Cheesy Bacon and Cauliflower Casserole

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

A hearty, keto-friendly casserole featuring tender cauliflower baked with crispy bacon and melted cheese for a satisfying comfort dish. This american-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 45 minutes pairs cauliflower florets, chopped bacon strips, softened cream cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Steam 4 cups cauliflower florets until tender, about 7-8 minutes, then drain well to remove excess moisture.
  2. Step 2: While cauliflower steams, cook 6 chopped bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 5-6 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving 1 tbsp bacon fat.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, lower heat to medium-low and stir in 4 oz softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 3/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, whisking until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the steamed cauliflower, creamy cheese sauce, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and cooked bacon pieces. Mix gently until evenly coated.
  5. Step 5: Transfer mixture to a greased 9x9 inch baking dish, sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped green onions before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheesy Bacon and Cauliflower Casserole 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 Cheesy Bacon and Cauliflower Casserole?

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 Cheesy Bacon and Cauliflower Casserole?

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 Cheesy Bacon and Cauliflower Casserole 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 Cheesy Bacon and Cauliflower Casserole 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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