This easy, Creamy Keto Cauliflower Rice will be your new go-to side dish recipe. It’s guaranteed kid-friendly and perfect with all of your favorite low-carb meals.
How many times have you started cooking the main part of your meal, only to realize you completely forgot about the side dish? I’d venture to guess that happens to me at least 60% of the time. I’ll have this great dinner planned, get to cooking, and then think, “Oh gosh, what are we going to eat with it?” In times like these, it helps to have a few easy low-carb side dishes in your back pocket.
Sure, I could always toss a bag of frozen veggies into the microwave, but let’s face it, that’s a tad boring. When all it takes is an extra 10 minutes to whip up this creamy and deliciously rich keto cauliflower rice, why not go all out?
Cauliflower (and especially frozen cauliflower rice) is a keto staple you should always have on hand. Whenever I make a Costco run, I always grab a bag of frozen cauliflower rice. Those bags have saved me more times than I can count when dinner time rolls around. With frozen cauliflower rice, I can make everything from fried rice to cauliflower mash and even savory cauliflower pancakes. It really is the holy grail of keto side-dish ingredients.
What I love most about this easy recipe is that even though it’s made with (gasp) a vegetable, kids gobble it up! In fact, my friend’s picky three-year-old daughter asked for seconds. And then she asked me to make it again the next time she visited.
I think this dish is such a hit with kids because it tastes nothing like cauliflower. In fact, except for the lack of cheddar cheese, it almost tastes like white mac and cheese. Make it, and go ahead—wear that SuperMom cape when you do.
Make this dish your own
There is plenty you can do to give this dish a little twist. Instead of cream cheese, for example, you can use a garlicky Boursin or even try grating in cheeses like cheddar, Gouda, or Gruyère. Leeks are also a lovely addition and give the dish a subtly sweet flavor. Sometimes I even stir in a handful of halved grape tomatoes or a spoonful of pesto (or both!) right before serving. To make the dish more substantial, you can also consider stirring in some cubed ham or crispy bacon. And yes, you can even substitute the cauliflower with broccoli!
How do I store leftovers?
First, let the dish cool to room temperature. You can store the cauliflower rice in an airtight container or plastic bag and put it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Or you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag for up to 3 months. Be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating it.
Similar recipes to try
We’ve got a good selection of cauliflower recipes here that brilliantly illustrate just how versatile and delicious this healthy, cruciferous vegetable truly is! Serving up a roast tonight? You’ll definitely want to give The Best Mashed Cauliflower Recipe a go. It’s unbelievably smooth, creamy, and decadent.
In the mood for comfort food? Sink your fork into our Cheesy Ranch Broccoli And Cauliflower Casserole or cozy up to a bowl of Keto Cauliflower Rice With Mushrooms And Artichokes. Enough reason to always stock up on cauliflower!
Creamy Keto Cauliflower Rice
Ingredients
- 16 ounces frozen cauliflower rice
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- Fresh chives for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Microwave cauliflower rice according to package directions.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the cooked cauliflower rice, salt, and pepper and stir to combine.
- Add the half-and-half and cream cheese. Stir to combine.
- Stirring continuously, let the mixture cook 8 to 10 minutes until all liquid is absorbed and the rice is thick and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh chives, if using, and serve.
Can I use light cream or heavy cream instead of half n half?
Absolutely, both should work, it’ll just be a little richer with heavy cream!