Baked Cauliflower Casserole with Cheddar and Bacon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich and cheesy keto casserole combining tender cauliflower florets with crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese. This american-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 50 minutes pairs cauliflower florets, bacon strips, sharp cheddar cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.9 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Steam 4 cups chopped cauliflower florets until tender, about 8-10 minutes, then drain well.
  2. Step 2: While cauliflower steams, cook 6 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon, drain on paper towels, and crumble once cooled.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 1 tsp garlic powder and 4 oz softened cream cheese. Cook, stirring, until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the cream cheese mixture. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, combine steamed cauliflower, cream cheese sauce, 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon (reserve 1/4 cup bacon for topping). Mix gently to coat evenly.
  6. Step 6: Transfer mixture to a greased 9x9 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese and reserved bacon.
  7. Step 7: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and golden on top. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped chives before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Cauliflower Casserole with Cheddar and Bacon take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Cauliflower Casserole with Cheddar and Bacon?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cauliflower florets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cauliflower Casserole with Cheddar and Bacon?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Cauliflower Casserole with Cheddar and Bacon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Baked Cauliflower Casserole with Cheddar and Bacon keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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