Savory Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe: A Cozy Comfort Dish

Comfort arrives with this loaded cauliflower casserole that transforms ordinary vegetables into a cheesy, indulgent masterpiece.

Creamy textures and bold flavors dance across each delectable bite.

Crispy bacon bits and melted cheese create an irresistible combination that promises satisfaction.

Nutritious cauliflower provides a perfect canvas for rich, decadent ingredients.

Weekend meal planners and health-conscious individuals will appreciate this clever twist on classic comfort food.

Low-carb enthusiasts might find their new favorite side dish right here.

Prepare to experience a mouthwatering blend of wholesome ingredients and pure deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

• Is cauliflower really a good substitute for potatoes?

Cauliflower is an excellent low-carb alternative to potatoes, providing similar creamy texture with significantly fewer calories and carbohydrates, making it perfect for keto and low-carb diets.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

• What if I want to make this vegetarian?

Simply omit the bacon and replace it with chopped green onions or crispy vegetarian bacon bits. The cheese and cream base will still provide rich, delicious flavor.

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole – Veggie Upgrade

• Create a Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Meal: Packed with creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and tender cauliflower, this dish satisfies picky eaters and health-conscious guests alike with its rich, indulgent taste.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra toppings like jalapeños, different cheese blends, or herbs to make this recipe uniquely yours without complicated cooking techniques.
• Prep in a Snap: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this casserole comes together quickly, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or potluck contribution that looks and tastes gourmet.

Ingredients Needed For Cauliflower Casserole

• Cauliflower: A low-carb vegetable that serves as the base of this comforting casserole.
• Sour Cream: Adds rich, tangy creaminess to the dish.
• Cream Cheese: Provides a smooth and luxurious texture to the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a sharp, melty cheese flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Bacon: Brings a smoky, crispy element that adds depth to the recipe.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and velvety sauce for the casserole.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: A classic seasoning mix that elevates the flavor profile of the dish.

• Green Onions: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright color to the finished casserole.

Steps For Making Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Soften the Cauliflower

Cook the cauliflower florets by steaming or boiling until they’re tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Once done, drain completely and gently pat dry with paper towels.

Step 3: Prep the Cauliflower Texture

Decide how you want your cauliflower – either mash it slightly for a creamier consistency or keep the florets whole for a chunkier feel.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Blend

• Sour cream
• Cream cheese
• Heavy cream
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Combine Cauliflower and Creamy Mixture

Fold the prepared cauliflower into the creamy mixture, ensuring each piece gets a good coating.

Sprinkle in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon, mixing gently.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the cauliflower mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Scatter the remaining cheese and bacon over the top for a delicious finish.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Look for a bubbly, golden-brown top that’s slightly crispy around the edges.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle some freshly chopped green onions over the top.

Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, low-carb side dish that’s packed with flavor!

Kitchen Tips For Creamier Cauliflower Casserole

• Steam or boil florets until just tender to maintain a slight bite and prevent mushiness.
• Mix different cheeses like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or gruyere for deeper flavor complexity.
• Mash cauliflower slightly or keep whole florets depending on personal preference for a chunky or smoother consistency.
• Add diced cooked chicken or ham to transform this side dish into a complete main course meal.
• Substitute full-fat dairy with low-fat cream cheese and sour cream for a lighter version without sacrificing taste.

Fun Casserole Variations To Enjoy

• Vegan Cauliflower Casserole: Replace dairy with cashew cream, nutritional yeast, and plant-based cheese. Use coconut bacon or tempeh bacon bits for a meat-free alternative.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Keep original recipe ingredients. Ensure all dairy products are full-fat. Add extra crispy bacon for more flavor and healthy fat content.
• Mediterranean-Style Variation: Swap bacon with sun-dried tomatoes, add crumbled feta cheese, sprinkle dried oregano, and include chopped kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired profile.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Mix in diced green chiles, replace some cheddar with pepper jack cheese, top with sliced jalapeños, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a zesty kick.

Plating Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Brightly

• Cozy Family Dinner Companion: Pair this hearty cauliflower casserole with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
• Protein Power-Up: Serve alongside grilled chicken breast or pan-seared salmon to create a complete, nutritious dinner that's both filling and delicious.
• Low-Carb Party Pleaser: Bring this dish to potlucks or gatherings as a crowd-pleasing side that appeals to keto and low-carb diet enthusiasts who crave comfort food.
• Brunch Brilliance: Transform this casserole into a weekend brunch star by topping with a sunny-side-up egg and adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Storage Tips For Cauliflower Casserole Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through. Avoid overheating to prevent cheese separation.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil during last 5 minutes to restore crispy top.

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Loaded Cauliflower Casserole brings comfort and indulgence to dinner tables with its creamy cheese blend and crispy bacon topping. Cheese lovers and low-carb enthusiasts will savor this satisfying dish that delivers maximum flavor in every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese

Dairy Components:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light layer of grease.
2. Cook cauliflower florets in boiling water or steam until they reach a tender consistency, then thoroughly drain and blot excess moisture with paper towels.
3. Decide on the cauliflower texture – either gently mash or keep whole florets for a more rustic presentation.
4. Create a creamy base by whisking sour cream, cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-integrated.
5. Fold the prepared cauliflower into the cream mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
6. Incorporate half of the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon into the cauliflower blend.
7. Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it uniformly across the surface.
8. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon over the top, creating an appetizing layer.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the casserole becomes golden and bubbles around the edges.
10. Remove from the oven and garnish with finely chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
11. Serve immediately while the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted.

Notes

• Cauliflower prep matters. Steam or boil florets just until tender to prevent mushiness and retain nutrients.
• Texture flexibility allows personal preference. Mash for creamy consistency or keep florets whole for more bite.
• Low-carb champions can replace bacon with turkey bacon or omit for vegetarian option.
• Dairy-free alternatives work seamlessly. Swap regular dairy with coconut cream, vegan cream cheese, and plant-based cheese for sensitive diets.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 270 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 460 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg