The Creamiest Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe Ever

Cauliflower transforms into a delectable comfort food in this loaded casserole that promises serious flavor.

Creamy cheese blankets tender florets with irresistible charm.

Rich bacon crumbles add a smoky crunch to every bite.

Smooth sour cream melds perfectly with sharp cheddar for maximum deliciousness.

Green onions bring a fresh pop of color and brightness.

Hearty ingredients come together in a dish that feels indulgent yet surprisingly light.

You’ll want to savor each spoonful of this crowd-pleasing recipe that makes vegetables feel like an absolute treat.

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Packed with Flavor

• Create Keto-Friendly Comfort: Transform traditional potato casseroles into a low-carb dream with cauliflower, satisfying those hearty meal cravings without guilt.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Combine ingredients quickly and let the oven do the magic, delivering a rich, creamy side dish with minimal kitchen effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Crowd-Pleaser: Pack this casserole with irresistible bacon, melted cheese, and savory seasonings that will have everyone asking for seconds, perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
• Nutritious Indulgence: Enjoy a vegetable-based dish that doesn't sacrifice taste, providing a protein-packed, low-carb alternative to traditional side dishes while keeping health goals on track.

Ingredients for Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

• Cauliflower: A low-carb vegetable that serves as the hearty base of this comforting casserole.
• Sour Cream, Cream Cheese, Heavy Cream: These dairy products create a rich and creamy texture for the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp and melty cheese flavor throughout the casserole.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky and crispy element to enhance the overall taste.

• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a nutty and salty finish to the top of the casserole.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: These seasonings bring depth and balanced flavor to the cauliflower base.
• Green Onions: Adds a fresh and mild onion garnish to brighten the dish.

Step-by-Step Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven And Baking Dish

Fire up the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook The Cauliflower

Toss cauliflower into boiling water or a steamer. Cook until it’s fork-tender, around 8-10 minutes.

Drain completely and shake off excess water.

Step 3: Create The Creamy Base

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

Blend until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Add Cheesy Goodness

• Cheddar cheese
• Crispy bacon bits

Step 5: Transfer And Top The Casserole

• Cheddar cheese
• Bacon bits
• Parmesan cheese

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges bubble with excitement.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Scatter fresh green onions on top.

Serve piping hot and watch everyone dig in!

Helpful Tips for Cauliflower Casserole

• Drain cauliflower thoroughly to prevent watery casserole, using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove excess moisture.
• Swap full-fat dairy for lighter options like Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese for a healthier version without sacrificing flavor.
• Chop bacon into small, crispy pieces for better distribution and maximize crunch throughout the dish.
• Add extra flavor by mixing in fresh herbs like chives or thyme before baking for a more complex taste profile.
• Make it vegetarian by replacing bacon with smoked paprika or crispy roasted mushrooms for similar depth and texture.

Flavorful Twists on Cauliflower Casserole

• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk, use full-fat cream cheese, and ensure bacon is sugar-free for a low-carb alternative.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap bacon with crispy mushroom bits or smoked tempeh, maintaining the rich, savory flavor profile while keeping it meat-free.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, nutritional yeast in place of cheese, and crispy coconut bacon or plant-based bacon bits for a dairy-free version.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for those who enjoy a zesty, warming heat in their casserole.

What Complements Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

• Comfort Food Reinvented: A cozy twist on classic potato casserole, replacing potatoes with nutrient-packed cauliflower for a lighter yet equally delicious meal.
• Keto-Friendly Delight: Perfect for low-carb dieters seeking a satisfying side dish that delivers rich flavor without the carbohydrate guilt.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve this creamy, cheesy casserole as a hearty appetizer during sports gatherings or potluck parties that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare ahead and store in the refrigerator, then reheat for a quick and indulgent weeknight dinner that saves time without compromising taste.

Best Storage for Cauliflower Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Cool the casserole completely before transferring to prevent condensation and soggy texture.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. Just thaw and drain it completely before using to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.

• Is this recipe low-carb friendly?

Absolutely! Cauliflower is a great low-carb alternative to potatoes, making this casserole perfect for keto and low-carb diets.

• How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace bacon with crispy turkey bacon, vegetarian bacon bits, or sautéed mushrooms for a similar smoky flavor and texture.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Best Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty loaded cauliflower casserole brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table. Creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions combine for a delicious low-carb alternative you’ll crave at every meal.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) cooked bacon, crumbled

Dairy and Cream Components:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) green onions, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook cauliflower through steaming or boiling until fork-tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Thoroughly drain excess water.
3. Gently crush cauliflower using a potato masher, creating a textured consistency without completely pulverizing.
4. Incorporate creamy elements including sour cream, cream cheese, and heavy cream, blending with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
5. Fold in half the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
6. Carefully transfer the seasoned cauliflower mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
7. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and grated Parmesan cheese across the top layer.
8. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and edges become bubbly.
9. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 2-3 minutes to set.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

• Steam or boil cauliflower precisely to avoid mushiness, ensuring a perfect texture that’s tender yet not waterlogged.
• This dish is an excellent keto-friendly alternative to traditional potato casseroles, providing rich flavors without excess carbohydrates.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or pepper jack to customize the flavor profile.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for a convenient meal prep option.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg