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Creamy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese with Bacon

creamy cauliflower mac and cheese with bacon - featured image
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A low-carb comfort food recipe featuring tender cauliflower florets coated in a creamy cheese sauce with crispy bacon, perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head cauliflower (about 4 cups florets), fresh or thawed if frozen
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 7 oz / 200g)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (120 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: paprika or cayenne pepper for a mild kick
  • Optional: chopped fresh chives for garnish

Instructions

  1. Wash and cut the cauliflower head into bite-sized florets (about 4 cups).
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
  3. While bacon cooks, steam cauliflower florets for 5-7 minutes until just tender but not mushy. Drain well and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet with bacon fat, reduce heat to low and add butter. Once melted, add cream cheese and stir until smooth.
  5. Slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring, then add mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  6. Gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and silky. If sauce seems too thick, add a splash more cream or a little water to loosen.
  7. Add steamed cauliflower and cooked bacon to the skillet. Gently toss to coat everything evenly with the creamy cheese sauce. Heat through for 2-3 minutes.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper if desired.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chives if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook cauliflower to avoid mushiness; steam until just tender. Use softened cream cheese for a smooth sauce. Keep stirring cheese sauce gently to prevent graininess. If sauce thickens upon standing, stir in a splash of cream or milk to loosen.

Nutrition

Keywords: cauliflower mac and cheese, low-carb mac and cheese, creamy cauliflower, bacon mac and cheese, keto comfort food, low-carb comfort food

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/creamy-cauliflower-mac-and-cheese-with-bacon-easy-recipe-for-low-carb-comfort-food/