Keto Spaghetti Squash Mac And Cheese
Mac and cheese is a beloved comfort food for many Americans, but unfortunately, it's not exactly a healthy option. The traditional recipe is high in carbs, calories, and saturated fat. However, there's a way to enjoy this classic dish without sacrificing your health goals. By using spaghetti squash instead of pasta and a few other keto-friendly ingredients, you can create a delicious and nutritious version of mac and cheese that will satisfy your cravings. In this article, we'll show you how to make keto spaghetti squash mac and cheese and why it's a great choice for anyone following a low-carb or keto diet.
What is Keto?
Keto, short for ketogenic, is a high-fat, low-carb diet that has gained popularity in recent years. The goal of the keto diet is to put your body into a metabolic state called ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of glucose from carbs. By drastically reducing your carb intake and increasing your fat intake, you force your body to switch from using glucose as its primary fuel source to using ketones, which are produced by the liver from fat. This results in weight loss, improved energy levels, and other health benefits.
What is Spaghetti Squash?
Spaghetti squash is a winter squash that gets its name from the fact that its flesh can be shredded into long, thin strands that resemble spaghetti. It's a low-carb, low-calorie vegetable that's a great substitute for pasta in many dishes. One cup of cooked spaghetti squash contains only 42 calories and 10 grams of carbs, compared to one cup of cooked pasta, which has around 200 calories and 40 grams of carbs.
How to Make Keto Spaghetti Squash Mac And Cheese
Here's what you'll need:
- 1 large spaghetti squash
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 4 tablespoons of almond flour
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Place the spaghetti squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until tender.
- Use a fork to scrape the flesh of the spaghetti squash into a bowl, creating spaghetti-like strands.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the almond flour until smooth.
- Add the heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme, and whisk until well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the spaghetti squash strands and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Why Keto Spaghetti Squash Mac And Cheese is a Great Choice
Keto spaghetti squash mac and cheese is a great choice for anyone following a low-carb or keto diet. Here are some reasons why:
- It's low in carbs: Spaghetti squash is a low-carb alternative to pasta, and the cheese sauce is made with keto-friendly ingredients like heavy cream and almond flour.
- It's high in fat: The keto diet is a high-fat diet, and this dish is no exception. The cheese sauce is made with plenty of butter and cheddar cheese, which provide healthy fats to keep you satisfied.
- It's nutrient-dense: Spaghetti squash is a good source of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and fiber. The cheese sauce also provides calcium and other important nutrients.
- It's delicious: Let's not forget that this dish is also incredibly delicious! The creamy, cheesy sauce combined with the spaghetti squash strands creates a satisfying texture and flavor that will make you forget you're eating a healthy alternative.
Conclusion
Keto spaghetti squash mac and cheese is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional mac and cheese. By using spaghetti squash instead of pasta and keto-friendly ingredients for the cheese sauce, you can enjoy a comforting dish without sacrificing your health goals. Whether you're following a low-carb or keto diet, or just looking for a healthier version of a classic comfort food, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Give it a try and see for yourself!