Name: Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Casserole Base; 1 large head of cauliflower (about 2½ pounds), cut into florets; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup sour cream; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; For the Toppings; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided); ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled; 2 green onions, finely sliced; 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish); Optional Add-Ins; ; ½ cup cooked diced ham (for extra protein); ¼ tsp smoked paprika (for extra depth); ¼ cup grated Parmesan (for a sharp, cheesy bite)

If you’re searching for a comforting dish that’s both indulgent and healthy, a Loaded Cauliflower Casserole might just be your new favorite recipe. Imagine all the flavors of a classic loaded baked potato—crispy bacon, melted cheese, and creamy sour cream—but with a nutritious twist. By swapping potatoes for cauliflower, you get the same satisfying richness with far fewer carbs and calories.

This dish is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory. It makes an excellent side for family dinners, potlucks, or even a main course for those following a low-carb or keto diet. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible comfort food!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make a Loaded Cauliflower Casserole that serves 6 people:

For the Casserole Base

1 large head of cauliflower (about 2½ pounds), cut into florets
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Toppings

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 strips of cooked bacon, crumbled
2 green onions, finely sliced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins

½ cup cooked diced ham for extra protein
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika for added depth of flavor
¼ cup grated Parmesan for a sharp, cheesy bite

These simple ingredients come together to create a creamy, satisfying casserole that feels indulgent but fits perfectly into a balanced, healthy diet.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to prepare your loaded cauliflower casserole:

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 8–10 minutes, until they’re tender but not mushy. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial to prevent a watery casserole.

Step 2: Mash the Cauliflower
Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a large mixing bowl. Use a potato masher or food processor to mash it until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a bit of texture, leave some small chunks for a rustic feel.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base
Add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the mashed cauliflower. Stir well until the mixture becomes smooth and fully combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with a little butter or oil. Spoon the cauliflower mixture evenly into the dish. Smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle ¾ cup of the cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella evenly over the top.

Step 5: Add the Toppings
Sprinkle the crumbled bacon across the top layer of cheese, saving a little for garnish after baking.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown around the edges.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese, green onions, and parsley on top for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting blend of flavors!

Conservation and Storage

This casserole keeps beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to store it properly:

Refrigeration: Allow the casserole to cool completely. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the casserole (either baked or unbaked). Wrap it securely in foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge (if frozen). Then, warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.

Tip: Avoid over-reheating to maintain the creamy texture and prevent the cheese from becoming greasy.

Variations

One of the best things about this casserole is how adaptable it is. You can tweak it to match your taste or dietary needs. Here are some creative variations:

Keto Chicken Cauliflower Casserole: Add 1 cup of shredded cooked chicken for a heartier, high-protein meal.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or caramelized onions for added depth and flavor.
Spicy Twist: Mix in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
Loaded Broccoli-Cauliflower Casserole: Combine equal parts steamed broccoli and cauliflower for a colorful, fiber-rich version.
Low-Fat Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduced-fat cheese to lighten up the dish while keeping it creamy and delicious.

With these simple swaps, you can make this casserole fit perfectly into any eating plan.

Serving Suggestions

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. It can be served as a satisfying side or enjoyed as a main course. Here are some great pairing ideas:

As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken, baked salmon, or roast beef for a wholesome, balanced meal.
As a Main Course: Add shredded chicken, turkey, or tofu to the casserole for extra protein and enjoy it as a full entrée.
With a Fresh Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy richness of the casserole.
For Brunch: Serve small portions with eggs or an omelet for a comforting, low-carb breakfast option.
For Gatherings: This casserole is perfect for potlucks or family dinners—it’s crowd-pleasing, easy to transport, and reheats well.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

Drain the Cauliflower Well: Moisture is the enemy of a creamy casserole. Dry the cauliflower thoroughly before mashing to prevent a watery texture.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Grate your own for the best texture.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the casserole during baking. Overcooking can dry it out and make the cheese oily.
Add Texture: For a crispy topping, sprinkle a mixture of cheese and crushed pork rinds or breadcrumbs before baking.
Season Generously: Cauliflower has a mild flavor, so don’t be afraid to add herbs, spices, or even a dash of hot sauce to elevate the taste.

Conclusion

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole is proof that comfort food can be both healthy and deeply satisfying. With its creamy texture, melted cheese, and smoky bacon topping, it delivers all the indulgence of a traditional potato casserole without the guilt.

Its versatility makes it perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or meal prep. You can customize it endlessly—whether you want it lighter, spicier, or extra cheesy.

So, the next time you crave a warm, hearty dish, skip the potatoes and give cauliflower the spotlight. Once you taste this rich, flavorful casserole, you’ll find yourself making it again and again—it’s the ultimate comfort food makeover!

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Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Loaded Cauliflower Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and low-carb twist on a classic comfort dish. Packed with crispy bacon, melty cheese, and a rich sour cream base, it delivers all the indulgence of a loaded baked potato—without the guilt. Perfect for keto, low-carb, or gluten-free diets!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole Base

1 large head of cauliflower (about 2½ pounds), cut into florets

4 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup sour cream

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

For the Toppings

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled

2 green onions, finely sliced

1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins

½ cup cooked diced ham (for extra protein)

¼ tsp smoked paprika (for extra depth)

¼ cup grated Parmesan (for a sharp, cheesy bite)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cauliflower florets and cook for 8–10 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Mash the Cauliflower
Transfer the cauliflower to a large bowl. Mash with a potato masher or process in a food processor until smooth and creamy. Leave some small chunks if you prefer texture.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base
Add cream cheese, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. Spoon in the cauliflower mixture and smooth the top. Sprinkle ¾ cup cheddar cheese and all the mozzarella evenly over it.

Step 5: Add the Toppings
Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the cheese, reserving a bit for garnish.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Top with the remaining cheddar, green onions, and parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!