If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy keto mac and cheese recipe, look no further! This recipe uses cauliflower instead of pasta, making it a perfect low-carb option. Our Keto Mac and Cheese is prepared with Cauliflower, Bacon, and Cheddar! Of course, being on a low-carb diet, having Grams of fiber, or a keto diet doesn’t mean you should forget about your favorite childhood food. It is creamy, ultra cheesy, super indulgent, and a delicious recipe that is one of the favorite foods for many fitness freaks.
It is one of the best comfort food recipes and is easy to make. There are lots of Keto recipes available online, but you can find very few that contain cauliflower. So, we have prepared this cauliflower keto mac and cheese recipe for you.
Indeed, cauliflower is not only an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants but also very versatile in the kitchen. You can use it to make low-carb versions of your favorite dishes. It is perfect and it goes perfectly to make the Keto Mac and Cheese Recipe. In addition, you’ll see that cauliflower can save the day for those trying to cut carbs.
That said, Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is also a rich and creamy comfort food without the added carbs. It can stand alone, served as the main course, or filled with Roast Chicken or Pulled Pork.
Perfect Way To Make A Keto Keto Mac and Cheese Recipe With Cauliflower
This Keto Mac and Cheese Recipe is the perfect way to get your fix of comfort food without all the carbs! Made with just a few simple ingredients, this low carb dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients used
Keto Mac and Cheese Prep Time 10 minutes Cook Time 25 minutes Total Time 35 minutes
- One head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- Pinch of salt, Black pepper
- 3/4 cup whole milk (you can also use heavy whipping cream)
- 3 ounces cream cheese softened, cube
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried parsley
- One teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, or to taste
- Salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- Four slices of bacon, diced and cooked until crisp
- Chopped fresh parsley to decorate
FOR THE COVER (optional)
- 1/4 cup panko cracklings
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- One tablespoon of melted butter
Instructions for Making the Perfect Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Preheat the oven to 375˚F.
- Place 1 inch of water in a large pot or saucepan with a pinch of salt and bring to a boil.
- Add the cauliflower florets to the boiling water and cook for 8 to 9 minutes, or until crisp-tender.
- Drain the cauliflower in a colander and reserve.
- Butter a 9×13 baking pan; set aside.
- Keep a Paper towel by your side to clean the mess.
- Pour the milk into the pot you used for the cauliflower and place it over medium heat.
- Add the cream cheese to the milk and whisk until the cream cheese is completely melted.
- Add the dried parsley, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese; whisk gently until the cheese has completely melted.
- Add the cauliflower florets back to the pot and, using a large spoon, gently toss until everything is covered in cheese sauce.
- Transfer cauliflower mixture to previously prepared baking dish; sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese and set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the pork rind crumbs, Parmesan, and melted butter; mix and stir until well combined.
- Sprinkle the pork rind mixture in an even layer over the cauliflower.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
- Meanwhile, dice the bacon and fry until crisp.
- Remove Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Casserole from the oven.
- Garnish with prepared bacon and fresh parsley. Serve.
The above recipe is rich in flavor and utterly more delicious than the traditional recipes. It is so delicious that It will make you feel like you are eating it for the first time.
This Low Carb Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is a tasty keto spin on a classic mac and cheese. Enjoy it as an indulgent, caloric side dish, or load it up with veggies and bacon for a complete meal!
How to Roast Cauliflower in the Best Way?
- Prepare your delicious cauliflower mac in a baking dish by greasing it or covering it with parchment paper.
- Cut the cauliflower into evenly sized pieces and drizzle with olive oil and a little salt and pepper.
- Roast cauliflower in a 425-degree F. oven for 20 minutes. The pieces should be tender and the edges slightly charred.
- While the cauliflower is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. It’s straightforward to do! Melt the butter, milk, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese together.
What are the Health Benefits of Roasted Cauliflower?
