Whether you’re eating low carb or just want a delicious vegetable recipe the kids will actually eat, this Cheesy Cauliflower Bake has got you covered! It’s a fun, kid-friendly take on a Cauliflower au Gratin.

Cauliflower Gratin: Keto Version

Growing up, I hated cauliflower.

Hated it.

It had a noxious, overpowering smell and taste that I just couldn’t get over. I could eat every other vegetable just fine, but I just never enjoyed cauliflower.

It wasn’t until I was older and learned that vegetables can be prepared so many delicious ways that I was able to find a newfound appreciation for cauliflower.

See, growing up, my mom always served cauliflower either boiled (with margarine or cheeze whiz) or raw with dip. Roasted cauliflower, and later cauliflower rice, were revelations! Cauliflower actually could taste good!

It’s with a nod to that “cheezy” cauliflower from my childhood that I made this Cheesy Cauliflower Bake.

Rather than go with a traditional gratin preparation (which includes breadcrumbs) this cauliflower bake adds in crumbled bacon and roasts the cheese topping until it is golden and crunchy, without adding all those carbs from breadcrumbs. The result is a satisfying comfort dish that is healthy, low-carb and even the kids will eagerly eat it!

For my low carb friends, a generous cup of this casserole is less than 4g net carbs per serving.

Low Carb Cauliflower Gratin Ingredients

• 4 cups cauliflower florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces

• 6 oz. cream cheese, cut into chunks

• ¼ cup heavy cream

• 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

• ½ teaspoon dried dill

• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1½ cup Italian cheese blend, shredded

• 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

• 1 Tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

Tip: add in 1/4 cup crushed pork rinds if you want something more closely resembling a traditional gratin.

Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp kitchen knife
• Cheese grater
• Large casserole dish

How to Make a Cauliflower Casserole

Place top oven rack in the center position and preheat oven to 400°F.

Place the cauliflower in a steamer basket on top of a pot with boiling water and steam until fork-tender, around 6-7 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer cauliflower into a cold water bath to prevent further cooking. Drain well and pat dry.

Transfer steamed cauliflower to a large bowl and add cream cheese, heavy cream, butter, garlic powder, and dried dill. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and toss to combine.

Transfer to oven-safe casserole dish and top with shredded cheese blend and crumbled bacon. Place in pre-heated oven and roast until cheese is melted and nicely browned on top, around 8-10 minutes.

Remove from oven and serve immediately topped with fresh chives. Enjoy!

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This keto cauliflower gratin is kid-friendly and delicious; the perfect low carb cauliflower side dish when you want something that tastes comforting and indulgent, but still want to eat healthy.

For more delicious cauliflower recipes, check out our Cauliflower Pizza Crust recipe or our Instant Pot Buffalo Cauliflower and Chicken recipe.