Keto Cauliflower Gratin

Name: Keto Cauliflower Gratin
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound cauliflower florets; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons almond flour; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded gruyere cheese; 6 slices of bacon, crumbled; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme

By Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Published January 10, 2021 • Updated June 2, 2025

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Reader Rating

4.7 Stars (7 Reviews) 16 Comments

Casserole

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Unbelievably creamy and cheesy, this keto cauliflower gratin will be the most requested side dish at your table. It's hard to believe the main ingredient is cauliflower!

scooping out some cheesy cauliflower gratin from a serving dish

baked cheese cauliflower casserole in a white dish and topped with thyme

35 Mins

Nutrition Facts

Servings

351

Calories

33.4g

Fat

11.8g

Protein

2.7g

Net Carb

4.4g

Total Carbs

Disclaimer: The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.

Keto Cauliflower Gratin Recipe Video

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Cauliflower Gratin Ingredients

1 pound cauliflower florets
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons almond flour
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded gruyere cheese
6 slices of bacon, crumbled
1 teaspoon fresh thyme

Keto Cauliflower Gratin Directions

STEP

1

Preheat oven

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
STEP

2

Steam cauliflower

Steam cauliflower florets in a large pot with salted water until fork tender.
STEP

3

Squeeze out moisture

Remove florets and place in between two layers of paper towels or clean towels. Gently press the excess moisture out of the florets. Set aside.
STEP

4

Melt butter

In a sauce pan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in almond flour and cook for 30 seconds.
STEP

5

Make the sauce

Slowly whisk in heavy cream. Add salt, onion powder, garlic powder and pepper. Bring to boil, then reduce to a simmer until thick (about 5-7 minutes).
STEP

6

Of course, add cheese

Remove from heat and stir in cheeses, bacon and thyme.
STEP

7

Bake it

Add half the cheese mixture to the bottom of a cast iron skillet or casserole dish. Add florets on top of the first cheese layer. Spoon remaining cheese mixture over the top of florets. Sprinkle with additional cheese and thyme. Bake at 375 for 25 minutes.

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Low Carb Cauliflower Gratin Recipe

If you are looking for keto side dish recipes for this holiday season, potluck or just to something delicious to serve with dinner, this keto cauliflower gratin is your recipe! This side is creamy and cheesy. It’s hard to believe the main ingredient is cauliflower. This is one keto cauliflower recipe that actually tastes incredible and covers any strange cauliflower smell or taste.

Butter and two types of cheeses – sharp cheddar and gruyere make up this cheesy low-carb meal. It’s the easiest way to transform and disguise a vegetable into a rockstar side dish.

holiday side dishes on a white wooden table

Benefits of Cauliflower on the Keto Diet

Cauliflower is a staple on the keto diet. It is so versatile and it seems like you can turn cauliflower into anything. You can transform it into rice, soup and tater tots! It is low in carbs. There are 3 net carbs in 100 grams of cauliflower.

Not only is cauliflower low in carbs and high in fiber but it has lots of antioxidants and choline in it.

Getting the Moisture Out of the Cauliflower

You want to make sure you get as much moisture out of the steamed cauliflower as you can. Extra moisture in this dish will make the gratin soupy instead of creamy. The easiest way to squeeze out the excess water is to place the florets in between a thick layer of paper towels or a clean cloth. Then press the moisture out. Continue layering paper towels or dry clothes until the moisture is out.

creamy cauliflower gratin in a white casserole dish

Best Cheeses for Gratin

In this recipe, you can add your favorite cheeses. I like to use a combination of sharp cheddar cheese and gruyere cheese. Sharp cheddar cheese adds a lot of flavor. It is pungent and earthy. While the gruyere is nutty. It is smooth cheese so it melts easy. It is similar to swiss cheese.

Keto Cauliflower Gratin: FAQS

Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh florets?

Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before using. This will help prevent excess moisture in your gratin.

What can I substitute for heavy cream to make this dish lighter?

If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream, but keep in mind it may alter the creaminess slightly.

How can I store leftovers of the keto cauliflower gratin?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Can I make this gratin dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives for the cheddar and gruyere.

What can I use instead of almond flour if I have a nut allergy?

If you have a nut allergy, you can use coconut flour, though you'll need to adjust the amount since it absorbs more moisture. A good rule is to use about a quarter of the amount of coconut flour.

Nutritional information & Macros

Amount Per Serving
Calories	351
Fat	33.4g
Protein	11.8g
Total Carbs	4.4g
Net Carbs	2.7g

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About Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie Lampella is a Doctor of Pharmacy, mom, and the recipe creator behind KetoFocus. With a B.S. in Genetics from UC Davis and a Pharm.D., she has over 11 years of experience developing family-friendly keto recipes based on the science of human metabolism. She is the author of the Protein Packed cookbook, published by Victory Belt Publishing.

Learn more about Annie →

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