Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe (2024)

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Buckle up for the this super easy and mega delicious Loaded Cauliflower Casserole recipe.

I’ve combined tender cauliflower coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce and packed it with crispy bacon and green onions, then baked until hot and bubbly. It’s sure to be the star of the dinner table.

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe (1)

Who needs potatoes when you have cauliflower?! Honestly, this keto-friendly vegetable recipe will knock your socks off and you wont even miss the taters.

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

The best part about this easy side dish recipe is that it takes only a few minutes to prep and bakes up hot and bubbly in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s the basic list of ingredients that you’ll need in order to make this Loaded Cauliflower Casserole. As always, you can find the full list of ingredients located in the printable recipe card below.

  • Cauliflowerfresh or frozen will work
  • Cream Cheesesoftened to room temperature
  • Sour Cream
  • Colby Jack Cheese
  • Seasoningssalt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder
  • Baconcooked and crumbled
  • Green Onions

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe (2)

One bite of this creamy cauliflower casserole and you’ll think you’ve tasted a loaded baked potato.

It’s incredible how cauliflower can take on the texture of potatoes without all the added starches.

How To Make Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

This recipe comes together super quick, but is also easily prepared ahead of time, making your life that much easier.

STEAM CAULIFLOWER

Cut the cauliflower into bite-size pieces then steam them for about 10 minutes until they are nice and fork tender. Drain any excess moisture from them by spreading the cooked cauliflower out on some paper towels.

COMBINE CREAMY BASE

Meanwhile, to a large bowl add the room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, bacon, green onions and seasonings. Stir until the mixture is creamy and combined.

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe (3)

STIR IN CAULIFLOWER

Add the cauliflower and most of the cheese to the creamy base and stir until the cauliflower is mostly coated. Scoop the mixture into a greased casserole dish.

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe (4)

TOP WITH CHEESE AND BACON

Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon over the top of the creamy cauliflower casserole and bake at 400 degrees for just 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melty.

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe (5)

Recipe Tips and Variations

My easy Loaded Cauliflower Casserole recipe is great if you’re looking for a tasty vegetable side dish option that’s low-carb and keto-friendly this holiday season, but also pleasing to all taste buds.

Here are a few recipe tips and variations you can use to make this recipe suit your needs…

  • Add in half broccoli and cauliflower to make it a lively and colorful dish.
  • Swap out the cauliflower for cooked, diced potatoes.
  • Use precooked crumbled bacon to save time prepping the recipe (I love the kind from Costco!).
  • If you prefer your cauliflower to have more bite to it, steam it a little less.

Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower?

Yes! You can swap out the fresh cauliflower for frozen cauliflower.

Most frozen cauliflower comes in a bag that is steam-able in the microwave. Just follow the instructions on the bag, steam until tender and then drain any excess water from the cauliflower.

*If there is too much water left on the cauliflower it can cause your casserole to be more soupy and less cheesy.

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe (6)

Make Ahead Cauliflower Casserole

This recipe is great for prepping a day ahead of time, making it a breeze to just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.

Simply prepare the casserole dish up until the instructions call for baking. Cover and place the casserole in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Prior to baking, remove the foil or plastic wrap and bake at 375 degrees for about 30 to 35 minutes.

PAY ATTENTION: You’ll notice that I’ve reduced the heat and increased the bake time to allow the casserole to be heated through completely while not over baking the top. If you notice your cheese on top is getting too browned, simply cover loosely with foil and continue baking until the center is hot and bubbly.

More Vegetable Casserole Recipes

Serving vegetables in the form of a casserole is literally my love language. I have a slew of delicious veggie sides that you’re sure to love…

  • Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
  • Zucchini and Squash Bake
  • Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
  • Cauliflower Au Gratin

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe (7)

If you’re looking for the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas, this is it! I can’t wait for you to give it a try, I know you’re going to love it.

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe (8)

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4.46 from 11 votes

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

This quick and easy Loaded Cauliflower Casserole only takes a few minutes of prep and bakes up cheesy and bubbly in under 20 minutes!

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Total Time40 minutes mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: 8

Calories: 406 kcal

Author: Shawn

Ingredients

  • 6 cups cauliflower, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp seasoned salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled, divided
  • 1 cup green onions, diced, divided
  • 2 cups colby-jack cheese, shredded, divided

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly coat a 9"x13" casserole dish with non-stick spray and set aside.

  • Steam the cauliflower for about 10 minutes, until it is fork tender. Drain any excess water and place cauliflower on a plate with paper towels to absorb any extra water.

  • Meanwhile, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, 3/4 cup of bacon and 3/4 cup of green onions in a large bowl and stir to combine. Once the mixture is smooth, add in the steamed cauliflower and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese. Stir to combine.

  • Pour mixture into prepared casserole dish and spread into an even layer. Top with the remaining shredded cheese and crumbled bacon. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and melted throughout. Remove from oven and garnish with the remaining green onions and enjoy!

Notes

MAKE AHEAD:

You can prepare this casserole dish ahead of time. Follow the instructions for recipe, but before baking, cover with plastic wrap or foil and place in refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

To bake - remove cover and bake at 375 degrees F. for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is warm and bubbly throughout.

FROZEN CAULIFLOWER - you can swap fresh cauliflower for frozen cauliflower. Just steam in bag in microwave according to package instructions and then drain any excess water.

