With only 5 grams of net carbs per serving, this Keto Mac and Cheese recipe lets you enjoy this comfort food favorite without any guilt! It’s made with spiralized zucchini in a rich, creamy cheese sauce!
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One of the foods that I miss the most now that I follow a keto diet is mac and cheese. And while I do absolutely love cauliflower, I wanted to create a low carb mac and cheese recipe that would be a little more similar to the original.
I decided to use zucchini noodles, also known as zoodles, and cover them in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. In the recipe below, you will notice that there is no flour to thicken the cheese sauce, but that doesn’t mean the cheese sauce isn’t thick! It absolutely is!
Why This Recipe Works
- The cheese sauce in this recipe is rich and creamy without the use of flour.
- With only 5 grams of net carbs per generous serving, this recipe is suitable for those on low carb, keto, and/or gluten free diets.
- This recipe is very versatile – you can easily swap out the zucchini for another vegetable or the pasta of your choice, or top it with almond flour bread crumbs, bacon, and/or fresh herbs for a different spin!
How to Make Keto Mac and Cheese with Zoodles
Prep!
You can set the cream cheese out an hour or so before you begin cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. This step isn’t necessary, but does help speed up the cooking process a little bit.
Spiralize the zucchini using a manual or electric spiralizer. Using frozen spiralized zucchini may result in a thinner cheese sauce, so fresh is recommended.
Grate the cheese from a block. Pre-shredded bagged cheese contains added starch and doesn’t melt as nicely.
Create!
Melt the butter over medium heat in a large skillet.
Add the cream cheese and heavy whipping cream and continue to cook until fully blended, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the salt, pepper, and mustard powder, then the cheddar cheese.
Continue cooking until the cheese is fully melted and well blended, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the zucchini and continue to cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the zucchini is just tender.
Present!
Serve hot.
Tips & Techniques
- Shred the cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded bagged cheese. Cheese from a block melts better and doesn’t contain any added starches.
- If you can, leave the cream cheese out to soften at room temperature for an hour or so before you begin. It will melt much faster.
- Use fresh zucchini rather than frozen for the best results.
- Add in some cooked crumbled bacon, sausage, or diced ham for added protein, flavor, and heartiness!
- Store any leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to use any leftover zoodles within a day or two.
FAQ’s
- Can you substitute the heavy cream with half and half or milk? Yes, just be aware that the cheese sauce may be on the thinner side should you choose not to use heavy cream.
- What vegetables can you make Keto Mac and Cheese with? In addition to zucchini noodles, you could also use cauliflower or spaghetti squash and keep your meal fairly low in carbs. You could also try using the cheese sauce over broccoli as well.
Other Recipes to Try
Love this Keto Mac and Cheese Recipe? Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for more!
Keto Mac and Cheese with Zoodles
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese * shredded
- 4 cups zucchini * spiralized from about 2 whole zucchinis
Instructions
- Melt the butter over medium heat in a large skillet.
- Add the cream cheese and heavy whipping cream and continue to cook until fully blended, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the salt, pepper, and mustard powder, then the cheddar cheese.
- Continue cooking until the cheese is fully melted and well blended, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the zucchini and continue to cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the zucchini is just tender. Serve hot.
Notes
Tips & Techniques
- Shred the cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded bagged cheese. Cheese from a block melts better and doesn’t contain any added starches.
- If you can, leave the cream cheese out to soften at room temperature for an hour or so before you begin. It will melt much faster.
- Use fresh zucchini rather than frozen for the best results.
- Add in some cooked crumbled bacon, sausage, or diced ham for added protein, flavor, and heartiness!
- Store any leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to use any leftover zoodles within a day or two.
FAQ’s
- Can you substitute the heavy cream with half and half or milk? Yes, just be aware that the cheese sauce may be on the thinner side should you choose not to use heavy cream.
- What vegetables can you make Keto Mac and Cheese with? In addition to zucchini noodles, you could also use cauliflower or spaghetti squash and keep your meal fairly low in carbs. You could also try using the cheese sauce over broccoli as well.
