Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

This keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese recipe that will have nothing but clean plates for the dishwasher. Even cauliflower “hating” kids have been known to clean the plate and ask for more.

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Total Time40

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free

Recipe Category: Low Carb

Servings: serves

Calories: 348kcal

Ingredients

400 g cauliflower cut into florets
100 g cream cheese
1/2 cup thickened cream 125g
1/2 cup Ranch Dressing 125g click for recipe
2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños chopped
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese 50g
4 slices streaky bacon roughly chopped
2 tablespoons fresh chives finely sliced

Metric - US Customary

Instructions

CONVENTIONAL METHOD

Preheat oven to 180 ̊C fan/200°C static /400°F
Pan fry bacon until crispy. Reserve.
Steam cauliflower for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, place into microwave-safe dish and add a couple of tablespoons of water. Cover and cook on high for 10-15 minutes, or until just tender.
Combine cream cheese, cream, ranch dressing, jalapeños, and half the cheese. Stir through cauliflower, add half the bacon, and half the chives.
Transfer to a small baking dish. Top with remaining bacon and cheese. Bake 20-25 minutes or until cheese is lightly golden. Serve with a sprinkle of chives.

THERMAL METHOD

Preheat oven to 180 ̊C fan/200°C static /400°F
Pan fry bacon until crispy. Reserve.
Pour 600g of water into mixing bowl and insert the steaming basket. Place cauliflower florets into basket. Steam 15 min/120°C/speed 2. Set aside to cool slightly. Discard water.
Place the cream cheese, cream, ranch dressing and jalapeños into mixing bowl. Heat 2 min/60 ̊C/ speed 2.
Stir through half the cheese, half the bacon and half the chives. Follow from Step 4 in conventional method.

Video

Notes

Recipe Notes for Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese:

Ingredients:

Cauliflower: Choose fresh cauliflower florets as the base of your dish.
Heavy Cream: Use heavy cream to create a rich and creamy sauce.
Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and helps thicken the sauce.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: opt for sharp cheddar for a strong flavor. Shred it yourself for best results.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan contributes a savory kick and enhances the cheesy goodness.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These seasonings add depth to the dish without adding carbs.
Dijon Mustard: A touch of sugar-free Dijon mustard enhances the overall flavor profile.
Salt and Pepper: Season to taste, considering your dietary needs.

Storage:

Store leftover keto cauliflower mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It's best consumed within 2-3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.

Substitutes:

Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties like Gouda, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for unique flavor twists.
Vegetables: If you'd like to add more veggies, consider mixing in steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for added nutrients.

Serving Suggestions:

Standalone Dish: Enjoy the keto cauliflower mac and cheese as a comforting main course.
Protein Pairing: Serve alongside grilled chicken, baked salmon, or steak.
Salad Complement: Add a side salad of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness.
Crispy Topping: For some texture contrast, sprinkle crushed pork rinds or almond flour on top before baking.
Veggie Mix-in: Enhance the nutritional content by folding in some diced cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms.

Customize this keto cauliflower mac and cheese to fit your taste preferences and pair it with complementary dishes for a satisfying and indulgent low-carb meal.

Nutrition