Description
This Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is a low-carb, comforting twist on the classic dish, featuring tender cooked cauliflower smothered in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce with smoky bacon pieces and a hint of spice from paprika and crushed red pepper flakes. Perfect for those seeking a delicious, hearty meal without the pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 head Cauliflower
- to taste Fresh Parsley
Meat
- 11 slices Bacon
Dairy
- 4 ounce Cream Cheese
- 1/3 cup Heavy Cream
- 2 cup Cheddar Cheese
Others
- 4 cup Water
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a nonstick pan over medium to high heat, add the bacon slices. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon becomes crispy but retains some juiciness and the fat renders out, causing it to foam lightly.
- Boil the Cauliflower: While the bacon cooks, bring 4 cups of water with 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil in a pot. Add the cauliflower and cook until just tender, being careful not to overcook to avoid mushiness.
- Prepare Bacon Pieces: Remove the bacon from the pan, discard the grease, and chop the crispy bacon into pieces. Set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a nonstick pan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream and cream cheese. Add the cheddar cheese, crushed red pepper flakes, and paprika. Stir continuously until the cheese mixture melts and thickens slightly, forming a smooth sauce.
- Combine Cauliflower and Sauce: Drain any excess water from the cooked cauliflower and add it to the cheese sauce. Mix thoroughly to coat the cauliflower well.
- Add Bacon and Finish: Stir in the chopped bacon pieces into the cauliflower and cheese mixture. Continue mixing for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors together.
- Serve: Spoon the cauliflower mac and cheese into bowls and optionally garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the cauliflower to keep it from becoming soggy.
- For extra smoky flavor, leave some bacon grease in the pan when cooking the cheese sauce if desired.
- You can adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice color and fresh finish but is optional.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cauliflower mac and cheese, low carb mac and cheese, cheesy cauliflower, bacon mac and cheese, keto friendly mac and cheese
