Are you missing your favorite macaroni pasta while staying on a keto diet? I understand your cravings for comfort and delicious food in your keto lifestyle. But don't you worry, here I come with cauliflower mac and cheese. Without sacrificing your low-carb goals, our keto cauliflower mac and cheese recipe will fulfill your cravings for comfort food.
IS CAULIFLOWER MAC AND CHEESE KETO?
Traditional mac and cheese may be off-limits on a keto diet due to their high carb level. But on the other hand, cauliflower is the underrated star of the keto kitchen. Not only is it low in carbs, but it also has a neutral flavor, making it an excellent option for starchy foods such as pasta.
This keto cauliflower mac & cheese has all of the creamy, cheesy pleasure you crave without pasta, bread crumbs, wheat flour, or any gluten or high-carb ingredients. By replacing cauliflower for pasta, we've reduced carbs while increasing vitamins and nutrients.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS CAULIFLOWER MAC AND CHEESE
- This low-carb cauliflower mac and cheese maintains all of its creamy goodness. It provides the rich, creamy texture that you want from a cozy dish of mac and cheese.
- A nutritious powerhouse, cauliflower is full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Using cauliflower as a base for a recipe not only helps you reduce your consumption of carbs and dairy but also enhances its flavor.
- Even the pickiest diners will be unable to resist the cauliflower mac and cheese. It's a family-friendly recipe that appeals to both children and adults, making it perfect for weekend dinners.
- This recipe is really easy to make whenever you get a craving because it just requires a few basic ingredients with simple instructions.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, chopped into florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Set the oven temperature to 375°F, or 190°C. Grease a baking dish lightly.
2. Steam the cauliflower florets for 5 to 7 minutes, or until they are soft. After thorough draining, set away.
3. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until simmering.
4. Once the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth, reduce down the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the steamed cauliflower in the saucepan and stir to coat thoroughly.
6. Transfer the cauliflower and cheese sauce mixture to the prepared baking dish.
7. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until bubbling and brown on top.
8. Garnish with freshly cut parsley, then serve and enjoy!
NOTES:
- Be sure to thoroughly drain the steamed cauliflower to get rid of any extra moisture. By doing this, the dish will stay from being watery.
- Add a little more heavy cream to the cheese sauce to thin it out if it's too thick. On the other hand, if it's too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to make it thicker.
- You can have this cauliflower mac and cheese as a stand-alone main dish or as a satisfying side dish with grilled chicken, steak, or any other keto-friendly protein of your choice.
NUTRITION :
Nutritional information per serving
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 76mg
- Sodium: 396mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 5g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 13g