Creamy Low-Carb Cheddar & Smoked Sausage Bake
Discover a flavor-packed, low-carb delight with this Creamy Low-Carb Cheddar & Smoked Sausage Bake! This one-dish meal combines tender, cooked cauliflower with rich, savory smoked sausage, enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce that keeps every bite satisfying while staying within your dietary guidelines. Perfect for anyone on a low-carb journey, the recipe is versatile enough to accommodate your favorite proteins and vegetables, be it spicy hot dogs, hearty ham, or fresh sautéed mushrooms. Whip this up for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week ahead—it's guaranteed to please both carb-conscious eaters and comfort food lovers alike!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cooked cauliflower
2 cups (Cooked and chopped)
Butter
2 tablespoons (Melted)
Heavy cream
1 cup (None)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Ground)
Shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (Divided)
Smoked sausage
1 lb (Chopped)
Paprika
1/8 teaspoon (Ground)
Vegetables
Optional (Chopped (e.g., mushrooms, bell peppers))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
If using uncooked smoked sausage, cook it according to package directions until slightly browned. Cut the smoked sausage in half lengthwise, then chop it into ½-inch pieces.
3
In a 2-quart casserole dish, layer the cooked cauliflower as the base. Add the chopped smoked sausage on top and mix them together.
4
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, heavy cream, and ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Continuously whisk until the mixture is warm, melted, and smooth.
5
Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the cauliflower and sausage mixture, ensuring even coverage.
6
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, followed by a dash of paprika to add color and flavor.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to achieve your desired level of crispiness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Low-Carb Cheddar & Smoked Sausage Bake?
It is a flavor-packed, low-carb one-dish meal that combines cooked cauliflower and savory smoked sausage in a rich, velvety cheddar cheese sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?
Yes, this recipe is designed to be keto-friendly and low-carb, focusing on high-fat and low-carbohydrate ingredients like heavy cream, cheese, and cauliflower.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking the casserole.
How long does the dish need to bake?
The bake time is between 35 and 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A 2-quart casserole dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
How do I prepare the smoked sausage?
If using uncooked sausage, cook it until browned. Then, cut it in half lengthwise and chop it into half-inch pieces.
What goes into the cheese sauce?
The sauce is made by combining butter, heavy cream, and half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese in a saucepan over medium heat.
Can I add other vegetables to this bake?
Yes, you can include optional chopped vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers to enhance the flavor and nutrients.
Is the cauliflower used raw or cooked?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of cooked and chopped cauliflower as the base of the dish.
Can I use different types of meat?
Absolutely! This versatile recipe allows for substitutions like spicy hot dogs or hearty ham instead of smoked sausage.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the provided ingredients, this recipe is gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically uses shredded cheddar cheese, divided into two half-cup portions.
How do I ensure the cheese sauce is smooth?
Whisk the butter, heavy cream, and cheese continuously over medium heat until the mixture is warm, melted, and smooth.
What seasoning is used for the topping?
A dash of paprika is sprinkled over the top before baking to add color and a hint of flavor.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Yes, it is a great option for meal prepping for the week ahead as it reheats well and stays satisfying.
How much heavy cream is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of heavy cream to create the rich cheese sauce.
Does the recipe include any pepper?
Yes, it uses 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper for seasoning.
How much butter is needed for the sauce?
You will need 2 tablespoons of butter, which should be melted into the sauce.
What is the first step in assembling the casserole?
The first assembly step is to layer the cooked cauliflower at the base of the casserole dish.
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower as long as it is cooked and chopped before being added to the dish.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The bake is finished when the top is golden brown and bubbly, indicating the cheese has melted and crisped slightly.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, pre-shredded cheddar cheese works well for this recipe.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, it is a comfort food favorite that appeals to both kids and adults, regardless of whether they are following a low-carb diet.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish is creamy, cheesy, and savory, with a smoky note from the sausage and a mild sweetness from the cauliflower.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
While heavy cream provides the best texture and lowest carb count, you could try alternatives, though it may change the consistency.
How much smoked sausage do I need?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of smoked sausage.
Should I mix the sausage and cauliflower?
Yes, after layering the cauliflower and adding the sausage, you should mix them together in the dish.
What provides the color on top of the casserole?
The combination of melted cheddar cheese and a dash of paprika provides the golden-brown color.
Can I add extra spices?
Yes, you can customize the flavor by adding garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
Specific nutritional data is not provided, but the recipe is intentionally low-carb by using keto-approved ingredients.