Craving a delicious twist on a classic comfort food? This Smoked Spicy Cauliflower Mac & Cheese is a game changer. By swapping traditional pasta for smoky cauliflower rice, you not only cut down on carbs but also bring in a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. With a creamy cheese sauce enhanced by chipotle, jalapeño, and hot smoked paprika, this dish is perfect for anyone looking to spice things up at dinner.
Imagine indulging in a rich, creamy mac and cheese that feels indulgent while being high in protein. The non-fat cottage cheese and light cheeses help keep the calories in check without sacrificing taste. It’s the ideal side dish or light main for gatherings, and it’s sure to impress your guests!
A Flavor-Packed Cauliflower Mac & Cheese Recipe
This vibrant dish transforms the traditional mac and cheese into a flavorful experience with a twist. By incorporating smoked spicy cauliflower, the recipe elevates the classic comfort food while significantly reducing carbs. The creamy cheese sauce, enriched with chipotle and jalapeño, delivers a smoky richness that is both satisfying and hearty.
Each serving showcases a delightful texture and an explosion of flavors, making this smoky cauliflower mac and cheese a must-try for those craving something unique. The combination of the creamy sauce and the spicy notes will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients That Shine
The base of this recipe is simple yet effective. Fresh or frozen cauliflower rice is combined with non-fat cottage cheese and jalapeños, packing a punch of flavor and creaminess. The seasoning, featuring salt and garlic powder, enhances the vegetables perfectly.
The spicy cheese sauce is the star of the show, blending low-fat milk with Greek yogurt and light cheeses. Chipotle peppers in adobo and hot smoked paprika provide the necessary kick, while optional spices like onion powder and crushed red pepper flakes can be adjusted to suit your heat preferences.
Preparing the Cauliflower Base
To create a solid foundation for this dish, the preparation of the cauliflower base is essential. If you opt for frozen cauliflower rice, simply microwave it and drain any excess moisture. Mixing the cauliflower with cottage cheese, salt, garlic powder, and jalapeño in a large bowl creates a rich and flavorful mixture that sets the tone for the dish.
This mixture is then ready to be combined with the creamy cheese sauce, resulting in a luscious and cohesive filling that will tantalize your taste buds.
Crafting the Spicy Cheese Sauce
The preparation of the spicy cheese sauce is straightforward yet rewarding. Warm low-fat milk in a saucepan and stir in Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, and an array of spices. This melting process is crucial for achieving a smooth and creamy sauce.
Adjusting the heat level is easy; simply taste the sauce and add more chipotle or hot sauce as desired. Once perfected, the sauce is combined with the cauliflower base, forming a rich blend that is ready for its next step.
Smoking to Perfection
Transferring the mixture to a cast-iron skillet allows for even cooking and enhances the smoky flavor profile. Preheating the smoker and selecting a light fruitwood like apple or cherry helps to balance the flavors beautifully.
After smoking uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, the dish emerges hot and bubbly, with a glorious golden top that invites you to dig in. Allowing it to rest briefly before serving ensures the flavors meld together, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Finishing Touches
The presentation of this dish can elevate the dining experience. Garnishing with chopped chives or green onions not only adds a pop of color but enhances the flavor profile as well. For those who crave an extra kick, additional jalapeño slices or a dash of hot sauce can be added just before serving.
This smoked spicy cauliflower mac and cheese is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors that caters to both your cravings and dietary choices. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it.
A Flavor-Packed Cauliflower Mac & Cheese Recipe
This Smoked Spicy Cauliflower Mac & Cheese delivers a delightful combination of creamy textures and bold flavors. With each bite, you experience the smokiness of the cauliflower and the spicy kick from the jalapeños and chipotle, creating a satisfying and hearty dish that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients
- For the Base:
- 4 cups cauliflower rice (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 1 cup non-fat cottage cheese
- ½ small diced jalapeño (fresh or pickled, adjust to heat level)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- For the Spicy Cheese Sauce:
- ½ cup low-fat milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
- ¼ cup non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 cup light shredded cheddar or mozzarella
- 1–2 tsp chipotle peppers in adobo (minced)
- 1 tsp hot smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp mustard powder (optional, adds sharpness)
- 1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- Topping (Optional):
- ¼ cup light spicy cheese or crumbled spicy protein chips
- Additional red pepper flakes or cayenne (to taste)
- Chopped chives or green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower Base: If using frozen cauliflower rice, microwave and drain any excess moisture. Mix cauliflower rice, cottage cheese, salt, garlic powder, and jalapeño in a large bowl. Set aside.
- Make the Spicy Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk. Stir in Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, and all spices: chipotle, paprika, onion powder, mustard powder, pepper flakes, and hot sauce. Stir until cheese is fully melted and sauce is smooth and slightly thick. Taste and adjust heat with more hot sauce or chipotle if needed.
- Combine & Transfer to Dish: Mix the cheese sauce into the cauliflower base until evenly coated. Transfer to a cast-iron skillet, foil pan, or smoker-safe casserole dish. Top with extra cheese, spicy chip crumbs, or a dusting of paprika if desired.
- Smoke It: Preheat smoker to 225–250°F (107–121°C). Use a light fruitwood (apple, cherry) for a balanced smoke or go with mesquite/hickory for a bolder profile. Smoke uncovered for 35–45 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
- Serve & Finish: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions, extra jalapeño slices, or a dash of hot sauce!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Smoking Time: 35–45 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour
- Servings: 4 (generous side portions or light mains)
- Calories: ~160–180
- Protein: ~18–22g
- Carbohydrates: ~9–12g
- Fat: ~4–6g
