High Protein RecipeRecipe

Cauliflower au Gratin (Low-Carb)

Updated on 4 min read
1200 cauliflower ham au gratin kalynskitchen High Protein Recipe, Recipe

Quick Description

This Cauliflower au Gratin is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor from sharp cheddar cheese, garlic, and smoky bacon. It’s the ultimate low-carb comfort food side dish — ideal for holidays, family dinners, or weeknight meals.

Servings & Timing

  • Servings: 8
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients List

  • 14.5 ounces chicken bone broth
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning (see note)
  • 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (or glucomannan as thickener)
  • 32 ounces frozen cauliflower florets (or 2 fresh heads, cut into florets)
  • 16 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated and divided (or your preferred cheese)
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Prepare the Cauliflower

  • If using fresh cauliflower:
    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 5–6 minutes, until just tender but not mushy. Drain well.
  • If using frozen cauliflower:
    • Steam or microwave according to package directions until tender. Drain any excess water to prevent a watery casserole.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. Combine liquids:
    • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together chicken bone broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, onion powder, and poultry seasoning.
    • Bring to a gentle simmer.
  2. Thicken the sauce:
    • Gradually whisk in xanthan gum (or glucomannan) while stirring constantly to prevent clumping.
    • Simmer for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce starts to thicken.
  3. Add cheese:
    • Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly add 12 ounces (¾ of the cheese), stirring until fully melted and smooth.
    • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

4. Assemble the Casserole

  1. Layer the cauliflower:
    • Place the cooked cauliflower florets evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  2. Pour the cheese sauce:
    • Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower, ensuring it coats everything well.
  3. Top with remaining cheese and bacon:
    • Sprinkle the remaining 4 ounces of cheddar cheese and the chopped bacon on top.

5. Bake

  • Place in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

6. Serve

  • Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Additional Notes

  • Poultry Seasoning Substitute:
    If you don’t have poultry seasoning, use a mix of thyme, sage, and rosemary for similar flavor.
  • Cheese Options:
    Try mixing in Gruyère, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess and depth of flavor.
  • Crispier Top:
    For a crisp, bubbly crust, broil for 2–3 minutes after baking.

Dietary Info

  • Low-Carb
  • Keto-Friendly
  • Gluten-Free
  • High-Fat / High-Protein

Ingredient Details & Substitutions

  • Cauliflower: Fresh or frozen both work well — just make sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
  • Bone Broth: Adds richness, but vegetable broth or chicken stock can be substituted.
  • Thickener: Xanthan gum gives a smooth, creamy texture, but glucomannan or arrowroot powder can work as alternatives.
  • Bacon: Optional but adds great flavor. You can use turkey bacon or omit for a vegetarian version.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

  • Loaded Version: Add chopped green onions, sour cream, or extra cheese on top before serving for a “loaded baked potato” vibe.
  • Add Protein: Mix in cooked shredded chicken or ham for a complete main dish.
  • Pair With: Serve alongside steak, chicken, or grilled salmon for a hearty, balanced meal.

Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals.

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Net Carbs: 4 g
  • Fiber: 2 g

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5 extra minutes of baking time if chilled.

Q: Can I use fresh cheese instead of pre-shredded?
Absolutely — freshly grated cheese melts better and doesn’t contain anti-caking agents, which makes the sauce creamier.

Q: How do I make it vegetarian?
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the bacon for a delicious vegetarian version.

Optional Personal Story

This Cauliflower au Gratin has become one of my favorite comfort sides. It’s rich, creamy, and perfectly cheesy — the kind of dish that makes everyone forget it’s made with cauliflower. It’s especially great during holidays or as a cozy weeknight side dish.

Call-to-Action

Try this Cauliflower au Gratin tonight for a warm, creamy, and cheesy side dish that satisfies like comfort food — without the heaviness of potatoes!

You may also like...