Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
This delicious Loaded Cauliflower Casserole recipe isn’t just one of the best low-carb side dishes. It’s also a cozy main dish casserole for a meal with the flavors of a classic comfort food without the starch. Or a perfect holiday season side dish that’s a crowd-pleasing alternative to green beans or roasted potatoes!
Also try my pineapple casserole with cheese, corn casserole with cheese and Cracker Barrel cheesy hashbrown casserole.
Cauliflower Casserole With Cream Cheese
I love how comforting and satisfying this cheesy cauliflower bake is with all the great flavors of a loaded baked potato in an easy creamy casserole!
The cheese, sour cream and cream cheese all add a rich, creaminess while the crispy, salty bacon adds an amazing crunchy texture that pairs so well with the soft cauliflower.
It’s one of the best versatile dishes that can enjoyed as a keto main dish casserole for a meal or for a loaded cheesy and bacon, vegetable side dish.
It is great for dinner served with chicken, ham, pork chops, turkey or steak for a hearty meal!
For more holiday side dishes try my Ruth’s Chris sweet potato casserole, easy stovetop Mac and Cheese, honey butter skillet corn, honey roasted carrots and cheesy Brussels sprouts.
Ingredients
- Cauliflower – fresh cauliflower cut into florets
- Cream Cheese – softened
- Sour Cream – I prefer using full fat sour cream in this cauliflower recipe
- Colby Jack Cheese – shredded and divided also refer to my best cheese for melting
- Bacon – cooked and crumbled, use your favorite bacon
- Green Onions – thinly sliced and divided, adds a fresh sharp flavor (or use chives)
- Garlic – minced fresh garlic cloves or use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder as a substitute
- Salt and Pepper
- Paprika
Substitutions & Variations: For a lighter option you can use turkey bacon. You can add chopped cooked broccoli, leftover cooked chicken and cooked rice to this loaded cauliflower bake. Cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese also work well.
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower?
Yes, be sure to thaw and pat it dry before using it to avoid excess moisture for the best results.
How To Make Loaded Cauliflower Bake
STEP ONE – Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
STEP TWO – Steam cauliflower florets unRl tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels.
STEP THREE – In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup of Colby Jack cheese, half of the crumbled bacon, half of the green onions, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
STEP FOUR – Add the steamed cauliflower* to the bowl and gently fold to coat with the cheese mixture.
STEP FIVE – Transfer the cauliflower mixture to the prepared baking dish.
STEP SIX – Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese, remaining bacon, and sprinkle with paprika.
STEP SEVEN – Bake for 20-25 minutes, unRl the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly browned.
STEP EIGHT – Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
STEP NINE – Sprinkle with remaining green onions before serving. Enjoy!
Handy tip!
I steamed the cauliflower in the microwave for ease. Just place the cauliflower florets in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and microwave for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead Of Time?
Yes, it is so convenient for meal prep. You can assemble it ahead of time, cover with wrap or foil and refrigerate for 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat larger portions in the oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes or smaller portions in the microwave with 30 second intervals until warmed through.
To freeze place the casserole in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
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Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This delicious Loaded Cauliflower Casserole recipe isn’t just one of the best low-carb side dishes. It’s a cozy cheesy casserole dish loaded with the flavors of a classic comfort food without the starch. A perfect holiday season side dish that’s a crowd-pleasing addition or alternative to green beans or potatoes!
Ingredients
2 large heads of cauliflower, cut into florets
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
4 green onions, thinly sliced, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Steam cauliflower florets until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup of Colby Jack cheese, half of the crumbled bacon, half of the green onions, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add the steamed cauliflower* to the bowl and gently fold to coat with the cheese mixture.
- Transfer the cauliflower mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese, remaining bacon, and sprinkle with paprika.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly browned.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle with remaining green onions before serving. Enjoy!
*Note: I steamed the cauliflower in the microwave for ease. Just place the cauliflower florets in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and microwave for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.
Notes
Storage and rehearing instructions:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat larger portions in the oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes or smaller portions in the microwave with 30 second intervals until warmed through.
To freeze place the casserole in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven Baked
- Cuisine: American
