"Overhead image of a golden-brown cheddar bacon cauliflower casserole in a rustic ceramic dish on a weathered wooden table, garnished with fresh chives"

Keto Cheddar and Bacon Cauliflower Casserole (Easy One-Pan Comfort Food)

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Keto Cheddar and Bacon Cauliflower Casserole (Easy One-Pan Comfort Food)

This ultra-creamy, cheesy cauliflower casserole is pure keto comfort food that even carb-lovers will devour.

KEY INFO
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Servings: 6
  • Calories: 385 per serving
  • Fat: 32g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Net Carbs: 6g
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Diet Tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

EQUIPMENT NEEDED
  • 9×13 inch casserole dish
  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups/spoons
  • Alternative: Cast iron skillet can replace casserole dish
INGREDIENTS
  • 1 large cauliflower head (about 2 lbs/900g), cut into florets
  • 8 bacon strips (8oz/225g), diced
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1½ cups (150g) shredded cheddar, divided
  • ½ cup (120ml) sour cream
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: ¼ cup chopped chives for garnish
METHOD
    1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
    2. Cook bacon in a large pan until crispy (about 8 minutes). Remove and set aside
    3. Boil cauliflower in salted water until fork-tender (8-10 minutes)
      Look for florets that pierce easily but aren’t mushy
    4. Drain cauliflower thoroughly in colander
      This step is crucial to prevent a watery casserole
Hands mixing creamy ingredients including melted cream cheese, cheddar, sour cream with cauliflower and bacon bits in a large ceramic bowl

  1. Mix cream cheese, 1 cup cheddar, sour cream, and seasonings in a large bowl
  2. Fold in cauliflower and half the bacon
  3. Transfer to casserole dish, top with remaining cheese and bacon
  4. Bake 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden
    Cheese should be melted and lightly browned

CRUCIAL TIPS
  • Let cauliflower drain completely to avoid soggy results
  • Bring cream cheese to room temperature for smooth mixing
  • Don’t overcook cauliflower – it continues cooking in the oven
  • Season generously – cauliflower needs it
STORAGE & VARIATIONS

Storage: Keeps 3-4 days refrigerated
Reheating: Best in oven at 325°F for 15 minutes

Variations:

  • Add diced jalapeños for heat
  • Mix in shredded chicken for a complete meal
  • Swap cheddar for gruyere or gouda
  • Top with crushed pork rinds for extra crunch

Common Mistakes:

  • Skipping the thorough draining step
  • Under-seasoning
  • Using pre-shredded cheese (fresh-grated melts better)

This recipe is perfect for meal prep and scales easily for larger gatherings. Just maintain the same ratios and adjust pan size accordingly.

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