Keto Mac & Cheese

I always thought that Cauliflower is just a faded broccoli. They look so much the same, only different color and texture I guess. Another thing that similar between the both of them is, I don’t really know how to cut them into florets. Especially a head of cauliflower, it’s always bigger than my knife so I turned the head clockwise, counter clockwise, analyzing too much before finally cut them into cubes and some other different shapes.

I heard about cauliflower rice, a healthier option for rice. So I think maybe I can make this cauliflower florets, cover them with cheese sauce and called it mac and cheese. I did. And it was actually better, cause it was easier to eat, they were bite size pieces, well some of them. And instead of cooking and eating pasta, I went with healthier option!

All of these efforts in the attempt of getting healthier and being able to fit into my winter jeans. But that cheese sauce though, still have a lot of calories. Well, you win some you lose some.

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Ingredients:

1 head cauliflower -cut into florets

3/4 cup half and half 

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese -divided

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

6 slices bacon -cook until desired crispiness then chopped

2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese -for garnish

Salt and pepper

Instructions: 

• Preheat the oven to 375˚F.

• In a large pot, add about 1 inch of water and a pinch of salt, then bring to a boil.

• Add cauliflower florets to boiling water and cook for 8 to 9 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set the cauliflower aside. 

• In the same large pot over medium heat, pour milk. Then, stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

• Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese, gently stir until both cheeses have completely melted.

• Add the chopped bacon and the cauliflower florets back into the pot, and gently stir around until everything is covered in cheese sauce.

• Transfer cauliflower mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese and set aside.

• Bake, uncovered, for about 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

• Remove Cauliflower Mac and Cheese casserole from the oven, garnish with parmesan cheese. Enjoy!