Cauliflower has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the risk of cancer. It’s the ultimate comfort food and also high in fiber and vitamin C. No other mac and cheese can claim all of that. And, of course, by using cauliflower instead of pasta, this dish becomes gluten-free.
If you’ve never had roasted cauliflower, you’ve been missing out! Keep this part of the recipe in mind for a quick and delicious side dish for any meal!
Can you make it with Cauliflower Rice?
Sure, you can do it with your favorite recipes! You can chop a head of cauliflower into super small rice pieces, or you can use prepackaged cauliflower rice, which is your most straightforward option. We prefer to use slightly larger cauliflower florets to soak up the cheese sauce a bit more, but cauliflower rice works and allows you to get more of the cheesy flavor.
Be sure to use one head of cauliflower that has been seasoned or 4 cups of packaged cauliflower rice.
Is Cheese Good for Keto Diet?
Yes! But, always remember this; “In moderation”. Yes, cheese is acceptable on a low-carb and keto diet, but don’t add it to every meal. Cheese still has calories, and too much cheese equals too many calories, which won’t help you lose weight.
What type of Cheese to Use?
You can technically use whatever cheese you have on hand to make this recipe! It doesn’t matter too much. You can mix cream cheese and cheddar cheese, partly because cheddar is everyone’s favorite, and the cream cheese adds a nice, creamy consistency.
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can leave it on and add the difference in cheddar. Mozzarella, gouda, Swiss, Parmesan, and just about any cheese you can think of are also good additions. Still, we recommend using cheese with a more robust flavor profile, like cheddar, to get a cheesy flavor.
You can always pair the more robust cheese with a lighter cheese like Swiss or mozzarella – it’s a great alternative to cream cheese, as both kinds of cheese are known for their gooey texture, adding the creaminess you’re looking for.
What Does Keto Mac And Cheese Taste Like?
Low-carb mac and cheese may not be the same as traditional mac and cheese, but it can still be delicious. For those unfamiliar with the keto diet, it is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that can help people lose weight. While mac and cheese are typically made with pasta and a cheese sauce, keto mac and cheese is made with cauliflower and a cheese substitute.
The result is a dish that is lower in carbs and calories but still has the rich flavor of classic mac and cheese. So if you’re curious about what keto mac and cheese tastes like, give it a try! You might be surprised by how good it can be.
How can you Store the Dish?
Store Keto Mac and Cheese completely chilled in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Then, reheat in the microwave whenever you want to enjoy this delicious meal.
Tips to Make the Best Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe
Cauliflower is a healthy and delicious real thing used in many different recipes. However, one of the most popular ways to enjoy cauliflower is in mac and cheese. While there are many different ways to make this dish, a few tips can help ensure the best results.
- First, it is essential to choose a good quality cheese; you can also select the ones from affiliate links. Sharp cheddar or gruyere will add the most flavor.
- Second, be sure to cook the cauliflower until it is very tender. This will help to create a creamy cheese sauce. Further, don’t be afraid to experiment with other ingredients.
- Adding bacon or sun-dried tomatoes can give your mac and cheese a unique flavor. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy meal.
- Use a light hand when adding the milk because cauliflower doesn’t absorb liquids like starchy pasta. As a result, the sauce will look very thick. That’s how you know it will be perfect in the cauliflower!
- The cheese sauce should only be hot enough to melt the cheese. Don’t overcook the sauce, or the milk will start to curdle. By cooking the cheese sauce on low, you can ensure that it has enough time to melt and soften but not enough heat to curdle.
If you follow these tips, you should have no problem creating a delicious and healthy cauliflower mac and cheese recipe. So, go ahead and enjoy!
What Substitutions Can I Make in this Recipe?
For the cheese: If you don’t have cream cheese at home or prefer not to use it, you can use more cheddar cheese instead. Cream cheese creates a smoother, thicker cheese sauce, which is why we always indulge in cream cheese for this recipe.
