If you’re searching for a dish that melts hearts (and cheese!) while delivering on flavor, look no further than this Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe. This bubbly, bacon-packed bake takes all the cozy comforts of loaded potatoes and gives them a lighter twist, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want a creamy, crowd-pleasing side. Even veggie skeptics can’t resist the irresistible combination of roasted cauliflower, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar all smothered together—one bite and you’ll see why this casserole is a staple in my kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to turning a humble cauliflower into a show-stopping casserole. Each element in this Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe plays a starring role—from the creamy cheeses to the savory bacon—creating layers of taste and texture in every forkful.
- Cauliflower: This versatile veggie soaks up all the flavors while providing a tender, satisfying bite—chop it into uniform florets for even cooking.
- Bacon: Smoky, crispy crumbles add that savory pop and irresistible crunch—use your favorite thick-cut slices for best results.
- Cheddar Cheese: Rich, sharp, and melty, cheddar gives this casserole its classic comfort-food vibe—freshly shredded makes it even gooier!
- Sour Cream: Adds tang and creaminess, helping to blend the cheeses for an extra-luxurious filling.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese melts seamlessly into the casserole, making the sauce ultra-silky and rich.
- Heavy Cream: Just a splash delivers that crave-worthy decadence and keeps every bite moist.
- Green Onions: Bright and fresh, these scallions balance the richness and add a pop of color—reserve some for garnish!
- Garlic Powder: Provides gentle, savory undertones that round out the flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Onion Powder: Lends a subtle sweetness and depth, reaffirming those classic casserole notes.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors forward—taste as you go and adjust if needed.
- Black Pepper: A touch of heat balances the richness perfectly, giving each bite a little kick.
- Optional toppings (extra green onions and cheese): These finishing touches add freshness and extra cheesy appeal—totally worth the effort!
How to Make Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower
Start by cutting your cauliflower into bite-sized florets, making sure they’re all about the same size so they cook evenly. Steam or boil the florets for 8 to 10 minutes until they’re fork-tender—avoiding mushiness is key! Once they’re ready, drain them thoroughly, then gently pat them dry with paper towels. This little extra step ensures your casserole stays rich and creamy without excess water.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked cauliflower with the sour cream, softened cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until the creamy ingredients are well-blended and each floret is nicely coated. This luscious mixture will form the foundation of your Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe, so don’t hold back on the mixing—make sure every bite gets some cheesy goodness!
Step 3: Add Cheese, Bacon, and Green Onions
Now comes the fun part—stir in half the shredded cheddar, half the crispy bacon, and half the chopped green onions. Folding these in will add loads of flavor and ensure the classic “loaded” texture in every scoop. You’ll save the remaining bacon, cheddar, and green onions for the top, guaranteeing gooey, golden, and extra-special results.
Step 4: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish, then spread your creamy cauliflower mixture evenly across the bottom. Smooth out the top, then lavish it with the rest of the cheddar and bacon. This final sprinkle guarantees a bubbly, toasty top when baked—the hallmark of any self-respecting Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the casserole uncovered for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until it’s heated through and beautifully golden brown on top. The cheese should be melted, bubbling, and slightly crispy on the edges—the kitchen will smell incredible!
Step 6: Top and Serve
Pull your casserole from the oven and immediately scatter over the remaining green onions for fresh color and zing. Let it cool for just a minute or two—if you can wait!—then serve it straight from the baking dish. Get ready for ooey-gooey, bacon-flecked, flavor-packed bites in every serving.
How to Serve Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of chopped green onions, a final sprinkle of cheddar, or even an extra dusting of black pepper right before serving makes this casserole irresistible. Feel extra fancy? Try a dollop of sour cream or a touch of hot sauce for added flair—it’s all about those finishing touches!
Side Dishes
The Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe is a star on its own, but it also plays well with others. Pair it with grilled chicken, steak, or even a baked salmon for a balanced plate. Its richness makes it a great stand-in for mashed potatoes, especially at a holiday meal or family barbecue.
Creative Ways to Present
For a modern twist, spoon the casserole into individual ramekins for single-serve portions at gatherings. Hosting a party? Try mini cauliflower casserole bites in muffin tins—the perfect grab-and-go appetizer. However you serve it, the cheesy, loaded goodness never fails to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe will keep beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to an airtight container. Stored this way, the casserole stays fresh for up to four days but honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house!
Freezing
Want to make this dish ahead for a future dinner? No problem! After baking, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—this method preserves both the flavor and that signature creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheating is simple: pop single servings in the microwave for quick lunches, or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, about 15 minutes. If you’re reheating from frozen, add a bit of extra cheese on top to refresh the flavor and texture—it’s just as delicious the second time around.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower for the Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe?
Yes, frozen cauliflower works well! Just make sure to steam it thoroughly and pat it completely dry before mixing—extra water can make the casserole a little too loose.
What can I substitute for bacon to make it vegetarian?
Swap the bacon for vegetarian bacon or smoked tempeh, or leave it out entirely and add sautéed mushrooms for a rich, umami-packed option that keeps the spirit of the dish alive.
Can I make Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese, replace the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative, and try coconut yogurt instead of sour cream. The results are surprisingly creamy and flavorful.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! This Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent side dish for anyone avoiding wheat or gluten.
How can I add even more flavor?
If you love a bold twist, stir in smoked paprika, a pinch of cayenne, or use smoked gouda in place of cheddar. Even a little bit of ranch seasoning can take this casserole to the next level!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about gathering around the table with a bubbly, golden-cheesy dish like this. The Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe has won fans in every crowd I’ve served it to, and I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your home too. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Loaded Cauliflower Casserole is a delicious low-carb alternative to loaded potato casserole, featuring cauliflower, bacon, and cheese in a creamy blend of flavors. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a holiday side dish.
Ingredients
Cauliflower Mixture:
- 1 large head of cauliflower (cut into florets)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Additional green onions and cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare cauliflower: Steam or boil the cauliflower florets for 8–10 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and pat dry.
- Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine cauliflower, sour cream, cream cheese, heavy cream, spices, half the cheddar, bacon, and green onions.
- Transfer to baking dish: Place mixture in a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and bacon.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Garnish with green onions.
Notes
- For added flavor, mix in chopped cooked chicken or use smoked gouda instead of cheddar.
- This casserole reheats well and can be made ahead of time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
