Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Are you craving the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese but hesitant to indulge due to your keto lifestyle? Fear not, because keto mac and cheese is here to satisfy your comfort food cravings without derailing your dietary goals. This low-carb twist on a classic favorite combines the richness of cheese with the health benefits of a ketogenic diet, making it a win-win for your taste buds and your waistline.
What Makes Keto Mac and Cheese Keto-Friendly?
Traditional mac and cheese recipes are loaded with pasta, which is high in carbohydrates and can spike your blood sugar levels. However, keto mac and cheese replaces the pasta with low-carb alternatives such as cauliflower, zucchini noodles, or shirataki noodles. These substitutions significantly reduce the carb content while still providing a satisfying texture and taste.
Additionally, keto mac and cheese recipes typically use high-fat, low-carb ingredients like heavy cream, butter, and full-fat cheese. These ingredients not only add richness and flavor but also help keep you feeling full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to your keto macros.
Ingredients:
1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into small florets
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons cream cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish or spring onion
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F/ 190°C. Grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
Steam or boil the cauliflower florets until they are fork-tender about 5-7 minutes. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. If you like more of a crunch, check it earlier and pull out when desired texture is reached.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the cooked cauliflower florets to the cheese sauce and stir until well-coated.
Transfer the cauliflower mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Serve the keto cauliflower mac and cheese as a delicious side dish or a satisfying main course. Enjoy your low-carb comfort food!
This recipe provides all the cheesy goodness of traditional mac and cheese without the high carb content, thanks to the cauliflower substitution. With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and low-carb ingredients, keto mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food for anyone following a ketogenic diet. Whether you're looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish for gatherings, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings without compromising your health goals. So go ahead, dig in, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Calories: Approximately 330 calories per serving (assuming 4 servings).
Portions: This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Carbohydrates: Around 12 grams of carbs per serving.
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific brands of ingredients used and variations in portion sizes.