Name: Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large head cauliflower (cut into florets); 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled); 1 cup sour cream; 4 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided); ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 green onions (sliced); ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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If you’re looking for a show-stopping side dish that will absolutely thrill a crowd (while sneaking in some veggies), you have to try this Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe. It’s a bubbling, golden dream loaded with cheese, crispy bacon, and cloud-soft cauliflower, all wrapped together with a luxuriously creamy sauce. This is comfort food at its best — rich, savory, and utterly satisfying, yet secretly lower in carbs. Whether you’re cooking for a special holiday, a family dinner, or simply want to jazz up your regular weeknight, this casserole always delivers big comfort and even bigger flavor.

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is how just a handful of simple ingredients transform into something truly magical. Each one plays a special role in creating the perfect taste, texture, and irresistible color in your Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe.

Cauliflower: The hearty, tender base that carries all the creaminess and cheese—make sure to cut it into bite-sized florets for even cooking.
Bacon: Six slices, cooked and crumbled, provide that smoky crunch in every bite—don’t skip it!
Sour cream: Adds a cool, tangy richness to the creamy sauce, making every forkful luscious.
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese is the secret to this casserole’s dreamy, velvety texture.
Cheddar cheese: Shredded and divided, it delivers bold, melty, golden goodness both inside and on top.
Mozzarella cheese: This brings that extra gooey stretch and a delicate, mellow flavor.
Green onions: Sliced thinly, they lend a fresh bite and a pop of color on top.
Garlic powder: Just enough for a gentle savory depth—so much easier than mincing fresh garlic.
Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor and beautifully complements both cheeses and cauliflower.
Salt and pepper: Essential for brightening all the flavors—season to your own taste, of course.
Chopped parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, herby finish if you want an extra splash of green.

How to Make Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Give your favorite 9×9-inch or similar baking dish a light greasing—this little step ensures nothing sticks and keeps the casserole easy to serve and beautifully intact. Set it aside while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Cook the Cauliflower

Steam or boil your cauliflower florets for just 6 to 8 minutes. You want them to be tender but not super soft—they’ll finish cooking in the oven. Drain them really well, then pat dry with paper towels. Trust me, this helps avoid a watery casserole and keeps things creamy, not soupy.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large bowl, stir together the sour cream, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until completely smooth. This forms the luxuriously thick, tangy sauce that will soon envelop every piece of cauliflower.

Step 4: Fold in the Good Stuff

Add the cooked cauliflower, half the cheddar cheese, all the mozzarella, green onions, and half the crumbled bacon into the bowl. Gently fold everything together until the florets are evenly coated and the filling is studded with cheese, bacon, and bits of green onion.

Step 5: Assemble and Top

Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Now, sprinkle the rest of your cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over the top, so every bite is crowned with gooey, golden, smoky bliss once baked.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Pop your casserole in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for it to be bubbly and the cheese on top to hit a gorgeous golden shade. Once done, let it cool just slightly before finishing off with extra green onions or a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful touch.

How to Serve Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t skip the garnishes! A handful of extra sliced green onions or a sprinkle of chopped parsley add a lovely fresh note and make your Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe look even more inviting at the table.

Side Dishes

This casserole brings serious comfort and pairs beautifully with classic mains like roast chicken, steak, grilled pork chops, or even festive roasted turkey. It’s also hearty enough to hold its own with a simple green salad if you’re keeping things light.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a dinner party or holiday meal. You can also scoop leftovers into halved roasted bell peppers and bake for a second showstopper meal. I even love topping a scoop with a fried egg for a fantastic savory breakfast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully, so you can look forward to a cozy meal later in the week.

Freezing

This casserole is freezer-friendly! Assemble and cool the dish completely, then wrap tightly or transfer individual portions to freezer containers. It’ll keep for up to 3 months; when you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or pop the entire casserole back in a 350°F oven until hot through. If needed, cover loosely with foil to prevent too much browning on top while it warms.

FAQs

Can I make the Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble everything up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake as directed (adding just a few minutes to the baking time if going straight from the fridge).

Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?

Yes! Simply leave out the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms for that craveable umami kick without any meat.

How do I prevent the casserole from getting watery?

The key is to drain the cauliflower well and pat it dry after boiling or steaming. Removing as much moisture as possible ensures the Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe stays rich and creamy.

Can I customize the cheeses?

Absolutely—feel free to swap in gouda, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a little heat. The blend of cheddar and mozzarella is classic, but get creative based on your cravings or what you have on hand!

Is the Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s absolutely keto-friendly and naturally gluten-free! With all that cheese, cream, and bacon, it’s a comforting low-carb side that will keep you full and satisfied.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something cozy, cheesy, and just a little bit decadent, you seriously can’t go wrong with this Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe. It’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again, whether you’re going low-carb or just want to impress with effortless comfort. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself—you’re going to love every bite!

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Loaded Cauliflower Casserole. A low-carb, keto-friendly dish that’s packed with flavor from bacon, cheese, and a hint of green onions. Perfect as a side or a main course for those following a low-carb lifestyle.

Ingredients

Scale

Cauliflower:

1 large head cauliflower (cut into florets)

Other Ingredients:

6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
1 cup sour cream
4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 green onions (sliced)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×9-inch or similar baking dish.
Prepare cauliflower: Steam or boil the cauliflower florets for 6–8 minutes until just tender. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels.
Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine sour cream, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Fold in cauliflower, half of the cheddar cheese, mozzarella, green onions, and half of the bacon.
Bake: Transfer the mixture to the baking dish, top with remaining cheddar cheese and bacon. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Finish: Let cool slightly, garnish with extra green onions or parsley before serving.