Cheddar Cauliflower Bake with Bacon and Chives
A cheesy cauliflower bake loaded with crispy bacon and fresh chives, perfect as a hearty keto side or light main. This american-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 40 minutes pairs cauliflower florets, sharp cheddar cheese, bacon strips for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cauliflower florets
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 6 slices, cooked and crumbled bacon strips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz, softened cream cheese
- 2 tbsp, chopped chives
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Steam 4 cups cauliflower florets until tender, about 8 minutes, then drain well to remove excess moisture.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine steamed cauliflower, 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 4 oz softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Mix until creamy and well combined.
- Step 3: Fold in 6 slices cooked and crumbled bacon and 1 tbsp chopped chives, reserving 1 tbsp chives for garnish.
- Step 4: Transfer mixture to a greased 8x8-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Step 5: Remove from oven and sprinkle with the remaining 1 tbsp chopped chives before serving warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheddar Cauliflower Bake with Bacon and Chives take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Cheddar Cauliflower Bake with Bacon 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 cauliflower florets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cheddar Cauliflower Bake with Bacon 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 Cheddar Cauliflower Bake with Bacon 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 Cheddar Cauliflower Bake with Bacon and Chives 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.
