Cauliflower 'Mac' with Cheddar and Bacon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, cheesy keto twist on mac and cheese made with riced cauliflower, bacon, and sharp cheddar for a comforting crowd-pleaser. This american-inspired keto (low-carb) ready in about 27 minutes pairs large head cauliflower, bacon, shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 American cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 large head cauliflower into florets, then pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice (about 3 cups). Steam in a microwave-safe bowl for 8 minutes until tender.
  2. Step 2: Cook 4 oz chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat for 6 minutes until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving 1 tbsp bacon grease in the skillet.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1/2 tsp garlic powder to the skillet, stirring constantly until simmering (about 2 minutes). Stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
  4. Step 4: Add the steamed cauliflower rice to the cheese sauce, stirring until evenly coated. Season with 1/4 tsp kosher salt and 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Transfer to a serving dish, top with 4 oz cooked bacon bits, and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cauliflower 'Mac' with Cheddar and Bacon take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cauliflower 'Mac' with Cheddar and Bacon?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large head cauliflower from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cauliflower 'Mac' with Cheddar and Bacon?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cauliflower 'Mac' with Cheddar and Bacon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cauliflower 'Mac' with Cheddar and Bacon low-carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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