Recipe: Easy Faux Mashed "Potatoes"

* 1 20 oz. package frozen cauliflower
* 6-8 oz. cream cheese, softened (fat-free is fine; I think 6 oz. tastes better because then you can taste the cheese better)
* 8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese (low-fat is fine; I buy the pre-shredded bags)
equivalent of 4 green onions, chopped (I buy the frozen pre-chopped regular onions and just toss a bunch in)
* 1/4 tsp. salt
* 1/4 tsp. pepper
* 3 pieces bacon or turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled/cut, or bacon bits equivalent (optional)
* paprika

Note: Do NOT use fat-free cheddar cheese in this recipe. It does not work well and will make the recipe chewy. Fat-free cream cheese is fine, but using fat-free for the other cheese is not advised.

Cook the cauliflower until soft (8-10 minutes in the microwave). Drain and break up the florets with a knife. Grease an 8x8 pan or 2-quart casserole. Mix all ingredients into the cauliflower with a potato masher except for the paprika. Use that to dust the top.

Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 20-40 minutes, until browned and bubbly. Or microwave, loosely covered, for about 40 minutes on 50% power, turning dish after 20 minutes. (Microwaving this takes more work; baking is the best option.)

When split into 6 servings using regular cream cheese it comes to about:
324 calories, 27g fat, 15g protein, 6g total carbs with 2g fiber, 4g net carbs

Here's what it looks like. Click to enlarge.


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