Keto Loaded Cauliflower Au Gratin

Are you ready to try a hearty, cheesy, and keto-friendly side dish? This keto loaded cauliflower au gratin is a delicious alternative to traditional potato-based gratin dishes, offering a satisfying mix of creaminess and flavor. 

With its blend of cauliflower, cream cheese, and bacon, it’s perfect for anyone following a low-carb diet. Whether you’re preparing a family meal or hosting a dinner party, this recipe will surely be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Keto Cauliflower Casserole

This cheesy keto casserole is not only incredibly easy to make but it’s also packed with all the rich, cheesy goodness you crave while keeping things low-carb. Cauliflower is the perfect substitute for high-carb ingredients, making this recipe a great pair with any main course. It goes beautifully with keto sesame chicken, parmesan-crusted salmon, or even a juicy keto steak. 

Cauliflower Au Gratin Ingredients

Now that you have the ingredients, it’s time to make this comforting treat! Here’s what each ingredient brings:

4 cups Cauliflower florets (chopped into bite-size pieces) – The star of this dish, providing a low-carb, nutrient-rich base.

6 oz. Cream cheese (cut into chunks) – Adds creaminess and a rich flavor to the sauce.

¼ cups Heavy cream – Helps create a smooth and silky cheese sauce.

3 tbsp. Unsalted butter – Enhances the richness and adds flavor.

¼ tsp. Garlic powder – Brings a subtle, savory touch to the dish.

½ tsp. Dried dill – Adds a fresh herb flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.

Sea salt and black pepper – Season to taste, balancing all the flavors.

1½ cups Italian cheese blend – A mix of shredded cheeses for that perfect cheesy topping.

4 strips Bacon – Cooked and crumbled for added crunch and smoky flavor.

1 tbsp. Fresh chives, chopped – A bright garnish to finish the dish with a hint of freshness.

How to Make This Low-Carb Side Dish

Prep the Oven:

• Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). This ensures that it’s ready for baking by the time your dish is assembled.
• Place the oven rack in the center position so the casserole bakes evenly.

Prepare the Cauliflower:

• Take your cauliflower florets and place them in a steamer basket. If you don’t have a steamer basket, you can use a metal colander that fits inside a pot.
• Fill a large pot with about 1-2 inches of water and bring it to a boil. Make sure the water doesn’t touch the cauliflower directly.
• Place the steamer basket (with the cauliflower) over the pot of boiling water, cover with a lid, and let the cauliflower steam for about 6-7 minutes. You want it to be fork-tender. This means that when you poke a piece of cauliflower with a fork, it should go through easily but still hold its shape (not too mushy).

Cool and Drain the Cauliflower:

• After the cauliflower is done steaming, remove the steamer basket from the pot carefully (it will be hot).
• Immediately transfer the cauliflower into a cold water bath (a large bowl of ice water). This stops the cooking process and helps the cauliflower retain its texture.
• Let the cauliflower sit in the cold water for about 1-2 minutes, then drain it completely and pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. This step is important to avoid excess water in the casserole, which could make it soggy.

Mix the Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, add the steamed cauliflower. Then, add cream cheese, heavy cream, and softened unsalted butter.
• For flavor, sprinkle in garlic powder, dried dill, and season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
• Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss the cauliflower and ingredients together until everything is evenly coated and the cream cheese has started to melt into the mixture. Don’t worry if the cream cheese doesn’t fully melt at this point—it will when baked!

Assemble the Casserole:

• Grease an oven-safe casserole dish lightly with some butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
• Transfer the cauliflower mixture into the casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
• Now, sprinkle the shredded Italian cheese blend (or any cheese of your choice, like cheddar or mozzarella) over the top of the cauliflower mixture.
• Finally, add the strips of bacon that have been cooked and crumbled. Distribute the bacon evenly over the cheese layer for that delicious crispy topping.

Bake the Casserole:

• Place the casserole dish in your preheated oven.
• Let it bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and turns golden brown on top. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning, as each oven may vary slightly.
• Once the cheese is bubbly and browned, remove the dish from the oven carefully using oven mitts.

Garnish and Serve:

• To add a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle fresh chopped chives over the top of the casserole just before serving.
• Let it cool for a couple of minutes before serving—it will be very hot!
• Serve immediately and enjoy this cheesy, creamy keto cauliflower casserole

Helpful Tips

• If you want a crispier bacon topping, cook the bacon until it’s extra crispy before crumbling and adding it to the casserole.
• For an extra cheesy finish, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top before baking.
• If you notice the cheese browning too quickly, you can cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil while it finishes cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this keto cauliflower recipe ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, simply bake it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Yes, frozen cauliflower works fine in this cheesy keto cauliflower au gratin. Just be sure to thaw and pat it dry to remove any excess moisture before adding it to the dish.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven until heated through, or microwave it for a quick fix.

If you’ve made this keto loaded cauliflower au gratin, we’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Don’t forget to rate and review the recipe below—your feedback helps others who are looking for delicious, low-carb side dishes. 

Keep this recipe on hand by printing it out, so you’re always ready to whip up a cheesy, keto-friendly treat. Plus, it’s perfect for any occasion when you need a satisfying, guilt-free side dish!