Keto Bacon Cheddar Cauliflower (Printable version)

A creamy cauliflower mash with cheddar and bacon for a flavorful low-carb side dish.

# Ingredient list:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 lbs), cut into florets
02 - 2 cloves garlic, peeled

→ Dairy

03 - 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
04 - 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 - 2 tablespoons heavy cream

→ Meats

07 - 4 slices bacon

→ Seasonings

08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives, optional for garnish

# Step-by-step guide:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
02 - Spread the cauliflower florets and garlic cloves on a baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil, season with a pinch of salt, and roast for 20–25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and slightly golden.
03 - While the cauliflower roasts, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels and crumble when cool.
04 - Place the roasted cauliflower and garlic in a food processor. Add the cream cheese, butter, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Pulse until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
05 - Add the shredded cheddar cheese and blend again until fully incorporated and melted from the heat of the mash.
06 - Transfer the mash to a serving bowl. Fold in half of the crumbled bacon.
07 - Top with the remaining bacon and sprinkle with fresh chives, if using. Serve hot.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • It tastes indulgent and buttery while keeping you under 5 grams of net carbs per serving.
  • The bacon and sharp cheddar make it taste like comfort food, not a compromise.
  • You can have it ready in 40 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday tables.
02 -
  • Blend while the cauliflower is still hot—this makes the cream cheese melt smoothly and prevents grainy texture.
  • Don't skip the roasting step; steamed cauliflower makes the mash taste watery and vegetal instead of rich and caramelized.
03 -
  • Cook bacon in the oven on a sheet at 400°F while roasting cauliflower to save time and pan space.
  • If your food processor is small, work in batches rather than overstuffing it—better texture, less mess.
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