For the milk: we prefer to use 2% milk because it is what we keep in the house. However, any variety of milk, like almond milk, will work fine. This includes non-dairy nut milk like almond and coconut. If you want something even creamier and more indulgent, you can use half and half or heavy cream.
How do I go about Making a Complete Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Meal?
Low-carb mac n cheese is often a side dish because traditionally, it’s just starches and dairy. This dish is different. It is already full of vegetables as a base. Cheese has plenty of protein, but you can add more. Try some of these additions to your mac and cheese for a one-pot dinner.
1. Chicken: Grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken all work great in this dish. Just chop it into small pieces and add it when you want the cheese.
2. Bacon: We love bacon in everything; mac and cheese are no exception. Add some crispy bacon bits on top for extra texture and flavor.
3. Vegetables: Want to sneak some extra vegetables into your family’s meal? Try adding broccoli, peas, or spinach to the mix. Then, chop them into small pieces to blend well with the cheese sauce.
4. Ground beef or turkey: Add some cooked ground beef or turkey for a heartier dish. This is a great way to use up leftovers from another meal. Just drain any excess fat before adding it to the mac and cheese.
The above are only suggestions. You can use any combination of vegetables or proteins that you like or have on hand. Just make sure that whatever you add is cooked before adding it to the mac and cheese.
Fresh or Frozen Cauliflower: Which One To Use In Keto Diet?
Regarding cauliflower, there are two main camps: those who prefer frozen and those who prefer fresh. Each has its distinct advantages. For example, frozen cauliflower is more convenient, as it can be easily store-bought and doesn’t require prep work. It’s also typically less expensive than fresh cauliflower.
However, some people find that frozen cauliflower doesn’t have the same flavor or texture as fresh. On the other hand, fresh cauliflower is often seen as having a more robust flavor. It’s also higher in nutrients, as fresh vegetables generally are. Regarding the keto diet, either option can be used; it ultimately depends on personal preference.
What do I Serve with Cauliflower Mac and Cheese?
You can choose to leave this dish in its perfect state and eat it as is. It can be a wholesome meal, but you may want something else to go with it. For example, you can opt for a protein or more vegetables. One of the great things about cauliflower mac and cheese is that it can be served as a main dish or a side dish.
- If you want to make it a main dish, you can add some protein to it by stir-frying some chicken or shrimp and adding it to the mac and cheese. You could also top it with some crispy bacon or crumbled sausage.
- If you want to keep it vegetarian, add sauteed mushrooms or roasted broccoli. For a heartier meal, you could serve it with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.
- To further elevate the dish, one can add a few dashes of hot sauce and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. For a heartier meal, one can serve it with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans.
- And for a truly indulgent experience, one can also top it with a crispy coating of panko bread crumbs.
No matter how you serve it, cauliflower mac and cheese will surely be a hit with your family and friends.
Cauliflower mac and cheese is a delicious and favorite food alternative to traditional mac and cheese. The key to making it is to use a variety of cheeses, including cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan. This combination of cheeses provides a depth of flavor that compliments the cauliflower perfectly.
How to Store and Reheat Keto Mac and Cheese Recipe?
This recipe makes perfect leftovers! Store in glass containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Sprinkle a little water on top and microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through the cooking time. This mac and cheese are also reheated nicely on the stovetop in a saucepan; add extra butter or cooking spray to the pot before heating. It is at this point that you can also go ahead and add plugins to update your leftovers.
Some people find that frozen cauliflower doesn’t have the same flavor or texture as fresh. On the other hand, fresh cauliflower is often seen as having a more robust flavor. It’s also higher in nutrients, as fresh vegetables generally are. Regarding the keto diet, either option can be used; it ultimately depends on personal preference.
If you want to make it a main dish, you can add some protein to it by stir-frying some chicken or shrimp and adding it to the mac and cheese. You could also top it with some crispy bacon or crumbled sausage.
Can you Freeze Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese?
