I’m guessing that if your kids are back to school and you’ve been as busy as I have these past couple of weeks, then you probably need something easy to make for dinner! Since I also needed something easy to post today, hopefully this low carb recipe will benefit both of us!
Honestly, this isn’t even something I was planning to share! I was starving and super busy, so I threw the cauliflower into the microwave, intending to make the jalapeno popper cauliflower casserole. The thing is, when the cauliflower was cooked I didn’t even want to bother pureeing it.
I also didn’t feel like making the cream cheese mixture and slicing the jalapenos!
So I simply attacked the cooked cauliflower (which already had the butter and cream in it) with a fork, and laid some pre-sliced pepper jack cheese over the top. Back in the microwave for 2 more minutes and it was done!
I took a hurried bite because we were on our way out, and instantly was like “holy moly this is DELICIOUS!” and stopped to take a few quick photos so I could share it with you!
[pinterest text=”Easy Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin (low carb and gluten free) from ibreatheimhungry.com” layout=”horizontal” image=”https://www.ibreatheimhungry.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/cauligratin2small-700×879.jpg”]
This is some no frills food photography if I ever saw it though! It was getting dark, and I had no time to set up to make it pretty either!
I promise, it tastes waaaayyyyyy better than it looks, and was so easy to make that it’s almost embarrassing!
[pinterest text=”Easy Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin (low carb and gluten free) from ibreatheimhungry.com” layout=”horizontal” image=”https://www.ibreatheimhungry.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/cauligratin3small-700×420.jpg”]
Sometimes when life gets ridiculously busy though, you just need a simple, yet delicious low carb recipe that you can get on the table STAT! This is that recipe! Pair it with the protein of your choice and a side salad, and you’ve got dinner on the table in half an hour or less! Enjoy!
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Easy Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin Recipe (Low Carb and Gluten Free)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A simple, yet delicious, low carb side dish recipe.
Ingredients
- 4 cups raw cauliflower florets
- 4 Tbsp butter
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
- salt and pepper to taste
- 6 deli slices pepper jack cheese
Instructions
- In a microwave safe dish, combine the cauliflower, butter, cream, salt and pepper and mix thoroughly. Microwave on high for about 25 minutes, or until tender. (Edit: There seems to be some confusion about this amount of time. Cook it til it’s soft. It takes me 25 minutes for this much cauliflower in my microwave, yours might be less. You can always start with 10 minutes, then 10 more, then 5 more if necessary. The key is to get it soft enough to mash with a fork. This amount of time also sweetens the cauliflower and reduces the cream and butter, making it like a thick sauce.) Remove from the microwave and mash with a fork or potato masher. Taste and season with more salt or pepper if necessary. Lay the slices of cheese across the top of the cauliflower. Microwave for another 2- 3 minutes or until the cheese has melted. Serve hot!
Notes
Approximate nutrition info per serving: 215 calories, 19g fat, 2g net carbs, 6g protein
Nutrition
- Serving Size: approximately 3/4 cup
[pinterest text=”Easy Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin (low carb and gluten free) from ibreatheimhungry.com” layout=”horizontal” image=”https://www.ibreatheimhungry.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/cauligratinsmall-700×827.jpg”]
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Gina says
This was wonderful! I didn’t have the pepper jack, but used mozzerella and it was still yummy.
Lauri says
I’ve never been a cauliflower fan, but I grew up with a mother who thought the only way to cook veggies was to boil them into oblivion. I didn’t know I actually liked any vegetables until I became an adult. Now I’m eating healthier and branching out to try things I didn’t think I liked. Cauliflower seems to be very versatile so I really want to like it.
So, I made this last night. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised! It only took 15 minutes in my microwave oven. It was very quick and easy, so that makes it even better as a weeknight meal. I also like that it’s low protein. I’m eating high fat/low carb, but my protein has been too high lately so this will be a good go-to. The only change I think I’ll make is that I’ll make it a bit creamier. I didn’t care for it being quite so lumpy.
This is the second cauliflower recipe I’ve tried from this blog. So far we are two for two! Both very good!
Frodosdojo says
This was yummy ! Thank you ! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your easy and tasty recipes ! I’ve lost 8 pounds so far ! Yay !!
Rachel Mae says
Thank you so much I tried so many recipes to get potatoes out of my house . This hit the spot made it once with the cheese and once without .My 8,6,and 5 year-old loved it didn’t make Neuf last night AGAIN lol . They love these potatoes or they thought they were lol. Thanks a million!!!!
Vivian says
I kid you not, I have made this 5 times since finding this post last week. I have purchased so much cauliflower I should have bought stock in it. This recipe is the simplest, tastiest way to fill my belly with pure deliciousness. There hasn’t been one person I’ve made it for who didn’t rave about it! Two of those people “hated” cauliflower purée, but went nuts over this one. It’s a magical recipe and I’m SO glad you shared it with us!
Andra says
Microwave is a no go for me I don’t have one and wont be buying one anytime soon but cauliflower and cheese is always a good combination.
Linda G. says
I needed an easy side dish. All that I had on hand was a 10 Oz bag of cauliflower and some Sargento pepper jack tasting cheese and half and half. It’s very good. Next time I will use Parmegianno.
Danielle says
I’ve made this before and it’s always turned out yummy (I use 1 pkg of frozen cauliflower) but this time I had 8oz of ground beef to use up so I browned it then added it in before I melted the cheese. Even better!!
Jeanetta says
Can you sub cheddar cheese in the recipe? Love cheddar!
Stella Waszak says
This recipe is one of the best side dishes I have had! It was so easy to make. I am trying to save some so my husband can try it……
Mellissa Sevigny says
So glad you’re enjoying it Stella! Don’t try too hard to save it – you can always make another batch for him! ;) This is when I’m actually glad the rest of my family doesn’t love cauliflower – more for me ha ha!
Christine Strain says
Do you cover it in the microwave? I just threw mine in there covered, because that is what makes sense in my head, but the recipe doesn’t say to cover. I guess I will cover it half the time and leave it uncovered once it steams up a bit…