Cauliflower Broccoli 'Mac' and Cheese : Low Carb : Gluten Free

This post was prompted by Ivy - The Happy Whisk when she recently commented on my Vegetable Frittata Bake here. "Don't know if I ever told you this or not but we make a non-noodle mac and cheese with cauli and it's sooooooooo good."

That comment then made me think about this low carb broccoli and cauliflower 'macaroni' and cheese dish, which I thought I would share with you all today.

This healthy low carb, gluten free cauliflower broccoli 'mac' and cheese dish can stand alone as a main dish, or be served along-side your favourite protein.

Ingredients

(5.4 grams of net carbs per serving)
2 pints of heavy (double) whipping cream
½ stick of unsalted butter ¼ cup
8 ounces of full-fat cream cheese
2 cups of shredded /grated sharp (mature) cheddar cheese (reserve ½ cup for topping
5 ounces of fresh shredded / grated parmesan cheese (reserve 2 ounces for topping)
1 medium head of broccoli (florets about 2 cups)
1 large head of cauliflower (florets about 5 cups)
1 teaspoon of sea salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper or to taste
1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or to taste

Method
1. Coarsely chop the fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets to resemble macaroni pasta set aside
2. Steam cook the fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets being careful to not over-cook.
3. Melt the butter in a large heavy sauce pan.
4. Stir in the heavy (double) whipping cream
5. Add the cream cheese and stir until fully melted and incorporated
6. Add 3 ounces parmesan cheese (reserve 2 ounces for the topping.
7. Add 1 ½ cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reserve the other ½ cup for topping)
8. Stir in the salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.
9. Allow to cook on low to medium heat until the cheese sauce if fully incorporated and all the cheeses are fully melted.
10. Add to the steamed broccoli and cauliflower add cheese sauce and cook for about 10 minutes on low, stirring constantly
11. In a large buttered casserole pan add the faux broccoli and cauliflower mac and cheese.
12. Top with 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 2 ounces of fresh parmesan cheese.
13. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes in a lightly buttered 9x13 baking pan/dish. 

14. Broil (grill) for 5 minutes on high or until the top is nicely browned.

Serving Size 1 cup
Servings Per Container 10

Please see original recipe, nutritional information and more here
If you need help with measurement/weight conversion use these charts here

~ a seasonable table decoration to wish you an enjoyable day ~

Dear reader, you will find a variety of recipe ideas within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan