If you’re craving a rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy cauliflower bake, this Low-Carb Cheesy Cauliflower Bake with Bacon & Mushrooms is about to become your new favorite comfort food. Packed with tender roasted cauliflower, crispy bacon, and a luscious cheese sauce, this dish is the perfect gluten-free, keto-friendly alternative to traditional potato-based casseroles.

Whether you’re looking for an easy low-carb cauliflower bake recipe for weeknight dinners or a cheesy cauliflower casserole for your next gathering, this dish delivers on flavor without the extra carbs. Plus, the combination of golden, bubbly cheese and crispy bacon makes it downright irresistible!

Last Updated February 19th, 2025.

Contents (show)

Why You’ll Love this Cauliflower Casserole:

Rich & Flavorful – The combination of smoky bacon, caramelized onions, garlic, and creamy cheese sauce makes this low-carb cheesy cauliflower bake an irresistible comfort food.
Versatile – Serve it as a cheesy cauliflower casserole side dish for holidays or enjoy it as a cozy low-carb main course with a simple salad or gluten-free bread.
Low-Carb Comfort Food – A lighter, keto-friendly alternative to traditional potato-based casseroles, this cheesy cauliflower gratin with bacon delivers indulgent flavor without the carbs.
Easy to Make Ahead – Prep everything the night before, then bake when you’re ready. This keto cauliflower casserole makes meal planning effortless!

Ingredient Notes:

Cauliflower:
- The star of this baked cauliflower with cheese dish! For the best texture, choose a fresh, firm head of cauliflower or use pre-cut cauliflower florets for convenience. This veggie provides the perfect low-carb base for a cheesy cauliflower casserole without the starch of potatoes.
Bacon:
- Adds a smoky, savory crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese sauce. For a lighter version, swap in turkey bacon, or for a vegetarian cauliflower bake, simply omit it.
Mushrooms:
- A hearty addition that enhances the umami depth of this creamy baked cauliflower dish. Use sliced cremini, button, or baby portobello mushrooms for the best flavor. Sautéing them with the onions boosts their richness.
Onion & Garlic:
- These essential aromatics help build a bold, flavorful base for the casserole. Finely diced onions and minced garlic ensure they distribute evenly throughout the dish, complementing the cheesy cauliflower gratin with bacon.
Cream (Half & Half or Whole Milk):
- This adds creaminess without being overly heavy. If you’re making a keto cauliflower casserole, stick with heavy cream for a richer texture.
Flour:
- Helps thicken the sauce. All-purpose flour works well, but for a gluten-free cheesy cauliflower bake, substitute with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
Nutmeg:
- A small pinch enhances the creaminess and depth of flavor, adding a subtle warmth that balances the rich cheese sauce.
Thyme:
- Fresh or dried thyme brings a light, herbal note to this low-carb cauliflower bacon bake. Swap it for parsley or omit if you prefer.
Cheese:
- Use a high-quality melting cheese like cheddar, Gruyère, or a mix of both for the best flavor. Shred your own cheese for a smoother melt—pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that can affect texture.

unbaked cheese and cauliflower casserole

Dietary Restriction & Allergy-Friendly Substitutions:

Gluten-Free:
- To make this a gluten-free cheesy cauliflower bake, replace the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend (such as Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour). Also, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip them entirely.
Keto & Low-Carb Friendly:
- This keto cauliflower casserole is naturally low in carbs! For an even lower carb count, swap half & half for heavy cream and omit the optional breadcrumbs or swap the breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds.
Vegetarian:
- To make this a vegetarian cauliflower bake, simply omit the bacon. For a smoky, savory depth, consider adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a plant-based meat substitute.
Dairy-Free:
- For a dairy-free cauliflower casserole, replace the cream with unsweetened coconut milk or cashew cream. Use a plant-based cheese alternative.
Nut-Free:
- This creamy baked cauliflower dish is naturally nut-free, but always double-check ingredient labels if you’re using alternative dairy products.

