Cauliflower 'Mac' with Sharp Cheddar and Bacon

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

A comforting keto twist on mac and cheese, using riced cauliflower and crispy bacon for rich flavor. This american-inspired keto (vegetarian, low carb) ready in about 35 minutes pairs head (about 1.5 pounds) Cauliflower, chopped Bacon, tablespoons Unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 calories and feeds 2, 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: 20 min Serves 2 American cuisine 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut cauliflower into florets and pulse in a food processor until rice-sized, then steam for 10 minutes until tender.
  2. Step 2: Cook 4 chopped bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, then remove with a slotted spoon, leaving 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Step 3: Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in the skillet over medium heat, whisk in 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour for 1 minute, then slowly pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream while whisking.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/8 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon (about 3 minutes).
  5. Step 5: Stir the steamed cauliflower into the sauce until fully coated, fold in 4 chopped bacon slices, and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Sharp 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 chopped bacon from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cauliflower 'Mac' with Sharp 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 Sharp Cheddar and Bacon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Sharp Cheddar and Bacon vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, 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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