Keto Mac and Cheese | Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is keto macaroni made of? ›

This recipe uses real elbow macaroni (low carb ones!), but you can replace them with baked Cauliflower if you wish, and it will taste JUST as good. Each serving (with elbow macaroni's included) is 7 g net carbs per serving, and would be even lower if you substituted with cauliflower for the noodles.

Can you eat macaroni on keto? Traditional pasta made from wheat flour is not keto friendly. However, there are many keto pasta alternatives out there. You can buy low carb pasta like shiratake noodles from the grocery store or make zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash at home.

Cauliflower has a similar nutrition profile to broccoli. It's also a great cruciferous veggie to choose when you're on keto, says Dixon, as it has 1.5 grams of net carbs per half a cup.

While egg noodles can be OK in moderation on special occasions, they should not be a staple in your keto diet. So, what should you do if you're hankering for pasta? If you're hungry and feel like noodles, opt for low-carb pasta such as spaghetti squash, zoodles, or homemade low-carb egg noodles.

Keto, low-carb pasta can be made from a variety of vegetables including zucchini, spaghetti squash, and kelp. Or, look to alternatives like shirataki noodles and low-carb flours.

All types of cheese are allowed on the keto diet, as cheese is relatively low in carbohydrate, which complies with the key principle of the keto diet. The Ketogenic diet or “keto” diet is a low carbohydrate and high fat eating plan.

Enjoying cheese is one of the pleasures of the keto diet. But that doesn't mean it's unlimited and unrestricted. Nutritionists say that keto practitioners need to be selective with the cheese varieties they consume while on keto and enjoy them only in moderation to avoid disrupting ketosis and hampering weight loss.

The traditional pasta is often swapped with alternatives like cauliflower or zucchini noodles, offering a similar texture with a fraction of the carbs. These versions not only cater to the low-carb community but also add a serving of vegetables, enhancing the nutritional value of the meal.

You do not have to limit vegetables if you are on the keto diet or are considering it. Plenty of low-carb vegetable options include arugula, asparagus, bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, mushrooms, spinach, and tomatoes.

Is broccoli or cauliflower better for keto? ›

If this feels like splitting hairs, it sort of is—both veggies are low in carbohydrate and even for someone with, say, diabetes, choosing one vegetable over the other wouldn't make much of a difference. But if you're on the keto diet, a very low-carb way of eating, cauliflower might be the smarter veg.

Whole roasted cauliflower is a delicious, Whole30-friendly, keto, and vegan side dish!

"Vegetable-based pastas, such as zucchini noodles or hearts of palm noodles, tend to be lowest in carbs and calories," says Sassos. "They are also packed with nutrient-dense vitamins and minerals and are naturally gluten-free. Shirataki noodles and kelp noodles are also quite low in carbs and calories."

Peanut butter can definitely be part of a keto diet, but it's best to stick to plain options that are free of extra flavors and sweeteners. Almond butter is a good choice, too, and it's slightly lower in carbs. Additionally, you should be mindful of your portion size if you're trying to lose weight.

Many gluten-free pastas are made from ingredients that are rich in carbohydrates, making them not very keto-friendly. There are, however, specialized low carb noodles that are also gluten-free, designed specifically for people on a ketogenic diet.

"Vegetable-based pastas, such as zucchini noodles or hearts of palm noodles, tend to be lowest in carbs and calories," says Sassos. "They are also packed with nutrient-dense vitamins and minerals and are naturally gluten-free.

What is Gluten-Free Pasta? Coming in all the classic pasta shapes and sizes you love, gluten-free pasta noodles are those that have been made without wheat or any other gluten-containing ingredients by replacing them with corn, rice, and even potato flour.