Cheesy Keto Cauliflower Casserole: A Low-Carb Comfort Food Dream!
Looking for a comforting, cheesy dish that’s keto-friendly, easy to make, and absolutely delicious?
This Keto Cauliflower Casserole is the perfect low-carb side dish or even a satisfying main course.
Loaded with cheese, cream, and crispy bacon, it’s a crowd-pleaser that fits perfectly into your ketogenic lifestyle.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, hosting a dinner, or just craving some cheesy comfort food, this cauliflower casserole is a must-try.
Plus, it’s gluten-free and easy to customize with your favorite keto ingredients.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
For the Casserole:
- 1 large head cauliflower (about 5 cups, cut into florets)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 4 slices cooked bacon (crumbled)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Cooked chicken for extra protein
- Jalapeños for a spicy kick
- Broccoli for added veggies
How to Make Keto Cauliflower Casserole
1. Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower and cook for about 5 minutes, until just tender. (You want it slightly firm to avoid mushiness.)
- Drain the cauliflower well and pat it dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can make the casserole watery, so don’t skip this step!
2. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, heavy cream, cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well until smooth and creamy. If the cream cheese isn’t soft enough, microwave the mixture for 20-30 seconds to make it easier to mix.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
- Gently fold the cooked cauliflower into the cheese mixture until fully coated.
- Transfer everything to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top.
4. Bake to Perfection:
- Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- If you like extra crispiness, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This keto cauliflower casserole is versatile and pairs beautifully with many keto main dishes. Here are some ideas:
- As a side dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or salmon.
- As a main course: Add shredded chicken, ground beef, or sausage to the casserole for a complete meal.
- For breakfast: Enjoy leftovers as a savory keto breakfast!
Tips for the Best Keto Cauliflower Casserole
- Don’t Overcook the Cauliflower: Keep the cauliflower slightly firm when boiling. Overcooking leads to a mushy casserole.
- Drain Well: After boiling, dry the cauliflower thoroughly. Excess moisture can water down the sauce.
- Use Fresh Cheese: Grate your cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents and extra carbs.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Make It Meaty: Add cooked, shredded chicken or ground beef for a protein-packed keto dinner.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freezing:
- This casserole freezes well! Let it cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- To reheat from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or until heated through.
Reheating:
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- For the best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
2. Is cauliflower keto-friendly?
Yes! Cauliflower is low in carbs and perfect for keto recipes. One cup of cooked cauliflower has only about 3 net carbs, making it an ideal potato substitute.
3. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the dairy ingredients with keto-friendly, plant-based alternatives like coconut cream, dairy-free cream cheese, and vegan shredded cheese.
4. Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, but thaw it first and drain excess moisture. You might also want to roast frozen cauliflower for 10 minutes to help dry it out before adding it to the casserole.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 28g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Net Carbs: 3g
My Take on Keto Cauliflower Casserole
This Keto Cauliflower Casserole is cheesy, satisfying, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect side dish or main course for your low-carb lifestyle.
It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and great for meal prep. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, brunch, or a potluck, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how you liked it! I’d love to hear your favorite variations in the comments below. Enjoy your cheesy, keto-friendly comfort food!
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