Cheesy Cauliflower – Low-Carb Mac’n’Cheese

Mac’n’cheese is like a staple food for the average American. But what if I show you the recipe that will eliminate all the nasty (simple) carbs, but keep the deliciousness of cheese?

If you started keto diet after years of junk food addiction, you probably feel some cravings from time to time. Don’t be embarrassed – you are not alone. Even though the ketogenic diet works incredibly in terms of eliminating cravings and bad eating habits, it does not do miracles, let’s face it. 

Mac’n’cheese is actually pretty keto-friendly dish. Except for the mac. Therefore, I’ve decided to find a substitute for macaroni. And an adequate replacement, so far, turned out to be cauliflower. Yes, sure, it is not as delicious, but it will satisfy the craving, I promise. After all, cheese is the protagonist in that play.

I’ve tried zucchini cubes, eggplant cubes but they are too watery and … Well, it was a failure with capital F. Cauliflower does not turn too watery, though I would definitely suggest microwaving it instead of boiling. It will soak far less water. 

This dish has a rather large number of calories. If you want to decrease it a bit, try substituting cooking cream for some milk substitute that you use (almond milk, coconut milk). Also, instead of classic cheddar and similar (semi) hard cheeses, you can go for 70% mozzarella and 30% cheddar. You got the point – make your own proportion of cheeses to adjust the calorific value of this dish. Since I am using cooking cream, I will not be adding butter; there is enough fat and calories already!

If this is a side dish, you can make three servings instead of two. This was a late lunch-early dinner for me and my man, so we enjoyed it solely.

Optional additions to this dish before serving – some fresh parsley, thyme, basil, freshly ground pepper…