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Creamy Baked Cauliflower Mac ‘n’ Cheese (Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Dairy-Free)

Name: Creamy Baked Cauliflower Mac ‘n’ Cheese (Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Dairy-Free)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 large head cauliflower, cut into small florets; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt to taste; 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or other plant milk); 3 tbsp tapioca flour or cornstarch; 1/2 cup nutritional yeast; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp mustard (optional, for tang); 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; Salt & pepper to taste; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs (optional: crushed gluten-free crackers); 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut or cashew cheese, grated; 1 tbsp olive oil

Category:

Main Course

Difficulty: Medium

Serves:

6 people

Prep Time: 20 Minutes

Cook Time: 30–35 minutes

Rating:

(0.00/5)

July 26, 2025 by Chef Molly

This hearty and satisfying baked dish mimics traditional mac and cheese using tender cauliflower florets instead of pasta and a dairy-free "cheese" topping made from plant-based ingredients. It’s perfect for comfort food cravings while staying allergy-friendly.

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What You’ll Need:

Main

1 large head cauliflower, cut into small florets
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt to taste

Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce

1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or other plant milk)
3 tbsp tapioca flour or cornstarch
1/2 cup nutritional yeast
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp mustard (optional, for tang)
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp olive oil

“Cheese” Topping

1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs (optional: crushed gluten-free crackers)
1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut or cashew cheese, grated
1 tbsp olive oil

Prepration for:Creamy Baked Cauliflower Mac ‘n’ Cheese (Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Dairy-Free)

Step 1/4

1. Pre-Cook the Cauliflower: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it lightly, and add cauliflower florets. Cook for 5–7 minutes until fork tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.

Step 2/4

2. Make the Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, whisk almond milk and tapioca flour together over medium heat. Add nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard, paprika, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.

Step 3/4

3. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked cauliflower and cheese sauce. Mix to coat well. Pour the mixture into a baking dish (like shown in your image).

Step 4/4

4. Add Topping & Bake: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, coconut or vegan cheese, and olive oil. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the cauliflower mixture. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crispy.

Chef's Tips & Notes

Serving Suggestion: Serve warm with a side salad or roasted veggies for a full meal.

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SERVING

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Creamy Baked Cauliflower Mac ‘n’ Cheese (Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Dairy-Free)

Directions

Step 1

1. Pre-Cook the Cauliflower:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it lightly, and add cauliflower florets.
Cook for 5–7 minutes until fork tender but not mushy.
Drain and set aside.

Step 2

2. Make the Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce:
In a saucepan, whisk almond milk and tapioca flour together over medium heat.
Add nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard, paprika, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt.
Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.

Step 3

3. Assemble the Casserole:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked cauliflower and cheese sauce. Mix to coat well.
Pour the mixture into a baking dish (like shown in your image).

Step 4

4. Add Topping & Bake:
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, coconut or vegan cheese, and olive oil.
Sprinkle evenly over the top of the cauliflower mixture.
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crispy.

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Creamy Baked Cauliflower Mac ‘n’ Cheese (Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Dairy-Free)

What You’ll Need:

Main

Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce

“Cheese” Topping

Prepration for:Creamy Baked Cauliflower Mac ‘n’ Cheese (Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Dairy-Free)

Chef's Tips & Notes

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Golden Duck Confit Noodle Bowl

Savory Zucchini Hemp Mini Muffins

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