If you can! Freeze in glass or aluminum containers. In foil pans, you can reheat directly from the freezer to the oven; bake at 375 F for 30 minutes. If using a microwave, use glass bowls and microwave on high for 5-6 minutes, stirring halfway through. Let sit for 1 minute before serving.
Cauliflower mac and cheese can also be reheated in the microwave or stovetop, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. Whether you enjoy it as a main dish or side, cauliflower mac and cheese will surely be a hit with your family and friends!
FAQ
How do I make this dish healthier?
If you’re looking for ways to make this dish healthier, there are a few things you can do. For one, you could use low-fat or fat-free cheese instead of full-fat cheese. You could also opt for skim milk instead of whole milk. You can also use different cheeses like Gruyère, Gouda, Monterey Jack, etc. But whatever cheese you choose, make sure it’s grated because it needs to melt quickly into the cream sauce. These swaps will lower the dish’s calories and fat, but they will still be just as delicious.
What are some other ways to enjoy cauliflower?
There are many ways to enjoy cauliflower besides this mac and cheese recipe. Cauliflower can be enjoyed roasted, mashed, grilled, or even raw. It’s a versatile vegetable that can be used in various dishes. You could even make pizza crust out of it.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply omit the panko crumbs and Parmesan cheese from the topping. Instead, top with an additional 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This will still give you a delicious, cheesy topping without the gluten.
How do I make this Keto Mac and Cheese Recipe vegan?
If you’re looking for a vegan option, you could use vegan cheese instead of regular cheese. You could also use almond or soy milk instead of cow’s milk. These swaps will make the dish vegan and just as delicious.
What is considered a low-carb diet?
Generally, diets with less than 100 grams of carbohydrates per day are considered low-carb. However, most people need to consume less than 50 grams of carbohydrates daily to see the desired results.
This is the point when the body goes into ketosis. When your body doesn’t have enough glucose to burn energy, it begins to dip into your fat stores. The body always burns glucose first, which is found in carbohydrates. This is how rapid weight loss happens on a low-carb diet.
Conclusion
Cauliflower mac and cheese is a delicious, healthy alternative to traditional mac and cheese enjoyed by the whole family. Its main ingredient includes various kinds of cheese, including cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan, and can be enhanced with a few dashes of hot sauce and chopped fresh parsley.
It can be served as a primary or side dish and reheats well for leftovers. It can also be frozen for later enjoyment. So whether you’re looking for a healthier version of mac and cheese or just a delicious new recipe, give cauliflower mac and cheese a try!
Best Keto Mac and Cheese Recipe: Low Carb
Ingredients
- One head of cauliflower cut into florets
- Pinch of salt Black pepper
- 3/4 cup whole milk you can also use heavy whipping cream
- 3 ounces cream cheese softened cube
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried parsley
- One teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or to taste
- Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- Four slices of bacon diced and cooked until crisp
- Chopped fresh parsley to decorate
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375˚F.
- Place 1 inch of water in a large pot or saucepan with a pinch of salt and bring to a boil.
- Add the cauliflower florets to the boiling water and cook for 8 to 9 minutes, or until crisp-tender.
- Drain the cauliflower in a colander and reserve.
- Butter a 9×13 baking pan; set aside.
- Keep a Paper towel by your side to clean the mess.
- Pour the milk into the pot you used for the cauliflower and place it over medium heat.
- Add the cream cheese to the milk and whisk until the cream cheese is completely melted.
- Add the dried parsley, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese; whisk gently until the cheese has completely melted.
- Add the cauliflower florets back to the pot and, using a large spoon, gently toss until everything is covered in cheese sauce.
- Transfer cauliflower mixture to previously prepared baking dish; sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese and set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the pork rind crumbs, Parmesan, and melted butter; mix and stir until well combined.
- Sprinkle the pork rind mixture in an even layer over the cauliflower.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
- Meanwhile, dice the bacon and fry until crisp.
- Remove Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Casserole from the oven.
- Garnish with prepared bacon and fresh parsley. Serve.