Keto Cauliflower Au Gratin is just as creamy and flavorful as Au Gratin Potatoes but with only 7 net carbs per serving. This low carb, gluten free side dish is the perfect comfort food to pair with all of your favorite meals.
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Anyone who enjoys rich, creamy comfort food will love this recipe for Keto Cauliflower Au Gratin. With the exception of the cauliflower, the recipe is almost identical to Bacon Cheddar Au Gratin Potatoes but with less carbs and less calories too!
I miss potatoes the most when I’m following a low carb diet. This recipe is a prime example of how to do a cauliflower-potato swap right. Seriously, I don’t miss the potatoes at all with this recipe and I don’t think that you will either.
Why This Recipe Works
This is a low carb, keto friendly, and gluten free recipe. However, you don’t even need to mention that to people who might gasp at the idea of eating low carb or the word “keto.” They’ll never know.
It’s a delicious side dish recipe that can be paired with lots of things. I would definitely define this as comfort food, but comfort food that you can eat anytime of the year.
This is another great recipe to help your kids (and yourself) eat more vegetables. Once again, we have creamy cheese and bacon taking center stage and who doesn’t love that?
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower (cut into 1/4-inch thick slices or small florets)
- 4 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.
Prep!
If you are not using leftover bacon, you will want to cook and crumble that first.
Slice the cauliflower florets into thin pieces so that they resemble potato slices. This little trick allows all of the ingredients to layer on top of each other easier instead of sliding off.
Shred the cheddar cheese.
Chef’s Tip: it’s best to shred the cheddar cheese from a block for better melting and texture. Pre-shredded bagged cheese has added starches that can make it grainy when melted.
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Create!
Place a layer of the sliced cauliflower florets into the bottom of a medium size baking dish.
Top with a third of the cheddar cheese. If you are using a larger baking dish, you may only have 2 layers, so divide your cheese in half if this is the case.
Add another layer of cauliflower, then another third of the cheese. Add one last layer of cauliflower. Set the remaining cheese aside with the bacon.
Whisk together the heavy cream, milk, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Pour all of the cream mixture evenly over the top of the cauliflower and cover tightly with foil.
Bake for 45 minutes, or until fork tender.
Once the cauliflower is tender, remove the foil and add the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon to the top. Return to the oven for 5-10 minutes, until melted.
Present!
Garnish with minced parsley or thinly sliced green onion, if desired.
Note: as written this recipe will result in a thinner sauce. For a thicker sauce you could try low carb thickeners. If you are not following a low carb diet you can add 1-2 tablespoons of gluten free or regular flour to thicken the sauce more.
Tips and Techniques
- Cut the cauliflower into thin slices that resemble sliced potatoes and for easier layering.
- Shred the cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded bagged cheese. Bagged shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that don’t allow the cheese to melt as nicely and give it a grittier texture.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can try low carb thickeners (I don’t use them), or add 1-2 tablespoons of gluten free or regular flour (if you’re not low carb).
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 3-5 days for best results.
FAQ’S
What Does Au Gratin Mean?
Au gratin basically means a dish that is topped with either bread crumbs or cheese and browned in the oven.
What Is The Difference Between Au Gratin And Scalloped?
Au gratin contains cheese, while scalloped does not. Both have layers of potatoes or vegetables and a creamy sauce.
More Cauliflower Recipes
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Cauliflower Au Gratin
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower (cut into slices about 1/4-inch thick)
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cups heavy cream
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 4 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- Place a layer of the sliced cauliflower florets into the bottom of a medium size baking dish and top with one third of the cheddar cheese.1 large head cauliflower, 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese
- Cover the cheese with another row of cauliflower, then another third of the cheese.
- Top with one last layer of cauliflower. Set the remaining cheese aside.
- Whisk together the heavy cream, garlic, salt, and pepper.1 cups heavy cream, 6 cloves garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Pour all of the cream mixture evenly over the top of the cauliflower and cover tightly with foil.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until fork tender.
- Once the cauliflower is tender, remove the foil and add the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon to the top.4 slices bacon
- Return to the oven for 5-10 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starting to brown.
Notes
Tips and Techniques for the Best Keto Cauliflower Au Gratin
- Cut the cauliflower into thin slices that resemble sliced potatoes and for easier layering.
- Shred the cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded bagged cheese. Bagged shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that don't allow the cheese to melt as nicely and give it a grittier texture.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can try low carb thickeners (I don't care for them), or add 1-2 tablespoons of gluten free or regular flour (if you're not low carb).
- Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3-5 days for best results.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published August 1, 2017. It was updated with new images, step-by-step instructions, tips, techniques, and FAQ’s in February 2024.
