Bacon Jalapeno Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Recipe posted in: Flex Meals & Snacks, Lunches & Dinners, Main Courses, Sides
bacon jalapeno

Cauliflower takes the place of pasta in this decadent Bacon Jalapeno Cauli-Mac n Cheese. This dish may be short on carbs but it’s not short on flavor.

Once again, cauliflower doesn’t let us down. This hearty veggie is now featured in a delicious low carb mac and cheese filled with low sodium turkey bacon, chopped jalapenos and scallions, low fat cream cheese and cheddar cheese. You won’t miss the macaroni noodles in this healthy take on a family favorite. Even your kids will be asking for seconds!

To make this diet-friendly dish, simply boil some cauliflower until it’s tender. Sauté chopped jalapenos in olive oil over medium-high heat. In a separate pot, simmer fat free half and half, then add reduced fat cream cheese, low fat shredded cheddar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder and black pepper. Cook this mixture until it’s melted, then add your cauliflower, chopped jalapenos, cooked and chopped turkey bacon and chopped scallions. Enjoy your delicious low carb mac!

One serving of this Bacon Jalapeno Cauli-Mac n Cheese contains 178 calories and counts as one PowerFuel, one Extra and half of a Vegetable serving on the Nutrisystem program.

Cauliflower is the perfect low carb swap. Check out these other creative ideas:

For those who don’t feel like cooking, Nutrisystem makes a variety of mac and cheese entrees that are just as delicious. From our White Cheddar Mac and Cheese to Mac and Cheese with Turkey Sausage! Explore our menu and get started with a weight loss plan today!

Servings: 8

Calories per Serving: 178

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 PowerFuel, 1 Extra and ½ Vegetable

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into small florets
  • 1 tsp. olive oil
  • 2 jalapeno peppers, chopped
  • 1/2 cup half and half, fat free
  • 2 Tbsp. cream cheese, low fat
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, reduced fat
  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp. garlic powder
  • 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 4 slices low sodium turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 2 scallions, chopped

Directions:

  1. Add cauliflower florets to a pot of boiling water. Cook until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a small pan to medium-high. Add chopped jalapenos and cook until soft. Set aside.
  3. Add half and half to a pot and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  4. Add cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, black pepper and garlic powder to the pot. Cook until melted.
  5. Pour cauliflower into cheese mixture. Stir in jalapenos, chopped bacon and chopped scallions. Add more half and half to thin out if needed.
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