Description
A creamy, low-carb, and cheesy casserole made with cauliflower, bacon, and ranch seasoning. This easy 30-minute dinner is perfect for busy weeknights and is naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head of cauliflower (about 2.5 lbs / 1.1 kg), cut into bite-sized florets
- 8–10 slices thick-cut bacon (200-250g)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 packet (1 oz / 28g) dry ranch dressing mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 3–4 stalks green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, crumble, and reserve the grease in the skillet.
- Boil cauliflower florets in salted water for 5 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain thoroughly and press out excess moisture.
- In the same skillet with bacon grease, melt butter over low heat. Whisk in heavy cream, ranch mix, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
- In a large bowl, toss drained cauliflower with the ranch sauce. Fold in half of the cheese and half of the crumbled bacon.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and bacon.
- Bake for 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Optionally broil for 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions.
Notes
Drain cauliflower thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole. Use sharp cheddar for better flavor and meltability. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. This dish tastes better the next day as flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 18
Keywords: keto, low carb, cauliflower casserole, bacon ranch, easy dinner, gluten-free, comfort food, weeknight meal