Cheese and Bacon Cauliflower Rice Skillet
A savory skillet of cauliflower rice cooked with crispy bacon and melted cheese, creating a satisfying keto side or main dish. This american-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs cauliflower rice, chopped bacon strips, shredded cheddar cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cauliflower rice
- 4, chopped bacon strips
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 sliced green onions
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 4 chopped bacon strips for 5-7 minutes until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Step 2: Add 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the bacon fat in the skillet and melt. Stir in 1 minced garlic clove and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 4 cups cauliflower rice to the skillet, season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender and slightly golden.
- Step 4: Stir in the cooked bacon, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 2 sliced green onions. Continue cooking for 2 minutes until cheese melts and everything is well combined.
- Step 5: Serve hot as a hearty keto side or light meal.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheese and Bacon Cauliflower Rice Skillet take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Cheese and Bacon Cauliflower Rice Skillet?
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 cauliflower rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cheese and Bacon Cauliflower Rice Skillet?
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 Cheese and Bacon Cauliflower Rice Skillet 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 Cheese and Bacon Cauliflower Rice Skillet 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.
