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Home » Gluten Free Recipes » Skinny Mac and Cheese

Skinny Mac and Cheese

Published: Sep 22, 2016 by Wendy Polisi Modified: Jan 27, 2022 · 449 words. · About 3 minutes to read this article. This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

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This Skinny Mac and Cheese is the perfect dish when you are craving something rich and cheesy, but don't want to stray from your health goals.
Photo of Skinny Mac and Cheese in an oval baking dish garnished with chives.

For me, a big part of balance in life is enjoying foods that I love. I am pretty lucky in that I truly enjoy salads, vegetables and juices.

I also happen to be wild about anything that is rich, creamy and cheesy. Yep, I kind of go nuts over indulgent foods.

The first thing I ever remember cooking is (boxed) Macaroni and Cheese under my Mother's supervision.  My first signature dish, what an insanely delicious homemade Macaroni and Cheese.

Not exactly health food.

Seeing as how I'm not getting any younger, for the last few years I've been all about making indulgent foods (like macaroni and cheese) a bit more sensible.

Maybe not quite health food - I've got my salads, juices and quinoa for that - but something I can enjoy on occasion without feeling guilty.
Photo of Skinny Mac and Cheese in an oval baking dish on a dark background with serving bowls behind it.
Today's Cauliflower Mac n Cheese is just that!

Creamy lusciousness with just 356 calories a serving.

Serve it with a green salad and you've got a great meal that won't derail your health goals.
Close up photo of Skinny Mac and Cheese.

Tools for Making Skinny Mac and Cheese

  • Baking Dish
  • Pot

Skinny Mac and Cheese

Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Skinny Mac and Cheese

This Skinny Mac and Cheese is the perfect dish when you are craving something rich and cheesy, but don't want to stray from your health goals.
Prep Time25 mins
Cook Time50 mins
Total Time1 hr 15 mins
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Calories: 314kcal
Author: Wendy Polisi

Ingredients

  • 6 ounces gluten free pasta I used quinoa pasta
  • 1 medium head of cauliflower cut into florets
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons gluten free flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 8 ounces organic sharp Cheddar Cheese
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 egg yolks
  • ¾ cup gluten free breadcrumbs
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13 x 9 baking dish with olive oil.
  • Bring a pot of water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions, adding cauliflower in the last 6 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1 cup of cooking liquid and drain.
  • Melt butter in the same pot. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, whisking constantly. Stir in reserved water, milk, and garlic. Cook for 8 minutes, until sauce is thicken, whisking often. 
  • Turn heat to low and stir in cheese, onion powder, salt, pepper and cayenne. Stir until cheese melts. Remove from heat and slowly stir in egg yolks. Toss with pasta and cauliflower.
  • Transfer to prepared dish and sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Spray breadcrumbs with cooking spray. Bake for 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 314kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 92mg | Sodium: 524mg | Potassium: 161mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 560IU | Vitamin C: 6.8mg | Calcium: 287mg | Iron: 0.5mg

If You Like Skinny Mac and Cheese You May Also Like:

  • Quinoa Mac and Cheese
  • Pesto Pasta with Quinoa
  • Quinoa and Pasta Salad
  • Sun Dried Tomato and Broccoli Pasta
« Breakfast Quesadillas with Spinach & Red Pepper
Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta »

About Wendy Polisi

Hi, I’m Wendy! I’m a cook, author, blogger, natural health enthusiast…and most importantly a mom. My boys are 10 & 11 and my late life princess is 3. Firm believers in lifestyle design, our family has been location independent since 2008. Join me to read about our adventures in the kitchen…and out!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Katie B.

    October 12, 2015 at 2:09 am

    I'm a little confused. The cheese is added twice? And when does the pasta go back in? Thanks for your clarification!

    Reply
    • Wendy Polisi

      October 13, 2015 at 10:46 am

      5 stars
      Sorry for any confusion. It should be clear now. Please let me know if it isn't.

      Reply
      • Katie B.

        October 14, 2015 at 4:00 pm

        Thanks!

        Reply
  2. Diane Riley

    December 20, 2015 at 5:34 am

    OK to put in whole eggs?

    Reply
    • Wendy Polisi

      December 22, 2015 at 4:06 pm

      Yes, that should work just fine.

      Reply
  3. Rebecca Miller

    September 22, 2016 at 9:05 pm

    I love adding cauliflower (and even broccoli) to my homemade mac n cheese! This looks great!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 24 Gluten Free Cauliflower Recipes - Wendy Polisi says:
    May 24, 2017 at 8:47 PM

    […] Cauliflower Rice Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Creamy Dijon Mustard Cauliflower Cauliflower Mac & Cheese Creamy Cauliflower Chowder Cauliflower Pizza Crust Cheesy Cauliflower Bread Sticks Pesto Chicken […]

    Reply

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Hi, I’m Wendy! I’m a cook, author, blogger, natural health enthusiast…and most importantly a mom. My boys are 10 & 11 and my late life princess is 3. Firm believers in lifestyle design, our family has been location independent since 2008. Join me to read about our adventures in the kitchen…and out! Read More…

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