Loaded Cauliflower Casserole is steamed cauliflower combined with cream cheese, sour cream, sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, bacon, and chives. Cauliflower has never tasted this good! This delicious cauliflower side dish is quick, easy to make, and low-carb-friendly.
The Best Cauliflower Casserole
This Loaded Cauliflower Bake is AMAZING. Finding new ideas for the same old veggies that everyone in the family loves can be hard work. This, my friends, is a real winner. If you have not tried any of my recipes in a while, you must try this one! Even my picky son loves this one. Forget the loaded baked potato casserole and make this lower-carb, better-tasting version with cauliflower. If you like cauliflower, you must try, cauliflower au gratin, cheesy cauliflower soup, broccoli cauliflower salad, and whole roasted cauliflower.
How to make Cauliflower Casserole
First, steam or boil your cauliflower in a large pot until fork tender. Then drain it well because you don’t want any added moisture in this dish. Mix the cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Slowly and gently stir in the steamed cauliflower, bacon, and chives.
Pour the mixture into a casserole dish and sprinkle with a little more bacon. Bake until the cheese is melted and gooey. Garnish with chives and serve hot.
Beth’s Recipe Tips
- The cauliflower should be steamed or boiled until it is fork-tender.
- Spray the casserole dish well with nonstick spray, as it makes for easier cleanup.
- For optimum flavor, I recommend full-fat sour cream, cream cheese, and cheese for this recipe. It just tastes better with it.
- Other cheeses that work well in this casserole are fontina, Gruyere, Pepper Jack, and Parmesan cheese.
- If low carb is not your thing, combine a cup of panko bread crumbs with 3 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle over the top before baking.
- Fresh chives really make this casserole pop! They are worth the added expense and trouble.
- Other garnishes that work well include chopped parsley or green onions.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper. I love lots of pepper on this dish.
- This Loaded Cauliflower Casserole can be served as a full meal. It really is very filling, but if more protein is desired, consider adding roasted or grilled chicken or cooked ground beef.
Can you prepare cauliflower casserole in advance?
In a hurry? You can steam the cauliflower ahead of time. As a matter of fact, you can prepare the whole dish in advance. Cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. Bring it out of the refrigerator and set it on the counter for about thirty minutes to warm up a bit. Then pop it in the oven for twenty-five minutes before serving.
Can you use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, follow the instructions for steaming the cauliflower and drain well. Then proceed with the recipe the same as using fresh cauliflower. Generally speaking, frozen cauliflower is more economical.
Storage and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven on low or in the microwave at reduced power.
To freeze, first cool completely. Then, double wrap with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
More vegetable side dishes you will love!
Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs cauliflower florets cut in bite-size pieces
- 1 box 8 ounces of cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese finely shredded
- 1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese finely shredded
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 6 slices crispy cooked bacon coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives reserve one tablespoon for the top
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Steam the cauliflower until fork tender; approximately 10 minutes. Drain well in a colander.
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until creamy and smooth. Gently stir in cauliflower, 1/2 of the bacon, and chives. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
- Spoon into a casserole dish and top with the remaining bacon. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Top with remaining chives and serve.
Notes
- The cauliflower should be steamed or boiled until it is fork-tender.
- Spray the casserole dish well with nonstick spray, as it makes for easier cleanup.
- For optimum flavor, I recommend full-fat sour cream, cream cheese, and cheese for this recipe. It just tastes better with it.
- Other cheeses that work well in this casserole are fontina, Gruyere, Pepper Jack, and Parmesan cheese.
- If low carb is not your thing, combine a cup of panko bread crumbs with 3 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle over the top before baking.
- Fresh chives really make this casserole pop! They are worth the added expense and trouble.
- Other garnishes that work well include chopped parsley or green onions.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper. I love lots of pepper on this dish.
- This Loaded Cauliflower Casserole can be served as a full meal. It really is very filling, but if more protein is desired, consider adding roasted or grilled chicken or cooked ground beef.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven on low or in the microwave at reduced power.
- To freeze, first cool completely. Then double wrap with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Nutrition
On the hunt for more delicious recipes? Follow Small Town Woman on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Suzy
The best way to eat cauliflower!
Sommer
Not one who loves cauliflower but this casserole changed my mind! SO delicious.
Liz
I made this for Christmas to rave reviews! It’s been requested again for Easter!!!
tina l renaud
I made it and thank you so much, it was delicious. Gonna throw some hamburg in next time to make it a complete meal…. Loved it!
Beth Pierce
I am so glad that you liked it! That is a great idea.
Gema
Looks very good but I don’t like cream cheese can I substitute the cream cheese for something else instead?
Beth Pierce
Maybe 1/2 cup mayonnaise but I have not tested that in this casserole. Let us know if you do.
Krista
How about full fat ricotta instead? That would be equally amazing.
Carol
Made this recipe twice so far. Second time I got distracted and forgot to add the sour cream. Both versions were a big hit. It’s one of my family’s new favorites. My husband asks for it often & is even willing to go get any of the ingredients I may need.
Beth Pierce
Awesome! Thanks Carol! I am glad that hubby is willing to go get the ingredients!!
Pam Hedlund
Loved this! Used cheddar and provolone, cause that is what I had on hand, so I would imagine almost any cheese combo would work. Thanks.
Beth Pierce
Yes lots of cheese combos work! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Misty
Could it be done with frozen veg? Just had bariatric surgery and this. Looks great
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much. I am sure that it can be. I hope your recovery is quick.
Loren Ericksen
So easy to make and delicious!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Loren! So happy that you liked it!
Loretta
What is the total carbs?
Beth Pierce
I added nutritional information on that recipe.
Brittany
Hello!! I’m making this now so hopefully it gets seen quick!.. Can I use all cheddar cheese? I have no Monterey jack in house 🙄
Beth Pierce
Yes you can! Enjoy!!
katie
Do you think it would hold up to being frozen and then cooked later?
Beth Pierce
Not sure. I am always hesitant on freezing vegetable casseroles.
Catie
What is the net carb count and nutrition info?
Beth Pierce
I added nutritional information on that recipe. That is the most information that I have.
Dawn
Made it for dinner. It is delicious!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much! We love it too! So glad that you liked it!!
Melissa
Didn’t realize I was out of sour cream so subbed mayo instead. Also added cooked ground beef to make it a complete meal. My family loved it! So yummy ?
Beth Pierce
So glad that you liked it! Good improvising. A good cook knows how to do just that!!
Doc Doe
How much is considered a serving?
Beth Pierce
That casserole serves eight with a little more than a cup each. You probably could make it go a little further by adding another lb of cauliflower.
Stephanie
Made this for thanksgiving and it was so so so good!!! I initially made this side for my dad who has to watch his carbs so I cut the recipe in half. I’m kicking myself now because it was all gone and now I don’t have leftovers. Definitely will be making it again!! Thanks!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Stephanie! I am so glad that you liked it! We love it too!
Megan
Fantastic! Only change I made was using French Onion sour cream dip because it was on sale 🙂 Hubby, kids, and mother in-law were wowed by this. Hubby even said it was in the top 5 of his favorite dishes I have ever made! (He is a type 1 diabetic and this recipe was perfect for low carb)
Beth Pierce
That is so cool. So glad that everyone liked it. You made my morning! Thanks so much!