I had this whole plan to make a classic Bacon Carbonara with parmesan cheese, but guess what? The parmesan vanished into thin air from my fridge! I know, right? So, instead of parmesan cheese, I used delightful goat cheese crumbles lurking in the depths of my fridge, and boy, am I glad I did. Let me tell you, the combination of creamy goat cheese, crispy bacon, and caramelized onions creates a creamy carbonara recipe!
So, let's ditch the parmesan and dive into this flavor-packed, Paleo-friendly twist on bacon carbonara. And yes, I know what you're thinkingācheese on Paleo? Well, hear me out. Although many paleo experts say never to eat cheese, there is a groundswell behind goat cheese. It's not dairy-free but still aligns with the paleo diet.
This bacon carbonara recipe is :
-
- Gluten Free
-
- Paleo
Table of Contents
5 Reasons to Love This Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for this Bacon Carbonara recipe! Here are five reasons why you're going to love it:
- Creative use of spaghetti squash.
- Incredibly rich and complex flavors.
- Simple ingredients and easy cooking steps.
- Easy to customize to your tastes.
- The perfect winter warmer meal.
Is Bacon Carbonara Low Carb?
Traditional carbonara sauce includes pasta, which is high in carbs. However, you can make a low-carb version by using low carb alternatives. I have made this recipe completely low carb, so it fits easily in your low carb diet.
A single serving, equivalent to a full dinner portion, contains 13g of net carbs, placing it towards the upper limit of the low-carb range but comfortably within acceptable daily limits. You just have to select your meals for the day wisely to enjoy this saucy dish.
I have also used bacon in this recipe that makes it incredibly tasty. If you want to dig into the details of "Is Bacon Low Carb?", the article put up by the certified nutritionist at I'd Rather Be A Chef is going to help you!
Bacon Carbonara Ingredient List
Here is the list of simple ingredients to make homemade bacon carbonara:
- 1 spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise and deseeded
- 1 Spanish onion, sliced thin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 stripsĀ cooked bacon, finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 4 ounce goat cheese crumbles
- 4 cloves roasted garlic
- 2 tablespoons clarified butter
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
See anything missing from this carbonara recipe with bacon? Fear not! Here are some easy swaps to keep the deliciousness flowing:
- Spanish onion: No Spanish onion? No problem! You can easily substitute with yellow or white onion for that sweet, caramelized flavor.
- Cooked bacon strips: Don't sweat if you're out of cooked bacon strips. Bacon bits or bacon lardon will work just as well, adding that irresistible smoky flavor.
- Goat cheese: Feta crumbles make a fantastic alternative, bringing a tangy creaminess to the dish.
- Roasted garlic: Don't have roasted garlic? No worries! For a quick substitute, sautƩ 2 cloves of raw garlic in a pan for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Clarified butter: If clarified butter isn't in your pantry, fear not! Ghee, rendered bacon fat, duck fat, or lard are all excellent replacements, adding richness and depth to your dish.
Note: When it comes to this recipe, spaghetti squash is irreplaceable. No other squash cooks up quite like it. So, if spaghetti squash is out of season, this recipe will have to wait!
Additional Ingredients
Elevate your bacon carbonara experience with these keto-friendly ingredient additions, which will take your taste buds on a flavor-packed journey!
- Veggies: Amp up the texture with some cherry tomatoes or add depth with sautƩed mushrooms.
- Proteins: Make it extra hearty by topping with leftover grilled chicken or pan-seared shrimp.
- Spices: Add a kick with a pinch of red pepper flakes, or brighten the dish with a bit of lemon zest.
- Heavy cream: If you're craving creamy pasta, add heavy cream. It adds a luxurious creaminess to the sauce, enhancing the decadent texture of the Carbonara.
Note: Optional ingredients are just there to enhance the flavor profile; they are not part of the original recipe.
Cooking Tools Required
To make this creamy carbonara recipe, you'll need the following tools:
- Baking dish or sheet pan
- Aluminum foil
- Heavy bottom pan
- Fork
- Tongs
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
How to Make Bacon Carbonara: Complete Cooking Guide
Cooking Methods
- Roasting
- SautƩing
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the ingredients and cooking tools.
- Half the spaghetti squash.
- Thin slice Spanish onion.
- Finely chop cooked bacon.
- Crumble goat cheese.
Cooking Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the squash face down in a baking dish or on a sheet pan, cover with foil, and bake in the oven on the middle rack for 45 minutes.
- While the squash is baking, prepare the remaining ingredients. Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and a pinch of salt, cover, and cook for 5 minutes. Stir and break up the onions, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for an additional 15 minutes until caramelized. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine chopped bacon, eggs, goat cheese, and roasted garlic. Gently stir to mix, then set aside.
- Once the squash is cooked, remove it from the oven and flip it with tongs. Use a fork to loosen the squash strands by running it lengthwise down the center and around the edges.
- Transfer the loosened squash to the pan with the cooked onions, along with any bacon grease from the baking dish. Heat the pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the egg mixture to the pan with squash and onions, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Taste the dish, adjust the seasonings as needed, and serve hot.
