Cheesy Keto Cauliflower Gratin (Easy One-Dish Recipe)

"cauliflower gratin with melted gruyere and parmesan cheese in a rustic dish on a wooden surface, garnished with fresh thyme and cracked black pepper"

Cheesy Keto Cauliflower Gratin (Easy One-Dish Recipe)

A decadent, low-carb side dish that perfectly mimics the comfort of traditional potato gratin without the carbs.

KEY INFO

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Dietary: Keto, Low-carb, Gluten-free

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

  • 1.5-quart baking dish
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Alternative: Air fryer or large skillet if no oven available

INGREDIENTS

Main Components:
  • 1 pound (450g) cauliflower florets, cut into even pieces
  • 1 cup (240ml) sour cream
  • ½ cup (120g) grated Gruyere cheese (or mild cheddar)
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) butter
Seasonings:
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings:
  • Crispy bacon bits
  • Crushed pork rinds
  • Fresh thyme or parsley
Raw cauliflower and ingredients for a recipe on a modern kitchen countertop with warm, earthy color grading

METHOD

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)
  2. Grease your baking dish with butter
  3. Place cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp
  4. Steamed cauliflower florets being patted dry on a white ceramic plate in a modern kitchen with green subway tile backsplash and warm, natural light
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
    • Sour cream
    • Gruyere cheese
    • Dijon mustard
    • Minced garlic
    • Salt and pepper
  6. Modern kitchen scene featuring a large bowl of cauliflower and creamy cheese mixture being stirred, on white marble counters with green subway tile backsplash.
  7. Gently fold cooked cauliflower into the cream mixture
  8. Transfer to the baking dish and sprinkle with Parmesan
  9. Unbaked gratin in a ceramic dish with parmesan cheese and fresh thyme in a modern kitchen with green subway tile backsplash, natural daylight.
  10. Bake for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden
  11. Optional: Broil for 1 minute for extra browning
Golden brown and bubbling gratin in a modern kitchen with green subway tile backsplash, wooden utensils and cream-colored prep bowls, shot with a canon 5d mark iv.

CRUCIAL TIPS

  • Don’t overcook the cauliflower in the microwave – it should be barely tender
  • Pat cauliflower dry after microwaving to prevent a watery sauce
  • Let rest 5 minutes before serving to set the sauce
Storage:
  • Keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days
  • Reheat covered at 50% power in the microwave
Common Mistakes:
  • Overcooking cauliflower (becomes mushy)
  • Not drying cauliflower properly (makes the sauce watery)
  • Skipping the rest period (sauce won’t set properly)
See also  Classic Eggplant Parmigiana (Parmigiana di Melanzane)
Variations:
  • Swap Gruyere for sharp cheddar
  • Add crispy bacon bits
  • Top with crushed pork rinds for extra crunch
  • Use different herbs like rosemary or thyme

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