Description
A creamy, keto-friendly comfort food dish featuring roasted cauliflower florets smothered in a rich sharp cheddar and cream cheese sauce, topped with crispy bacon. Ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head of cauliflower (about 2.5 lbs / 1.1 kg), cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon (about 225g)
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Optional: 2 stalks green onions, sliced
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Optional: 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Roast cauliflower for 15 minutes until tender and slightly browned at the edges.
- While cauliflower roasts, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Save 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet. Crumble the cooked bacon into small pieces.
- In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over low heat until warm. Add softened cream cheese and whisk until smooth.
- Remove from heat and gradually stir in grated cheddar cheese until melted and glossy.
- Stir in garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Add the roasted cauliflower to the skillet with the cheese sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Transfer mixture back to the baking sheet (or a baking dish). Sprinkle crumbled bacon and optional toppings over the top.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and bacon is extra crispy. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Let cool for 2 minutes before serving.
Notes
Do not skip roasting the cauliflower as it concentrates flavor and prevents a watery sauce. Always grate your own cheese to avoid anti-caking agents that cause graininess. Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth sauce. If the sauce separates, whisk in a splash of cold cream to emulsify. This recipe does not freeze well due to the dairy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/6 of
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 18
Keywords: keto, low-carb, cauliflower mac and cheese, bacon, comfort food, gluten-free, quick dinner, creamy cheese sauce