Baked Cheddar Cauliflower Casserole with Bacon Crumble

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

A comforting keto casserole combining tender cauliflower florets in a cheesy sauce topped with crispy bacon crumble. This american-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 45 minutes pairs cauliflower florets, unsalted butter, heavy cream for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 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.

★ 4.2 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 American cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Steam 6 cups chopped cauliflower florets until tender, about 8-10 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
  2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter. Stir in 4 oz softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  3. Step 3: Slowly whisk in 1 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and sauce is smooth.
  5. Step 5: Combine steamed cauliflower with cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl, then transfer to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 6 crumbled cooked bacon strips evenly over the top.
  7. Step 7: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden around the edges.
  8. Step 8: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Cheddar Cauliflower Casserole with Bacon Crumble?

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 Cheddar Cauliflower Casserole with Bacon Crumble?

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 Cheddar Cauliflower Casserole with Bacon Crumble 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 Cheddar Cauliflower Casserole with Bacon Crumble keto?

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

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