Cauliflower Cheese Bake with Parmesan and Chives
A creamy, cheesy cauliflower bake topped with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped chives for a comforting keto side dish. This french-inspired keto (keto, vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs unsalted butter, heavy cream, softened cream cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 6 cups (about 1 medium head) cauliflower florets
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz softened cream cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Steam 6 cups cauliflower florets until tender but still firm, about 6-7 minutes; drain well.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter. Whisk in 1 cup heavy cream and 4 oz softened cream cheese, stirring until smooth and heated through.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until cheese melts and sauce thickens.
- Step 4: Transfer steamed cauliflower to a greased 8x8 inch baking dish, pour cheese sauce evenly over the top, and gently toss to coat.
- Step 5: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cauliflower Cheese Bake with Parmesan and Chives 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 Cauliflower Cheese Bake with Parmesan and Chives?
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 unsalted butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cauliflower Cheese Bake with Parmesan and Chives?
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 Cauliflower Cheese Bake with Parmesan and Chives for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Cauliflower Cheese Bake with Parmesan and Chives keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, vegetarian, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
