Craving the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese but worried about your low-carb diet? Prepare to have your taste buds dancing with this revolutionary Keto Low Carb Macaroni and Cheese recipe that proves you don't need pasta to enjoy the ultimate comfort food! This mind-blowing dish transforms humble cauliflower into a decadent, cheese-laden masterpiece that will make you forget all about traditional mac and cheese.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by washing the cauliflower florets thoroughly under cold water. Once cleaned, chop them into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.
- In a medium-sized pot, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add the cauliflower florets and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender. You can test their doneness by piercing them with a fork; they should be soft but not mushy.
- While the cauliflower is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a separate saucepan over medium heat, add the cream cheese. Stir continuously until it begins to melt and soften, about 2-3 minutes.
- Once the cream cheese has melted, gradually add in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to combine. The cheese should melt smoothly into a creamy sauce.
- Add the garlic powder to the cheese mixture, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure the garlic powder is evenly distributed throughout the cheese sauce.
- Once the cauliflower is cooked, drain it well and return it to the pot. Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower and gently stir to coat the florets evenly with the sauce.
- Cook the mixture on low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for a minute before serving. This dish can be enjoyed hot and makes a delicious low-carb alternative to traditional macaroni and cheese.
Tips
- Cauliflower Cooking Hack: Make sure to not overcook the cauliflower. The key is to keep it tender but still firm enough to hold its shape and provide a satisfying texture.
- Cheese Sauce Smoothness: Melt your cheeses slowly and stir constantly to prevent clumping. For an extra smooth sauce, bring the cream cheese to room temperature before cooking.
- Flavor Boosters: Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings like smoked paprika, a dash of nutmeg, or even some crispy bacon bits to elevate the dish.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe can be made ahead and reheated. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Texture Tip: If you prefer a more crispy top, transfer the finished dish to a baking dish, sprinkle some extra cheese on top, and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 95mg