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Indulge in the ultimate comfort with our keto BLT Mac and Cheese – a low-carb twist on a classic favorite! Crispy bacon, wilted romaine, and a creamy cheese sauce create a flavor explosion. A gluten-free version is available for a satisfying and guilt-free mac and cheese experience.
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Keto BLT Mac and Cheese! 🍅🧀 Embrace Comfort with a Keto Twist! 💕
This week has been nothing short of amazing! I recently discovered that I'm going to be a grandmother for the first time – cue the excitement and Grandma mode! Resisting the urge to call my son's fiancée every day to check on her and fulfill any food cravings, I've already immersed myself in adorable baby clothes and crochet patterns for baby afghans. The anticipation of cradling my baby boy's baby brings tears of joy throughout the day.
To channel this nervous excitement, what's a grandma-to-be to do? Cook, of course! Craving comfort food, especially mac and cheese, I found solace in adapting a beloved recipe to fit my low-carb lifestyle. As fall blesses us with its carb-filled wonders, finding the right ingredients becomes essential. Thankfully, I stumbled upon low-carb pasta, triggering a flutter in my Nana-to-be heart and a longing for a pasta-loaded feast.
Recalling a recent episode of The Kitchen featuring Geoffrey Zakarian and his mouthwatering BLT Mac and Cheese, I raided my pantry and fridge for the necessary ingredients. While my version may not exactly mirror GZ's masterpiece, it turned out to be a darn good rendition! Kevin and I savored every bite for dinner, and it became a delicious lunch addition for Kevin over the next couple of days.
In This Post
🥘BLT Mac and Cheese Ingredients
These are the ingredients necessary to make BLT Mac and Cheese.
- Low-Carb Pasta - I am obsessed with this pasta and can't get enough!
- Keto Breadcrumbs - I either toast this homemade keto bread or use this store-bought brand to make my keto breadcrumbs.
- Italian Seasoning - a little of this homemade seasoning blend mixed with the keto breadcrumbs gives you a keto substitute for seasoned breadcrumbs.
A detailed list with measurements and instructions can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.
Helpful Hint: 💡: for a smooth cheese sauce buy block cheese and shred it yourself. Preshredded cheese contains a coating that stops it from clumping together in the bag. It not only can add hidden carbs it can prevent your cheese sauce from being smooth.
Substitutions
- Low Carb Pasta - if you want to cut carbs even more, or are gluten-free, feel free to substitute steamed broccoli florets for the pasta.
- Romaine Lettuce - you can another lettuce if you prefer or even spinach to punch up the nutritional value.
- Keto Breadcrumbs - feel free to use ground pork rinds if you do not have keto bread on hand or need the recipe to be gluten-free.
📖Variations
- Chicken Fusion: Elevate your mac and cheese by mixing in cooked and shredded chicken. The combination of bacon, chicken, and creamy cheese sauce creates a hearty and satisfying meal that's still keto-friendly!
- Smoky Sensation: Experiment with smoked cheeses like Gouda or mozzarella for an intensified smoky flavor. This subtle twist enhances the overall taste profile, offering a more complex and indulgent experience.
- Herb Infusion: Add a touch of freshness by incorporating chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or basil before serving. The herbal notes will brighten up the dish, creating a delightful balance against the richness of the bacon and cheese!
🍽Equipment
This is the equipment you will need to make BLT Mac and Cheese.
- large pot
- chef's knife
- large cast iron skillet
- slotted spoon
- measuring cups and spoons
- medium saucepan
- whisk
- small skillet
- wooden spoon
Storage
- Refrigerator: Allow any leftover BLT Mac and Cheese to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream to maintain creaminess.
- Freezer: If you plan to freeze portions, ensure they are completely cooled before transferring to a freezer-safe container or resealable bags. To minimize texture changes, undercook the pasta slightly. Label with the date and store for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: When ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. To restore creaminess, add a splash of cream or a dollop of cream cheese while reheating. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Note: While freezing alters the texture of pasta slightly, the overall flavor remains intact. Consider reheating the frozen portions on the stovetop for a better consistency.
💭Top tip
To elevate the smoky flavor in your BLT Mac and Cheese, experiment with using smoked cheddar or smoked Swiss cheese in place of their regular counterparts. The subtle smokiness will infuse the dish with an extra layer of depth, complementing the bacon and adding a delightful twist to your low-carb culinary adventure!
FAQ about BLT Mac and Cheese
Yes, feel free to use your preferred low-carb pasta variety. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions to achieve your desired tenderness.
Cook the lettuce just until wilted and softened (3-5 minutes). Overcooking can lead to mushiness, so keep an eye on it during the cooking process.
Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
Related Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
- Mushroom Swiss Cheeseburger Pasta
- Keto Lemon Chicken Asparagus Pasta
- Keto Pasta with White Clam Sauce
- Jambalaya Pasta with Sausage
- Keto Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole
- Keto Goulash (American Chop Suey)
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with BLT Mac and Cheese:
- Chicken Caesar Salad
- Keto Avocado Caprese Salad
- Keto BBQ Ribs
- Deluxe Cheeseburger Kabobs
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Keto Garlic Bread
BLT Mac and Cheese
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounces low carb pasta
- 1 lb bacon chopped
- 1 large head Romaine lettuce chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 ounces cream cheese cubed and at room temperature
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 4 ounces
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese 4 ounces
- Freshly grated nutmeg to taste
- 1 15- ounce can fire roasted tomatoes drained
- pink salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 cup keto breadcrumbs can use ground pork rinds *See Notes
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning blend
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley chopped for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 5 to 10 minutes (or until desired tenderness).
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large oven-proof skillet, cook the bacon until the fat has rendered and it begins to crisp, about 8 to 12 minutes.
- Once the bacon has begun to crisp, remove it to a paper towel-lined plate with a slotted spoon.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped lettuce to the skillet. Cook the lettuce, tossing occasionally to ensure even cooking. Aim for wilted and softened lettuce without being mushy, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a medium pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Add the heavy cream and cream cheese, salt, whisking until the cream cheese has melted.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
- Whisk in the Dijon mustard and the cheese until they are completely incorporated. Remove from the heat.
- To the skillet with the wilted lettuce, add the cooked pasta, cooked bacon, and cheese sauce.
- Taste and add salt and pepper if needed.
- Melt the butter in a small skillet or saute pan and toss the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning to coat.
- Top the mac and cheese with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and rest for five minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
Disclaimer
Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs will not be included as it has a glycemic index of 0 (meaning it does not spike blood sugar) and it’s not metabolized. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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