Cauliflower Keto Grilled Cheese
One of my favorite creations is the Cauliflower Keto Grilled Cheese. It all started when I was on a mission to find a satisfying low-carb alternative to my beloved grilled cheese sandwiches. The idea of using cauliflower as a bread substitute intrigued me. So, I embarked on an experiment to turn this humble vegetable into a crispy, cheesy delight. The result? A Cauliflower Keto Grilled Cheese that surpassed all my expectations.
Inspiration and Experimentation
The journey to perfecting the Cauliflower Keto Grilled Cheese was filled with trial and error. At first, the cauliflower “bread” slices were too soft and didn’t hold up well during cooking. But I didn’t give up. I kept tweaking the recipe, adjusting the ratio of ingredients, and experimenting with different cooking methods. After several attempts, I finally found the perfect balance. The cauliflower slices became firm and golden brown, just like real bread, and the cheese melted beautifully between them.
Cooking the Perfect Sandwich
Making the Cauliflower Keto Grilled Cheese is now a breeze. I start by ricing a medium head of cauliflower and mixing it with beaten egg, sharp cheddar cheese, and a blend of spices like ground mustard seed, dried sage, oregano, and thyme. This mixture forms the base for the bread slices. Once baked to perfection, I assemble the sandwiches with layers of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Cooking them in a skillet with a touch of butter creates a crispy, golden exterior that is simply irresistible.
Serving and Enjoying
The best part about the Cauliflower Keto Grilled Cheese is sharing it with family and friends. I love seeing their surprise when they realize the “bread” is actually made from cauliflower. Garnished with fresh parsley and served with a bowl of tomato soup or a crisp green salad, this sandwich is a hit at any meal. It’s not only a delicious low-carb option but also a fun and creative way to enjoy comfort food without the guilt.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Cauliflower Keto Grilled Cheese
- Squeezing Cauliflower Rice: Make sure to thoroughly squeeze out excess liquid from the cooked cauliflower rice using a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer. This step is crucial to ensure the bread slices are firm and not soggy.
- Uniform Slices: Shape the cauliflower mixture into uniform, even slices for consistent cooking. Aim for about 1/2 inch thickness to mimic traditional bread slices.
- Low Heat Cooking: Cook the sandwiches on low heat to allow the cheese to melt slowly and evenly without burning the cauliflower bread. Covering the skillet helps melt the cheese faster.
- Non-Stick Skillet: Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the cauliflower bread from sticking. This makes flipping the sandwiches easier and ensures an even, golden-brown crust.
- Complete Meal: Pair the grilled cheese with a fresh green salad or a bowl of tomato soup for a hearty and balanced meal.
- Extra Flavor: Add slices of ham, crispy bacon, or avocado between the cheese layers for additional flavor and protein.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the cauliflower bread mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herb Substitutes: Use fresh herbs like basil or rosemary instead of dried herbs for a more vibrant flavor.
- Vegan Option: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) and use vegan cheese alternatives.
Cauliflower Keto Grilled Cheese
Dive into the world of low-carb comfort food with this Cauliflower Keto Grilled Cheese Sandwich! Perfectly crispy cauliflower ‘bread’ slices envelop gooey, melted cheese for a satisfying meal that’s both healthy and indulgent. This easy-to-make recipe is a game-changer for keto enthusiasts and cheese lovers alike. Get ready to impress your taste buds with this delightful twist on a classic favorite!
4
servings15
minutes20
minutes441
kcal5
minutes40
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Cauliflower Bread Slices
1 medium head cauliflower, riced and cooked
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/8 teaspoon ground mustard seed
1/8 teaspoon dried sage
1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
Dash dried thyme
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Sandwich Assembly
8 slices mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Edam cheese)
Butter for greasing the skillet
Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Prepare Cauliflower Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Strain any excess liquid from the cooked cauliflower rice using a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer. In a mixing bowl, combine the riced cauliflower, beaten egg, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, ground mustard seed, dried sage, dried oregano, dried thyme, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Form and Bake Bread Slices: On a greased baking sheet, shape the cauliflower mixture into four bread-like slices about 1/2 inch thick each. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until firm and slightly golden.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Heat a skillet over low heat and melt a small amount of butter. Place one cauliflower bread slice in the skillet and layer with two slices of mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Top with another cauliflower bread slice.
- Cook Sandwiches: Cover the skillet and cook over low heat until the mozzarella cheese begins to melt (about 3-4 minutes). Carefully flip the sandwich using wide flat tongs and cook the other side until the cheese is fully melted and the bread is golden brown (another 3-4 minutes). Adjust heat to medium if necessary.
- Serve: Once the cheese has melted to your liking, transfer the sandwich to a plate. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- baking sheet
- Skillet
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
- vegetable peeler
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 441kcal
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 31g
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Cholesterol: 152mg
- Sodium: 811mg
- Potassium: 122mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Vitamin A: 1059IU
- Vitamin C: 40mg
- Calcium: 741mg
- Iron: 1mg
FAQs- Cauliflower Keto Grilled Cheese
Can I use frozen cauliflower rice instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower rice. Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture before using it in the recipe.
How do I prevent the cauliflower bread from falling apart?
Ensuring that you remove as much moisture as possible from the cauliflower rice and mixing it thoroughly with the other ingredients will help bind the mixture. Baking the slices until firm and golden also ensures they hold together well.
Can I prepare the cauliflower bread slices in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare and bake the cauliflower bread slices ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to use, reheat them slightly before assembling the sandwiches.
What are some alternative fillings I can use?
Besides the cheeses, you can add cooked ham, turkey, crispy bacon, avocado slices, or even some sautéed mushrooms and spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
Can I freeze the cauliflower bread slices?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cauliflower bread slices. Allow them to cool completely, then place parchment paper between each slice and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
