavor and texture as it did the first round. Although you’re able to freeze leftovers, we recommend eating every bite of this recipe up within the recommended three to five days for maximum enjoyment.
To freeze your leftovers, follow the same procedure as you would to store in the fridge, cool, and then store in resealable freezer bags, or airtight freezer safe containers. Your leftovers will remain fresh for up to three months.
How To Reheat Dairy-Free Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Meal Prep
This meal is reheatable on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the microwave.
To reheat on the stovetop, take a splash of broth of preference or some water and add to skillet. Use medium heat, and place desired amount of leftovers in skillet. Stir occasionally until leftovers are heated through.
When using the oven, preheat to 350F. Place desired amount of leftovers in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated to desired temperature. Consider covering dish to avoid drying out the meal.
To use the microwave, choose a safe-dish, place the desired amount of leftovers on the plate, and reheat in short bursts of 30-60 seconds. Stirring between each interval to ensure even heating.
Whole 30 Cauliflower Mac Freezer Meal FAQs
Other Whole30 Compliant Recipes You’ll Love!
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Don’t forget to come back and let me know how your Plant-Based Cauliflower “Mac” and Cheese Turned out!
