Keto Creamy Cauliflower Bake with chicken and bacon is a filling, low-carb dish that combines comfort and flavor in one pan. Roasted cauliflower is the ideal base, which adds a soft bite without being heavy like pasta or potatoes. Shredded chicken adds the lean protein, and the smoky, savory overtones of crispy bacon provide a more gratifying taste in each bite. Everything comes together with a silky, cheesy richness from the creamy sauce, which we create with heavy cream, cream cheese, and melted cheddar. It tastes decadent, yet it still fits into a ketogenic diet. This bake is golden and tempting when it comes out of the oven, topped with bubbling mozzarella and a scattering of parsley. You may serve it with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, although it’s substantial enough to eat by itself, for balance.
Free Keto Meal Plan:Â STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
STATS:
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Prep time: Fifteen minutes.
- Serving size: 1 cup
- Cook time: 35 minutes
- Cuisine: American
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Course: Main Dish
- Diet: Keto
- Serving: 6
EQUIPMENT:
- Cutting board
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Knife
- Baking dish
- Wooden spoon
- Whisk
INGREDIENTS:
- Four cups florets
- Two tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- One cup heavy cream
- 6 slices of bacon
- 2 cups chicken breast
- 1 tsp. parsley
- Four oz. cream cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp. onion powder
INGREDIENT NOTES:
CAULIFLOWER FLORETS:
- The main vegetable here is cauliflower, which serves as a low-carb substitute for potatoes or pasta. Additionally, it gives the dish heft and fiber without making it heavier. The tastiest florets are fresh, but frozen florets can still work if roasted correctly to prevent too much moisture.
BACON:
- The smoky, flavorful richness of bacon in this dish counterbalances the creamy sauce. Every bite will have tiny bursts of crunch if you cook it till crisp. The traditional option is pork bacon; you may use turkey bacon instead if you want something lighter.
SHREDDED CHICKEN:
- The addition of shredded chicken breast adds lean protein & the casserole is heartier. Using precooked chicken, such as rotisserie, saves time. Use chicken thighs for a softer, juicier texture if you want darker meat.
HEAVY CREAM:
- It makes the rich basis of the sauce, which gives the dish a thick, smooth texture. It combines well with cream cheese to produce a smooth consistency without using flour. You could use unsweetened almond milk with a small amount of cream cheese for a lighter option, although the sauce will be less flavorful.
CREAM CHEESE:
- Cream cheese balances the richness of the cheddar by adding a subtle acidity and thickening the sauce. The ideal cream cheese for keto is full-fat, but if you want to cut calories, you can use reduced-fat.
CHEDDAR CHEESE:
- Sharp cheddar gives the creamy sauce a strong, acidic flavor that is noticeable. It melts exquisitely. You can use Monterey Jack or Colby Jack instead for a softer flavor.
MOZZARELLA CHEESE:
- Everyone enjoys the stretchy, melted top layer that mozzarella adds to casseroles. It strikes a balance between the creamy richness and the sharpness of cheddar. Use low-moisture mozzarella for optimal results since fresh mozzarella releases liquid when baked.
GARLIC POWDER:
- The addition of garlic powder enhances the sauce’s flavor with delicate savory undertones. Unlike raw garlic, it blends evenly without burning, making it a convenient option. The cake tastes more layered with only a teaspoon.
ONION POWDER:
- Onion powder brings the subtle sweetness and depth which counterbalance the richness of the cream & cheese. Fresh onions provide flavor without adding additional carbohydrates.
PARSLEY:
- The fresh, herbaceous aroma of parsley fixes the indulgence of the cream & cheese. Additionally, it gives the casserole a splash of color, which improves its appearance.
Free Keto Meal Plan:Â STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Turn the oven on to 375°F, or 190°C.
- Include olive oil, black pepper, and salt in the cauliflower florets.
- Then roast for 15 minutes till they are beginning to turn golden.
- Fry the bacon in pan to make it crisp.
- Save roughly 1 tablespoon of bacon fat after removing and setting aside.
- Add half of the cheddar cheese, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream cheese into the skillet and whisk till it gets a creamy and smooth consistency.
- Add half the bacon, the roasted cauliflower, and the shredded chicken. Combine to coat.
- Pour the mixture into the ovenproof dish. Add bacon, mozzarella, and the remaining cheddar on top.
- Bake about 20 minutes till it gets brown and bubbling.
- Sprinkle with the parsley before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
- Mixed green salad
- Keto garlic bread
- Roasted asparagus
- Zucchini noodles
TIPS:
- Roast the florets instead of boiling them so the bake doesn’t get soggy.
- Utilize pre-cooked chicken for convenience.
- Sprinkle red flakes or jalapeno slices for additional spice content.
- Prep and assemble the bake and bake fresh for a nice taste.
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- Place the baked slices in the closed box and store them for four days.
FREEZER:
- Freeze the slices in separate portions for more than two months.
FAQs:
Can I make use of frozen florets of cauliflower??
- We can use frozen florets of cauliflower and roast the florets directly to eliminate moisture.
How to make non-dairy dish?
- We would utilize of coconut cream and vegan cheese to prepare a non-dairy bake.
Will I utilize chicken thighs to make this dish?
- We can easily make use of chicken thighs for added taste and fat. It is juicier and requires more time.
Free Keto Meal Plan:Â STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
Serving size: 1 cup
Calories: 420 kcal
Potassium: 480mg
Net carbs: 6g
Sodium: 710mg
Total Carbs: 8g
Calcium: 210mg
Fiber: 2g
Iron: 1.4mg
Protein: 32g
Vitamin A:Â 480Â IU
Fat:Â 29g
