Weight Watchers-friendly Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Ingredients

  • 1 large head cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets) – 0 points
  • 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese – 4 points
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – 1 point
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat milk of choice) – 0 points
  • 2 tbsp reduced-fat cream cheese – 2 points
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder – 0 points
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder – 0 points
  • Salt and pepper, to taste – 0 points
  • Optional garnish: Fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color and flavor – 0 points

Directions

  1. Prepare Cauliflower: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick spray.
  2. Steam Cauliflower: Steam or boil cauliflower florets until just tender (about 5-7 minutes). Drain well and set aside.
  3. Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the almond milk and cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is melted and well incorporated.
  4. Add Seasonings and Cheese: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
  5. Combine: Place the cauliflower in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower and gently stir to coat the florets.
  6. Bake: Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly. If you want a golden top, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes.
  7. Serve: Sprinkle with fresh chives or parsley, if desired. Serve warm.

Nutritional Information and Points (Per Serving – Serves 4):

  • Calories: ~120 per serving
  • Weight Watchers Points: ~2 points per serving

Tips:

  • Extra Creaminess: For a thicker sauce, use a bit more reduced-fat cream cheese or blend in a bit of low-fat cottage cheese.
  • Texture: Roasting the cauliflower first gives it a richer, caramelized flavor, which can add depth to the dish.

Benefits:

Cauliflower is a great low-carb alternative to pasta, adding fiber and nutrients while keeping this dish satisfying and low in points. The cheeses provide that classic comfort-food taste but with far fewer points than traditional mac and cheese.

Conclusion:

This Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is an easy, healthier twist on a comfort classic. It’s creamy, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful—a guilt-free way to enjoy mac and cheese on Weight Watchers!

Ingredients

  • 1 large head cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets) – 0 points
  • 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese – 4 points
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – 1 point
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat milk of choice) – 0 points
  • 2 tbsp reduced-fat cream cheese – 2 points
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder – 0 points
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder – 0 points
  • Salt and pepper, to taste – 0 points
  • Optional garnish: Fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color and flavor – 0 points

Directions

  1. Prepare Cauliflower: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick spray.
  2. Steam Cauliflower: Steam or boil cauliflower florets until just tender (about 5-7 minutes). Drain well and set aside.
  3. Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the almond milk and cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is melted and well incorporated.
  4. Add Seasonings and Cheese: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
  5. Combine: Place the cauliflower in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower and gently stir to coat the florets.
  6. Bake: Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly. If you want a golden top, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes.
  7. Serve: Sprinkle with fresh chives or parsley, if desired. Serve warm.

Nutritional Information and Points (Per Serving – Serves 4):

  • Calories: ~120 per serving
  • Weight Watchers Points: ~2 points per serving

Tips:

  • Extra Creaminess: For a thicker sauce, use a bit more reduced-fat cream cheese or blend in a bit of low-fat cottage cheese.
  • Texture: Roasting the cauliflower first gives it a richer, caramelized flavor, which can add depth to the dish.

Benefits:

Cauliflower is a great low-carb alternative to pasta, adding fiber and nutrients while keeping this dish satisfying and low in points. The cheeses provide that classic comfort-food taste but with far fewer points than traditional mac and cheese.

Conclusion:

This Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is an easy, healthier twist on a comfort classic. It’s creamy, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful—a guilt-free way to enjoy mac and cheese on Weight Watchers!