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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
