Make this Slow Cooker Cauliflower Mac and Cheese for a lighter take on the classic pasta dish! Unlike many cauliflower recipes, it's still packed with flavor and adds some amazing nutrition.
Easy, cheesy, and wholesome, this is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Best of all, it comes together in the slow cooker for super easy prep and hands off cooking!
Jump to:
- 🩵 About This Recipe
- What readers are saying...
- 🧂 Gather Your Ingredients
- 🔪 Let's Make Slow Cooker Cauliflower Mac and Cheese!
- 💡 Expert Tips and Tricks
- ❔ FAQs
- 📝 Substitutions and Variations
- 🥡 Storage and Reheating
- 🍴 What To Serve With This Dish
- 😋 More Slow Cooker Pasta Recipes You'll Love
- 📋 Recipe Card
- 💬 Reviews and Comments
🩵 About This Recipe
Mac and cheese is a classic for a reason. Easy, cheesy, and loved by all! But classic mac and cheese tends to be a little heavy.
That's why I love this cauliflower mac! It still features actual pasta, but there's added cauliflower for additional heartiness that hardly affects the flavor. The whole family will adore this better-for-you mac!
And for even more mac and cheese recipes, try my Crockpot Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese, Seafood Mac and Cheese, Mushroom Mac and Cheese, or this 5 Ingredient Buffalo Mac and Cheese.
What readers are saying...
I love how easy this is!! I hate crockpot recipes that make you pre-make or cook stuff before putting it in, that's why I use the crockpot no extra effort!
- Hil
🧂 Gather Your Ingredients
- elbow macaroni - for traditional "mac" and cheese that everyone loves.
- shredded cheese - I like cheddar cheese for this dish, but feel free to switch things up.
- cauliflower - a low-carb substitute for macaroni that has lots of nutrition!
- milk - adds to the creaminess of the cheese sauce.
- mustard - this optional ingredient adds lots of flavor.
🔪 Let's Make Slow Cooker Cauliflower Mac and Cheese!
(Or click here to jump right to the recipe card with measurements!)
Combine Ingredients
Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
Slow Cook
Cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
💡 Expert Tips and Tricks
- Be sure to chop the cauliflower finely so it blends well into the dish.
- For a meltier, smoother cheese, buy a full block of cheese and grate/shred it yourself! Most pre-shredded cheese has a thin coating that prevents it from sticking together.
❔ FAQs
Either you've added too much liquid, or the pasta needs to cook more and absorb all of the excess.
Elbow macaroni is the classic choice, but you could also use something like cavatappi, penne, or pasta shells.
I do recommend using milk for the cooking liquid - water will get the job done but the end result will be a lot less flavorful and not quite as creamy and hearty.
📝 Substitutions and Variations
- Other cheeses like Gruyere, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack are other great options to add instead of or alongside the cheddar.
- Add extra veggies like broccoli, peas, or spinach for even more nutrition!
- For a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce or spices like chili powder, red pepper flakes, or smoked paprika.
- Give this even more flavor with some bacon crumbles.
Kristin's Kitchen Tip
Give your slow cooker cauliflower mac and cheese a good stir about halfway through the cooking time to prevent clumping together!!
🥡 Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. You can easily reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to prevent drying out.
I don't recommend freezing your mac and cheese. The cheesy sauce and noodles won't be the same after freezing and thawing.
Keep It Handy
Don't have time for this slow cooker cauliflower mac and cheese recipe right now? Click on or tap the heart icon on the BOTTOM RIGHT of the screen to save it for later!
🍴 What To Serve With This Dish
Enjoy this as a main dish or serve alongside some grilled chicken and roasted veggies. You can also give your dish an extra touch by adding some crushed crackers or bread crumbs on top!
😋 More Slow Cooker Pasta Recipes You'll Love
- Slow Cooker Turkey Tetrazzini - A great way to use leftover turkey and turn it into a brand new ddish.
- Crock Pot Baked Ziti - This slow cooker take on the classic pasta dish features mushroooms and spinach!
- Slow Cooker Healthier Pasta - Make a better-for-you spaghetti dinner with this easy recipe.
- Crock Pot Million Dollar Pasta - Inspired by the dip recipe, this amazing slow cooker dinner from The Country Cook is savory and comforting to the max!
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Crock Pot Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
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📋 Recipe Card
Slow Cooker Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni (I used a high fiber version)
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup minced cauliflower florets (approximately 1 medium head)
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 12 ounces evaporated milk (1 can)
- ½ tablespoon yellow mustard (optional)
Instructions
- Add the pasta, shredded cheddar, minced cauliflower, milk, evaporated milk, and yellow mustard to the slow cooker. Mix well.12 ounces elbow macaroni, 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup minced cauliflower florets, 2 ½ cups milk, 12 ounces evaporated milk, ½ tablespoon yellow mustard
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours until most of the liquid is absorbed. (Stir after about 1-2 hours to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.)
Notes
- Chop the cauliflower very finely so it blends well into the dish.
- Shred your own cheddar for smoother melting since pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents.
- Use other cheeses (or a blend of cheeses) like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even Gruyère for a twist on flavor.
- Stir in cooked chopped broccoli, peas, or spinach for extra veggies.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a little kick.
- Mix in cooked, crumbled bacon for added richness.
- Serve as a comforting main dish or pair with grilled chicken or roasted veggies.
- Top with toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for added crunch.
- Great for potlucks or as a side dish at holiday gatherings.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to prevent drying out.
- Not recommended for freezing, as it affects the texture of the pasta and cheese.
Video
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
Update Notes: This post was originally published in July 2016, and was republished with tips, step by step photos, and a recipe change in June 2025.
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Cristina at Ava's Alphabet says
Yum! This looks delicious. And I love the hidden veggies - so smart! Thank you for sharing on Family Joy Blog Link-Up Party. We hope to see you again next week!
Hil says
I love how easy this is!! I hate crockpot recipes that make you pre-make or cook stuff before putting it in, that's why I use the crockpot no extra effort! This would be great to try with my family, I can't wait!
Lori says
Hi Kristin! What a terrific recipe! I love cauliflower and how versatile it is!! Would you consider sharing this at our Dishing It & Digging It Link Party? It's live every Sunday @4pm! We'd love to have some of your creative projects! 🙂
http://www.thestonybrookhouse.com/2016/08/dishing-it-digging-it-link-party-108.html
Helen Fern says
I think this looks like one of the best Mac & Cheese recipes with cauliflower that I've ever seen. I'm a mac & cheese purist and have never thought adding veggies was a good idea, but this one I might try!! Thanks for sharing on the What's for Dinner link up!
Anne says
Yummmm this looks wayy too good! Plus it's got cauliflower so it's healthy right? 😉
Cindy Kerschner says
I'm always up for a new cauliflower recipe!
Liz Berg says
I love that you added some cauliflower to the mix! Now I'm craving some mac and cheese!!!
Sarah Reid, CNP (@jo_jo_ba) says
Cauliflower does SUCH a good cream sauce! I've never tried mac n cheese in the crockpot, must be time to try it out!
Tammi @ Momma's Meals says
I love the idea of adding the cauliflower in there, my son would devour it but I'm pretty sure my picky 5 year old
Tammi @ Momma's Meals says
OOPS.....I'm pretty sure my picky 5 year old would find the cauliflower! If I don't make anything exactly the same the second time she calls me out on it ha!! I love that it's a crockpot recipe too!
Carlee says
I absolutely love this idea and can't wait to give it a try!