Nutrition

Calories: 406kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 804mg | Potassium: 421mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 934IU | Vitamin C: 39mg | Calcium: 296mg | Iron: 1mg

Keywords: Bacon, Casserole, cauliflower

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?don't forget to share a picture and mention @iwashyoudry on Instagram or tag #iwashyoudry!

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Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How can I improve my casserole flavor? ›

Try a drizzle of good olive oil or an herb oil once it's out of the oven. Fat carries flavor, which is why so many restaurant chefs finish dishes with a twirl of extra virgin or a sprinkle of chive oil.

What is the key to making a good casserole? ›

  1. Choose the right baking dish. If you're all about the crunchy topping, use a shallow dish. ...
  2. Undercook your pasta. ...
  3. Drain your meat. ...
  4. Beware of mushy vegetables. ...
  5. Know your cheeses. ...
  6. Master the art of casserole assembly. ...
  7. Don't skip the topping. ...
  8. Make it now, but bake it later.
Nov 1, 2021

How do you fix a bland casserole? ›

From boring to brilliant: Five easy ways to fix a bland recipe
  1. Salt. Advertisem*nt. ...
  2. Acid. One of my favorite ways to perk up a bland dish is with a splash of acid. ...
  3. Chilli peppers. Adding something spicy is a sure way to transform an underseasoned dish. ...
  4. Sugar. ...
  5. Fresh herbs.
Mar 13, 2023

Is it better to bake a casserole covered or uncovered? ›

In general, you'll want to bake a casserole covered with aluminum foil for most of the cooking time. Covering the casserole helps lock in moisture and prevents it from drying out. If you don't cover the casserole or uncover it too soon, the casserole will dry out.

What to add to a bland casserole? ›

How to Add Flavor to a Bland Recipe
  1. Seasoning.
  2. Mustard.
  3. Citrus.
  4. Spice.
  5. Herbs.
  6. Acidic flavoring.
  7. Sauces.
  8. Alcohol.

What are the 5 components of a casserole? ›

Let's talk anatomy: A standard dinner casserole usually includes a protein, a starch, a vegetable, a sauce (or other binding ingredient), and cheese. But making a casserole is not an exact science, and you can definitely break away from this formula. Check out some fun side-dish casseroles and desserts below!

What temperature do you bake a casserole at? ›

A shallower casserole can take a higher temp and shorter baking time; but if your casserole is a deep one or contains raw vegetables and protein, aim for a slightly longer time and lower temp cook. When in doubt, 350 degrees F is your best friend.

How long should a casserole be in the oven? ›

The time a casserole takes to cook will vary from 2-2½ hours for chuck, blade and thick flank, up to 4 hours for shin, leg and neck. Pork cuts for braising and casseroling normally take 1½ hours, and lamb much the same.

Does cauliflower have more carbs than potatoes? ›

One half-cup of cooked cauliflower has 14 calories, 2.7 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of protein, 1.4 grams of fiber, and a glycemic index of 1. One half-cup of cooked potatoes has 67 calories, 15.6 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of protein, 1.4 grams of fiber, and a glycemic index of 7.

Why is cauliflower crust so high in carbs? ›

A single slice could have anywhere from 2 to 29 grams. That's a huge range, especially because cauliflower isn't carb-heavy (a cup has 5 grams). Why the difference? Crusts may include rice or brown rice flour, sugar, tapioca starch, and corn starch, which supply carbs.

Is cauliflower carb heavy? ›

Cauliflower has a mild taste and is often used as a substitute for higher carb foods like potato and rice. One cup (107 g) of raw cauliflower contains 5 g of carbs, 2g of which are fiber.

What thickens a casserole? ›

The three main thickening agents for gravies are flour, cornflour and arrowroot. The first two are normally used in savoury dishes while arrowroot tends to be used in sweet dishes – that said, arrowroot will work in a savoury dish as it has no flavour.

Why put foil on casserole dish? ›

It protects your food from drying out or burning and helps keep in the heat and moisture, ensuring a perfectly cooked meal. Loosely covering your dish with foil can prevent uneven browning while baking. However, tightly sealing your bakeware with foil is the way to go for more steam.

Why do you cover casserole when baking? ›

Covering foods prevents them from browning and crisping, but it does trap in moisture. Uncovering the foods promotes browning and crisping, and reduces the amount of liquid in the finished dish.

Why is my casserole bland? ›

The mistake: It's bland

Try a drizzle of good olive oil or an herb oil once it's out of the oven. Fat carries flavor, which is why so many restaurant chefs finish dishes with a twirl of extra virgin or a sprinkle of chive oil.

How to fix a bland chicken casserole? ›

Adding umami-rich ingredients such as soy sauce, fish sauce, or mushrooms can help fix a bland dish very easily.

What can you add to a dish to make it taste better? ›

Add hardy herbs like thyme, rosemary, oregano, sage, and marjoram to dishes early in the cooking process; this way, they release maximum flavor while ensuring that their texture will be less intrusive.

What enhances the flavor of the food we cook? ›

Seasoning means to bring out or intensify the natural flavour of the food without changing it. Seasonings are usually added near the end of the cooking period. The most common seasonings are salt, pepper, and acids (such as lemon juice).

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