Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

Creamy Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe for Comfort Lovers

Cauliflower casseroles blend comfort with unexpected culinary magic that surprises and delights.

Creamy textures mingle with crispy cheese toppings in this hearty dish.

Our recipe transforms humble ingredients into something spectacular.

Cheesy goodness meets nutritious vegetables for a meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

Rich flavors dance across your palate with each delectable bite.

Crispy bacon bits and melted cheese create an irresistible combination you’ll crave again and again.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe that promises to become a new favorite at your table.

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole’s Rich Ingredients

  • Savor Creamy Comfort: A luxurious one-pot meal that delivers rich, velvety flavors without complicated cooking techniques, perfect for busy home cooks seeking restaurant-quality dishes.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Simply season chicken, dump ingredients into the crock pot, and let slow cooking work its magic, creating a hands-off culinary experience that yields succulent, tender results.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: This recipe delights both family dinners and casual gatherings, offering a crowd-friendly dish that impresses with its sophisticated taste yet remains incredibly approachable for all skill levels.
  • Nutrition Meets Indulgence: Packed with protein-rich chicken and enhanced by sun-dried tomatoes and herbs, this dish balances healthful ingredients with decadent cream sauce, making it a satisfying and nourishing meal option.

Ingredients For Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

For the Base:
  • Cauliflower Florets: The star of this low-carb casserole that provides a nutritious and hearty foundation for the dish.
For the Creamy Sauce:
  • Sour Cream, Cream Cheese, Heavy Cream: These dairy ingredients create a rich, smooth, and luxurious sauce that brings incredible flavor and texture to the casserole.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: These seasonings add depth and aromatic flavor to the creamy base.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
For the Toppings and Mix-Ins:
  • Cheddar Cheese, Bacon, Green Onions: These ingredients provide a delicious combination of sharp cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh onion flavor that elevates the entire casserole.

Step-By-Step Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Guide

Step 1: Prep The Oven And Baking Dish

Heat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.

Step 2: Cook The Cauliflower

Boil or steam the cauliflower florets until they become perfectly tender, which typically takes 8-10 minutes.

Carefully drain all excess water to keep the casserole from becoming watery.

Step 3: Whip Up The Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Sour cream
  • Cream cheese
  • Heavy cream
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir these ingredients until they form a smooth, luxurious mixture that will coat the cauliflower beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Cauliflower And Mix-Ins

Gently fold the cooked cauliflower into the creamy base. Then add:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Crispy bacon pieces
  • Chopped green onions

Carefully incorporate half of these delicious mix-ins throughout the casserole.

Step 5: Assemble The Casserole

Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon over the top, creating an irresistible golden crust.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch for a bubbly, golden-brown surface that signals it’s ready to devour.

Step 7: Finish And Serve

Scatter the remaining green onions over the top of the hot casserole. Serve immediately while it’s warm and inviting.

Helpful Hints For Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

  • Drain cauliflower thoroughly to prevent watery casserole and ensure a creamy texture.
  • Soften cream cheese at room temperature for smoother mixing and easier blending with other ingredients.
  • Crisp bacon separately before adding to maintain its crunch and prevent sogginess in the dish.
  • Choose full-fat dairy products for richer flavor and more indulgent mouthfeel.
  • Customize spice levels by adjusting garlic and onion powder to personal taste preferences.

Flavor Alternatives For Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

  • Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced jalapeños, replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle chili powder for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
  • Mediterranean Herb Blend: Incorporate crumbled feta, chopped fresh basil, sun-dried tomatoes, and replace bacon with crispy prosciutto for a Mediterranean flair.
  • Broccoli Swap: Substitute cauliflower with broccoli florets, keeping the same creamy base and topping for a green vegetable alternative.
  • Low-Carb Keto Edition: Use full-fat cream cheese, extra-sharp cheddar, and add crispy pancetta instead of bacon to maintain high-fat, low-carb profile.

Suggested Sides For Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

  • Cozy Comfort Dinner Companion: Pair this loaded cauliflower casserole with a crisp green salad and grilled chicken breast for a complete, satisfying meal that balances rich flavors with fresh ingredients.
  • Low-Carb Party Pleaser: Serve as a hearty side dish at potlucks or game day gatherings, using small ramekins for individual portions that make sharing easy and elegant.
  • Keto-Friendly Brunch Star: Transform the casserole into a breakfast centerpiece by topping with a perfectly fried egg and extra crispy bacon crumbles for a protein-packed morning delight.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the casserole in advance, storing in individual containers for quick, delicious lunches throughout the week that reheat beautifully and keep you on track with healthy eating goals.

Storing Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Correctly

  • Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
  • Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal completely, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Keep frozen for maximum 2 months.
  • Warm individual servings in microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even heating. Add extra cheese on top for renewed crispiness.
  • Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating. Place in preheated 350F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe low-carb?

Yes, cauliflower replaces high-carb potatoes, making this casserole perfect for low-carb and keto diets.

  • Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Remove bacon and use vegetarian bacon bits or additional cheese for similar salty flavor.

  • How do I prevent a watery casserole?

Thoroughly drain cauliflower after cooking and use full-fat dairy products to reduce excess moisture.

  • What cheese works best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar provides the most flavor, but you can also use monterey jack or a cheese blend for variety.

Print
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Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe


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4.5 from 21 reviews

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

Description

Hearty loaded cauliflower casserole brings comfort and cheesy goodness to dinner tables across America. Creamy textures and rich flavors combine, inviting you to savor each delightful bite of this satisfying dish.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head cauliflower (chopped into florets)
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup bacon (cooked, crumbled)
  • 1/4 cup green onions (chopped)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) and lightly coat a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Cook cauliflower florets in boiling water or steam until they reach a tender consistency, approximately 8-10 minutes. Thoroughly drain excess moisture.
  3. Create a creamy base by whisking sour cream, cream cheese, heavy cream, and seasonings in a spacious mixing bowl until the texture becomes uniform and velvety.
  4. Incorporate the drained cauliflower into the creamy mixture, gently folding in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and chopped green onions.
  5. Carefully transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
  6. Elegantly sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon across the surface of the casserole.
  7. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges.
  8. Remove from the oven and garnish with the reserved green onions before serving the warm, comforting casserole.

Notes

  • Use fresh cauliflower for the best texture and flavor, ensuring it’s not overcooked to maintain a slight crispness.
  • Drain cauliflower thoroughly to prevent excess moisture that could make the casserole watery.
  • For a lighter version, substitute full-fat dairy with low-fat alternatives or Greek yogurt.
  • Consider adding extra herbs like thyme or rosemary for a more complex flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 330 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg
  • Fat: 29 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 13 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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