Creamy Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe: A Comforting Delight

Comfort arrives with this hearty loaded cauliflower casserole that promises a delightful twist on classic potato dishes.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with crispy bacon bits and melted cheese.

Families adore this low-carb alternative that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or satisfaction.

Each forkful brings a symphony of rich, savory notes dancing across your palate.

Nutritious cauliflower takes center stage, proving vegetables can be incredibly indulgent.

Cheesy goodness mingles with green onions and sour cream, creating a mouthwatering experience.

Let’s dive into a recipe that will make you forget all about traditional side dishes.

What to Serve with Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

• Comfort Food Family Feast: Pair this creamy casserole with grilled chicken breasts for a protein-packed dinner that satisfies everyone at the table.
• Low-Carb Lunch Delight: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette dressing to create a light yet filling midday meal that keeps you energized.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Scoop this cheesy dish into small appetizer portions using mini ramekins, perfect for sharing during sports watch parties or casual gatherings.
• Holiday Side Dish Superstar: Bring this rich, decadent casserole to potlucks and holiday dinners as a crowd-pleasing alternative to traditional potato sides that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Storing Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Seal the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed glass container to maintain freshness.
• Keep bacon and green onion garnish separate to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

• Is cauliflower a good substitute for potatoes in this recipe?

Yes, cauliflower is a low-carb alternative that provides similar creamy texture and absorbs flavors well, making it perfect for those watching their carbohydrate intake.

• Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Remove the bacon and replace it with vegetarian bacon bits or chopped green onions for added crunch and flavor without meat.

• How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?

Ensure cauliflower is thoroughly drained after cooking and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before mixing with other ingredients.

• What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Sharp cheddar cheese provides the most robust flavor, but you can also use a blend of cheddar and monterey jack for extra creaminess.

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe Guide

• Boost Low-Carb Comfort: Perfect alternative for potato lovers seeking healthier options without sacrificing rich, creamy flavor.
• Crowd-Pleasing Simplicity: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this dish approachable for cooks of all skill levels.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable recipe allows adding extra toppings like jalapeños or swapping bacon for vegetarian alternatives.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Requires minimal prep time and delivers maximum satisfaction with cheesy, savory goodness that satisfies hunger quickly.

Ingredients Checklist for Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

• Cauliflower: A versatile vegetable that serves as the low-carb base for this creamy casserole.
• Sour Cream: Adds richness and tanginess to the dish.
• Cream Cheese: Provides a smooth and creamy texture to the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a sharp, savory flavor and creates a golden, melted topping.
• Bacon: Brings a smoky, salty crunch to the dish.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Enhance the overall flavor profile with subtle aromatic notes.
• Salt, Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that balance and elevate the taste of the casserole.

• Green Onions: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and provides a pop of color to the finished dish.

Cooking Instructions for Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

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

Step 2: Tenderize the Cauliflower

Boil or steam the cauliflower until it’s soft and easily pierced with a fork, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain completely, shaking off any excess water.

Step 3: Create a Creamy Base

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

Mix until everything is wonderfully combined and smooth.

Step 4: Add Cheesy Goodness

Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the crispy bacon bits.

Stir gently to distribute the delicious chunks evenly.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the creamy mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon on top for a golden, crispy finish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

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

Watch for the cheese to melt into a bubbly, irresistible topping.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Scatter freshly chopped green onions over the top just before serving.

Enjoy this decadent, low-carb comfort dish straight from the oven!

Tips for Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

• Drain cauliflower thoroughly to prevent watery casserole and ensure a creamy, rich texture.
• Opt for room temperature cream cheese and sour cream for smoother mixing and better blending of ingredients.
• Crisp bacon separately before adding to maintain its crunchy texture and prevent sogginess in the casserole.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or smoked gouda for extra depth of flavor.
• Consider low-fat alternatives like Greek yogurt or light cream cheese for a healthier version without sacrificing taste.

Flavor Variations for Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

• Keto Friendly Version: Replace heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk and use full-fat cream cheese for lower carb content.
• Vegetarian Swap: Omit bacon and add crispy roasted mushrooms or smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
• Greek Yogurt Lighter Option: Substitute sour cream and heavy cream with Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream, cashew cream cheese, and nutritional yeast instead of traditional dairy products for a plant-based version.

Cheesy Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty loaded cauliflower casserole brings comfort and flavor to family dinner tables. Cheese, bacon, and green onions create a satisfying blend of creamy textures that you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

Dairy and Cream Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) and coat a baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Cook cauliflower through steaming or boiling until fork-tender, approximately 5-7 minutes. Thoroughly drain excess water using a colander.
3. Gently crush cauliflower using a potato masher, creating a slightly textured consistency.
4. Incorporate creamy ingredients including sour cream, cream cheese, and heavy cream into the cauliflower. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
5. Fold half of the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon into the cauliflower mixture, ensuring even distribution.
6. Spread the seasoned cauliflower blend evenly into the prepared baking dish.
7. Sprinkle remaining cheese and bacon over the top, creating a visually appealing and flavorful layer.
8. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges turn golden brown.
9. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 3-5 minutes to set.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions just before serving for added color and mild onion flavor.

Notes

• Pat the cauliflower completely dry after steaming to prevent watery consistency in the casserole.
• Cook bacon until extra crispy beforehand, ensuring a crunchy texture when mixed into the dish.
• This recipe is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly, making it an excellent alternative to traditional potato casseroles.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, gruyere, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 190 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg