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Creamy Baked Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese with Smoked Gouda and Bacon Bits

Close-up of Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese topped with crispy bacon bits and a crunchy topping.
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A rich, low-carb comfort food substituting pasta with cauliflower florets smothered in a creamy, sharp cheese sauce and baked until golden.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/4 cup crushed pork rinds (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
  2. Steam or boil the cauliflower florets until they are tender-crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain them very well and place them in the prepared baking dish.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the cream cheese and stir until smooth.
  4. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and just begins to simmer. Reduce the heat to low.
  5. Stir in the cheddar, Gouda, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring constantly until the sauce is completely melted and smooth. Do not let it boil.
  6. Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cooked cauliflower in the baking dish. Gently stir to coat all the florets.
  8. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon bits and the crushed pork rinds over the top of the mixture.
  9. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is lightly golden brown.
  10. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a thicker sauce, add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum to the cream mixture after the cheese has melted, whisking rapidly.
  • You can prepare the sauce and cauliflower ahead of time; assemble and bake just before serving.
  • Substitute smoked Gouda with Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
  • This dish works well as a main course or a rich side dish for holiday meals.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonswirl.com/keto-cauliflower-mac-and-cheese-recipe/