Additional Substitutions & Variations:

Protein-Packed: Swap bacon for crumbled sausage, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken to turn this low-carb cheesy cauliflower bake into a heartier meal or main dish.
Extra Veggies: Boost the nutrition by adding chopped spinach, kale, roasted red peppers, or steamed broccoli for a more colorful, nutritious cheesy cauliflower casserole.
Spicy Kick: If you love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. This works especially well in a keto cauliflower casserole.
Different Cheeses: Instead of cheddar, try Gruyère, Monterey Jack, smoked Gouda, or even Pepperjack for a richer, gourmet flavor in your creamy baked cauliflower.
Crunchy Topping: For extra texture, swap or add to the breadcrumbs, crushed pork rinds (keto-friendly), gluten-free panko, or chopped nuts.
Lighter Version : Substitute turkey bacon, low-fat cheese, and 2% milk to reduce calories while still enjoying a cheesy cauliflower gratin with bacon.
Casserole vs. Gratin: For a gratin-style dish, arrange thinly sliced cauliflower instead of florets and layer with cheese sauce before baking.

Expert Tips & Recipe Notes:

Roast for Extra Flavor:
- While boiling is quicker, roasting the cauliflower first adds a delicious nutty depth. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden before mixing with the cheese sauce. This step enhances the richness of your baked cauliflower and cheese.
Drain Thoroughly:
- If boiling the cauliflower, be sure to drain it well to prevent a watery dish. Pat the florets dry with a paper towel for the best texture in your cheesy cauliflower bake.
Make It Ahead:
- Assemble your low-carb cauliflower casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, let sit on the counter for 15 minutes before baking or add a few extra minutes to account for the chilled temperature.
Shred Your Own Cheese:
- For the ultimate creamy cheese sauce, avoid pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that affect the melt. Freshly shredded cheese ensures a smooth, velvety texture.
Layer for Extra Cheesy Bites:
- Instead of mixing everything at once, try layering the cauliflower, cheese sauce, and extra shredded cheese for a gooier, indulgent cheesy cauliflower gratin effect.
Customize the Toppings:
- Add crunch with breadcrumbs, crushed pork rinds (for keto), or extra bacon bits before baking for a crispy, golden finish.
Broil for a Golden Crust:
- Want a crispier, bubbly golden top? Broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Cheesy Cauliflower Bake FAQ’s:

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
- Yes, you can! Frozen cauliflower works well in this dish, but be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before using to avoid excess moisture in the cheesy cauliflower casserole.
How do I make this casserole dairy-free?
- To make a dairy-free cheesy cauliflower bake, substitute the cream with unsweetened coconut milk or cashew cream, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Can I prep this cauliflower casserole ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can assemble this low-carb cauliflower bake up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.
Can I freeze this cheesy cauliflower bake?
- Yes, this casserole freezes well! To freeze, assemble the dish, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding a few minutes to the cook time.
What type of cheese should I use?
- For a creamy cauliflower gratin, choose a mild, melty cheese like cheddar, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack. Shredding your own cheese ensures the best melt and texture.
Can I make this casserole without bacon?
- Yes, for a vegetarian keto-friendly cauliflower bake, simply omit the bacon or substitute with a plant-based meat such as Impossible Savory Ground Sausage.
Is this cauliflower bake keto-friendly?
- Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly! With its low-carb cauliflower base, cream, and cheese, it’s a delicious low-carb casserole that fits into a keto diet. You can skip the breadcrumbs or use crushed pork rinds for extra crunch.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
- Definitely! Spinach, kale, roasted red peppers, extra mushrooms, or even broccoli make excellent additions to this cheesy cauliflower bake. Just be sure to sauté any extra veggies with the onions for the best flavor.

10 Veggie-Forward Side Dish Recipes You Will Also Love:

Tried This Cheesy Cauliflower Bake? I’d love to hear how it turned out! ⭐ Please leave a star rating and review in the recipe card below—your feedback helps others discover this creamy, flavorful dish. Enjoy, and happy cooking! Follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for more delicious recipes, travel inspiration, and behind-the-scenes content.