Keto Mac Cheese Bacon (Print Version)

A creamy low-carb dish with roasted cauliflower and crispy bacon for rich, satisfying flavor.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large head cauliflower (about 28 oz), cut into bite-size florets

→ Dairy

02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1 cup heavy cream
04 - 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
05 - 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
06 - 2 ounces cream cheese
07 - 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Meats

08 - 6 slices bacon

→ Pantry & Spices

09 - 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
10 - 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
11 - 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

13 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Spread cauliflower florets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon melted butter, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Roast for 20–25 minutes, until golden and tender, stirring once halfway through.
03 - Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 7–8 minutes. Drain on paper towels, then crumble into fine crumbs. Set aside.
04 - In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Add heavy cream, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth and the cream cheese is melted, approximately 2–3 minutes.
05 - Gradually stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and thick. Do not boil.
06 - Add roasted cauliflower to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat all pieces evenly.
07 - Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle evenly with bacon crumbs, and bake at 400°F for 7–10 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
08 - Garnish with fresh chives or parsley if desired. Serve hot.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • Low Carb & Keto-Friendly: Only 5g of net carbs per serving.
  • Gourmet Flavor: Roasting the cauliflower adds a nutty sweetness that complements the sharp cheddar.
  • Textural Contrast: The combination of creamy cheese sauce and crispy bacon crumbs is irresistible.
02 -
  • Avoid Watery Sauce: Always roast the cauliflower instead of boiling to keep the dish creamy.
  • Cheese Quality: Use block cheese and grate it yourself for a smoother melt compared to pre-shredded varieties.
  • Bacon Crumbs: Drain the bacon well on paper towels so the crumbs stay crispy on top of the casserole.
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