Hey y'all! If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy dish that won’t knock you out of ketosis, you’re in luck. This Keto Cheesy Cauliflower Bake with Garlic Butter is packed with rich flavors, melty cheese, and a golden-brown top that’s simply irresistible. It’s the ultimate side dish for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any time you want something hearty yet low-carb. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Keto Cheesy Cauliflower Bake with Garlic Butter
- Ultra-creamy and satisfyingly cheesy, with perfectly tender cauliflower.
- Low in carbs, making it a guilt-free indulgence for anyone following a keto lifestyle.
- Quick and simple prep—ready for the oven in under 15 minutes!
- Garlic butter infuses every bite with rich, savory flavor.
- Fantastic for meal prep and reheats beautifully for leftovers.
Ingredients for Keto Cheesy Cauliflower Bake with Garlic Butter
- 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 lbs), cut into florets
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions – How to Make Keto Cheesy Cauliflower Bake with Garlic Butter
Step 1: Prep and Parboil the Cauliflower
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cauliflower florets and cook for 5-6 minutes, until just fork-tender. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Lower heat and add 1 cup cheddar cheese and all the mozzarella. Stir until melted and the sauce is thick.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
- In the prepared baking dish, combine drained cauliflower with the cheese sauce. Season with salt and pepper, then toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving warm.
Notes for the Best Keto Cheesy Cauliflower Bake with Garlic Butter
- For an extra-crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, but keep a close eye on it!
- Pat the cauliflower dry after boiling to prevent a watery casserole. Learn more about how to cook cauliflower perfectly.
- You can use pre-riced cauliflower to save time, but adjust boiling time as needed.
Variations on Keto Cheesy Cauliflower Bake with Garlic Butter
- Bacon Lover’s: Stir in ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon before baking for a smoky twist.
- Keto Broccoli Bake: Swap half the cauliflower for broccoli florets for more color and nutrients.
- Spicy Jalapeño: Add 1-2 diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce for a touch of heat.
Required Equipment for Keto Cheesy Cauliflower Bake with Garlic Butter
- Large pot
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- 2-quart baking dish
- Colander
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Storage Instructions for Keto Cheesy Cauliflower Bake with Garlic Butter
Cool leftovers completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until hot. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Keto Cheesy Cauliflower Bake with Garlic Butter
- Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or salmon for a filling keto meal.
- It’s a stellar side for holiday roasts or keto-friendly BBQs!
- Enjoy with a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
Pro Tips for the Best Keto Cheesy Cauliflower Bake with Garlic Butter
- Let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving for easier slicing and maximum flavor.
- Mix in a handful of chives or green onions for added freshness and color.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the creamiest, smoothest sauce—pre-shredded can contain anti-caking agents. Learn more at Serious Eats.
Frequently Asked Questions about Keto Cheesy Cauliflower Bake with Garlic Butter
- Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes! Assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding 5 extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
- Can I use frozen cauliflower?
- Absolutely—just thaw and drain well to avoid extra moisture. You may want to reduce the boiling time.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, this cheesy cauliflower bake is naturally gluten-free and perfect for a variety of dietary needs. Learn more about keto-friendly ingredients.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish.
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2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cauliflower florets and cook for 5-6 minutes until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
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3In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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4In a large bowl, combine the cooked cauliflower, garlic butter, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cauliflower is well coated.
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5Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
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6Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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