Step 1: Use a fork to loosen the cooked squash strands by running it lengthwise.Ā
Step 2: Transfer loosened squash to the pan with the onions, add the egg mixture and stir.Ā
Step 3: Taste it, adjust seasonings and serve hot
š” My Pro Tip
Spaghetti squash is an under-utilized gem in the kitchen, and it's a shame because it's absolutely delicious. However, handling it can be tricky due to its tough exterior. To make the process easier, I recommend trimming about Ā½ inch off either end to create a stable base. Then, with the squash resting flat on the newly cut surface, carefully slice it in half from top to bottom using a sharp chef's knife. This method ensures both safety and efficiency when dealing with this hearty squash variety.
ā²ļø Time-Saving Tips
- Microwave the spaghetti squash instead of roasting for a quicker cooking time.
- Prep all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
- Cook extra bacon ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a ready-to-use ingredient.
- Roast a batch of garlic cloves in advance and store them in the fridge for quick access during cooking.
What to Serve with Bacon Carbonara?
You can pair this easy bacon carbonara with a variety of complementary dishes to create a memorable meal experience. Consider these flavorful options to elevate your dining experience even further:
- Baked Zucchini: Slice zucchini, season with salt and pepper, then bake until tender for a light and refreshing side that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the bacon carbonara.
- Spicy Roasted Cauliflower: Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil and your favorite spices, then roast until crispy and golden brown for a fiery side that contrasts the creamy Carbonara.
- Butter Braised Carrots: Simmer carrots in butter and a touch of honey until tender, creating a sweet and buttery side dish that balances the savory notes of the Bacon Carbonara.
- Roasted Asparagus: Drizzle asparagus spears with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic powder, and roast until tender-crisp for a simple yet elegant side that complements the richness of the Carbonara.
- Spicy Italian Broccoli: SautƩ broccoli florets with garlic, red pepper flakes, and a splash of lemon juice for a zesty and flavorful side that adds a kick to your Bacon Carbonara feast.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage Tips
- This recipe stores in the fridge really well. Cool it to room temperature and store in an airtight container for up to five days.
- After five days, the liquid in the squash tends to release, making the squash taste unusual.
Reheating Tips
- For optimal taste and texture, reheat in a pan on the stove over medium heat until warmed, approximately 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350Ā°F (177Ā°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as the goat cheese and carbonara sauce may become gummy and the texture unpleasant. (Approximately 180Ā°C)
Note: Due to the high liquid content in this recipe, it does not freeze well. The thawing process tends to break the spaghetti squash into little pieces.
Recipe Conclusion
Here's the deal with Bacon Carbonara Recipe: you have endless options! Instead of baking the bacon in the oven, you can easily cook it in a pan while the squash roasts. Plus, why waste the rest of the bacon from the package? Cook it all in the oven with the squash for efficient energy use, and you'll have crispy bacon ready for breakfast or any other recipe!
And don't sweat about the egg not being fully cooked. Once you add it to the hot squash, it'll cook right away, so there's no need to fret there! As for swapping out parmesan for goat cheese in a carbonara, trust me, it's a game-changer. Give it a try, and let your taste buds be the judge! I'm sure this dish will become one of your favorite meals!
Loved this recipe? You will love more side dish recipes I have created:
FAQs
Yes, you can absolutely use bacon as a delicious alternative to pancetta if you are making a low carb version.
Carbonara traditionally uses whole eggs, contributing to its rich and creamy consistency.
To prevent carbonara from scrambling, remove the pan from the heat before adding the eggs and cheese. Mix quickly to combine evenly without overcooking.
Bacon Carbonara Recipe š„
Ingredients
Bacon Carbonara Ingredient List
- 1 spaghetti squash halved lengthwise and deseeded
- 1 Spanish onion sliced thin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 strips cooked bacon finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 4 ounce goat cheese crumbles
- 4 cloves roasted garlic
- 2 tablespoons clarified butter
- Kosher salt to taste
- Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the ingredients and cooking tools.
- Half the spaghetti squash.
- Thin slice Spanish onion.
- Finely chop cooked bacon.
- Crumble goat cheese.
Cooking Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the squash face down in a baking dish or on a sheet pan, cover with foil, and bake in the oven on the middle rack for 45 minutes.
- While the squash is baking, prepare the remaining ingredients. Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and a pinch of salt, cover, and cook for 5 minutes. Stir and break up the onions, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for an additional 15 minutes until caramelized. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine chopped bacon, eggs, goat cheese, and roasted garlic. Gently stir to mix, then set aside.
- Once the squash is cooked, remove it from the oven and flip it with tongs. Use a fork to loosen the squash strands by running it lengthwise down the center and around the edges.
- Transfer the loosened squash to the pan with the cooked onions, along with any bacon grease from the baking dish. Heat the pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the egg mixture to the pan with squash and onions, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Taste the dish, adjust the seasonings as needed, and serve hot.
Notes
Enjoy making wonderful meals for your family!
Nutrition
āThis website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.ā
Recent Low Carb Recipes:
Is it low carb? Learn more about it:
Marcus DeVore says
Never thought about using spaghetti squash for a carbonara recipe. Really cuts down on the carbs and love the total gluten free aspect too. Really cool. Thanks!
Scott Groth says
Hi Marcus:
If you are on a low-carb or gluten-free diet and you're craving some pasta, this is the best alternative! I absolutely love it!
Thanks for stopping by.
Take care,
Scott