Keto Cauliflower Gratin
Creamy, cheesy keto cauliflower gratin baked until golden and bubbling. A rich low-carb side with just 5.2g net carbs per serving, ready in 45 minutes. Perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners alongside roast chicken, steak, or pork.
Head of Nutrition · June 18, 2026

Nutrition per serving
Per serving · makes 6. Values are estimates; brands vary.
This creamy keto cauliflower gratin delivers all the rich, cheesy comfort of a classic potato gratin with a fraction of the carbs. It is the kind of low-carb side that disappears fast at any dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 lbs), cut into florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 tsp Dijon mustard
- 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cauliflower florets for 4-5 minutes until just fork-tender, then drain well and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
- 2
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the heavy cream and cream cheese, whisking until smooth and combined.
- 3
Stir in 1 cup of the cheddar, the Parmesan, Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the cheese melts into a smooth, thick sauce, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- 4
Spread the drained cauliflower evenly in the baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the top, tossing gently to coat every floret.
- 5
Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup cheddar over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden, bubbling, and lightly browned on top.
- 6
Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Tips & notes
- Patting the cauliflower dry after boiling is key to avoiding a watery gratin. For extra browning, broil for the final 2 minutes, watching closely.
- Make ahead by assembling the dish (un-baked) up to a day in advance and refrigerating; add 5-8 minutes to the bake time when cooking from cold.
- Swap cheddar for Gruyère or a smoked Gouda for a more traditional, nutty gratin flavor without changing the carb count.
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Frequently asked questions
- How many carbs are in keto cauliflower gratin?
- Each serving has 5.2g net carbs, 312 calories, 10g protein, and 28g fat. This recipe makes 6 servings, making it an easy fit for a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
- Can I freeze keto cauliflower gratin?
- Yes, but the texture changes slightly. Freeze cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Cream-based sauces can separate when thawed, so reheat gently in the oven at 350°F and stir to recombine.
- How do I keep the gratin from getting watery?
- Cauliflower holds a lot of water, so boil it only until just tender, then drain thoroughly and pat dry with a towel before adding the sauce. Roasting the florets first instead of boiling also reduces moisture.



