Cheesy Cauliflower Rice
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This easy Cheesy Cauliflower Rice is a vegetarian side dish that goes well with anything. Made with frozen cauliflower rice and a rich cheddar cheese sauce, it tastes just like mac and cheese!
Why you’ll love this recipe!
Mac and cheese vibes 🧀 – A creamy cheddar cheese sauce meets cauliflower rice to give you a cozy, comforting side dish. You won’t even notice the macaroni is missing!
Only pantry staples – This recipe is the best way to turn that bag of frozen cauliflower rice, shredded cheese, and a few staples into a cheesy side.
Ready in 15 minutes – Just cook the cauliflower rice, whisk the cheese sauce, combine the two together, and you’re done.
Table of Contents
Sometimes, you just need to eat something cheesy with dinner. This Cheesy Cauliflower Rice recipe feels just like my classic microwave mac and cheese, but uses cauliflower rice instead of pasta for a lighter twist!
I love cauliflower and I love cheese, so this almost-low-carb side dish gives me the best of both worlds. Even better, it comes together in no time on the stove and goes well with pretty much everything, from these crispy Whole30 chicken tenders to these weeknight-friendly air fryer pork chops.
Cheesy Cauliflower Rice Ingredients
Frozen cauliflower rice – I almost always have a bag of frozen cauliflower rice from Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods in my freezer. Fresh cauliflower rice from the produce section works, too.
Shredded cheese – The cheese sauce is made from melted cheddar cheese to give it the same creamy tang you’d get in classic mac and cheese. You could also use shredded mozzarella, a Mexican blend, or any good melting cheese. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top would be delicious, too!
Fresh chives – They’re folded right into the cheesy cauliflower for a fresh, oniony bite that’s *chef’s kiss*. If you only have dried chives, use 2 teaspoons instead.
This list is to provide further clarification on a few of the ingredients. See recipe card below for the full ingredient list.
Variations
- Low-carb option – Omit the flour to make this a true low-carb recipe.
- For extra cheesy cauliflower rice, stir a scoop of cream cheese into the skillet when you add the shredded cheese.
- Bulk it up with add-ins, like blanched cauliflower or broccoli florets, green peas, crispy bacon bits, sliced green onions, or corn kernels.
- Dairy-free version – Use non-dairy butter, milk, and vegan cheese shreds instead.
- Gluten-free option – A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works just as well as all-purpose flour here.
How to Make Cheesy Cauliflower Rice
Step 1: Cook the cauliflower rice. To start, cook the cauliflower rice according to the package instructions.
Step 2: Make the cheese sauce. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, then whisk in the milk, flour, and salt. Whisk in the cheese, 1/4 cup at a time, until the sauce is smooth.
Step 3: Combine. Fold the cooked cauliflower rice and chives into the cheese sauce. Add more chives and salt to taste, then serve and enjoy!
Erin’s Tips and Tricks
- Want to turn this into a main dish? Fold two cooked and diced chicken breasts or thighs in with the cauliflower and cheese before serving.
- This recipe works with cooked grains, too. You can either combine or replace the riced cauliflower with cooked rice or quinoa instead.
My Pro Tip
Make a Cheesy Cauliflower Bake Instead
Combine the cauliflower and cheese sauce in an oven-safe skillet and top it with a layer of buttered breadcrumbs and/or parmesan cheese. Bake in a 400ºF oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling and the top is golden.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Freezing isn’t recommended since the cauliflower tends to get mushy after thawing.
Reheating: Either microwave the leftovers for about 1 minute or add them back to a skillet and warm over medium heat until the sauce is smooth and bubbly again.
More Easy Side Dishes
If you made this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating below. Thanks!
Cheesy Cauliflower Rice
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cups milk
- 2 tbsp all purpose flour
- ¾ tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp chives, chopped; plus more for garnish
- 12 oz frozen cauliflower rice, cooked
Instructions
- Start by cooking the cauliflower rice according to the package instructions.
- Next, heat the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the milk, flour and salt and whisk until smooth.
- Bring the mixture to a low simmer – as soon as the edges start to bubble, add the cheese in ¼ cup at a time, whisking until smooth. Repeat this process until all of the cheese is gone.
- Remove the skillet from the heat, then fold in the cooked cauliflower rice, along with the chives.
- Add more chives and salt to taste and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Hi, notes say this serves two people. How could I stretch it to feed more people without doubling shrimp? Maybe white beans? Another vegetable? What do you think? Thanks looks great!
thank you, nice dish! I don’t really miss rice while skipping those kinds of carbs but certainly miss a lot of rice based dishes like this one that I can feel much better about with cauliflower!
Cauliflower is my favorite vegetable because of its versatility. Thanks for another great idea!
I agree–it’s super versatile!
This sounds amazing!! What a perfect substitution for shrimp and grits. I love adding buffalo sauce for spice ?
SAME. It’s so good.
Ooh this looks good! I’m always looking for new ways to use cauliflower rice. I love it so much!
Me too! It’s SUCH an easy way to eat more veggies.
Looks so good!
Izzy | Pinch of delight