Description
Keto cauliflower mac and cheese brings comfort food to low-carb paradise, reimagining classic pasta with nutritious cauliflower. Rich cheese sauce and crispy topping make this dish irresistible for health-conscious diners craving familiar flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into small florets (about 4 cups / 946 ml)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 2 ounces (56 grams) cream cheese, softened
Cheese and Dairy:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for depth of flavor)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup pork rinds, crushed (for crunch)
Instructions
- Prepare the cauliflower by submerging florets in a pot of boiling, salted water. Gently simmer for approximately 5-7 minutes until the vegetable reaches a tender consistency without becoming waterlogged.
- Thoroughly drain the cauliflower and delicately blot with paper towels to eliminate excess liquid, ensuring a crisp texture for the final dish.
- Create a luxurious cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over moderate heat, transforming the base into a creamy foundation.
- Incorporate heavy cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the butter, whisking continuously to develop a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Reduce the heat to low and gradually introduce cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese, stirring until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform sauce.
- Gently fold the cooked cauliflower into the cheese sauce, ensuring each floret is generously coated with the rich, velvety mixture.
- Transfer the cheesy cauliflower to a buttered baking dish, creating an even layer for consistent cooking.
- Sprinkle crushed pork rinds and additional Parmesan across the surface to develop a crisp, golden-brown topping.
- Position the dish under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to achieve a perfectly caramelized crust without burning.
Notes
- Pat cauliflower completely dry to prevent watery mac and cheese, ensuring a rich and creamy texture.
- Use room temperature cheeses for smoother melting and more consistent sauce consistency.
- Avoid overcooking cauliflower to maintain a tender-crisp bite that mimics traditional pasta.
- Adjust seasoning with extra garlic powder or sharp cheddar for deeper flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 348
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 678 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 79 mg