If you’re craving something cheesy and comforting, but trying to stay low on carbs, say hello to Loaded Cauliflower Casserole. It’s everything you love about a loaded baked potato—minus the potato part. Think crispy bacon, gooey melted cheese, creamy sauce, and tender cauliflower in every bite.
It’s perfect for dinner, meal prep, potlucks, or anytime you want a feel-good side that still fits your goals.
What Makes This Cauliflower Casserole So Dang Good
Let me paint the picture: fluffy cauliflower is steamed until just tender, then it takes a bath in cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheese. You toss in crispy bacon and fresh chives, and bake it until bubbly and golden on top. It’s rich, cozy, and honestly, kind of addictive.
Best part? It’s low-carb, gluten-free, and picky-eater approved. Even folks who claim they “don’t like cauliflower” will come back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s your go-to shopping list for this cheesy masterpiece:
- 2 lbs cauliflower florets, chopped into bite-size pieces
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temp
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar
- 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ¼ cup chopped fresh chives
- Salt and black pepper to taste
If you’re feeling fancy, swap in Gruyère or Pepper Jack for extra flavor.
How to Make Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
This recipe is super beginner-friendly. Even if you’ve never made a casserole before, you’ve got this.
- Steam the cauliflower
Add your florets to a steamer basket or boil them gently until fork-tender. This usually takes about 10 minutes. Then drain them really well. Like, really well. No soggy casseroles on our watch. - Preheat and prep the dish
Set your oven to 425°F. Grease up a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or spray. - Mix the creamy magic
In a big mixing bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, Monterey Jack, garlic powder, and onion powder. You want it smooth and luscious. - Bring it all together
Add the steamed cauliflower, half the bacon, and the chopped chives to the bowl. Gently stir to coat everything in that creamy goodness. Add salt and pepper to taste. - Assemble and bake
Pour it all into your prepared dish. Sprinkle the rest of the bacon right on top. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until everything is hot, melty, and the top is lightly golden. - Finish it off
Right before serving, toss a few more chives on top for freshness and color. Serve warm and watch it disappear.
Pro Tips for Maximum Flavor
- Drain your cauliflower like a boss
Too much moisture = sad, watery casserole. Press the cauliflower with paper towels after steaming if needed. - Full-fat dairy wins
This isn’t the place for light cream cheese. Full-fat gives the best flavor and texture. - Add a crunchy topping
Not doing low-carb? Sprinkle some buttered panko on top before baking for a crunchy crust. - Make it spicy
Like a little kick? Toss in diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce into the mix.
FAQs
Yep! You can assemble the entire casserole a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temp for about 20 minutes, then bake as usual.
Frozen works in a pinch. Just steam it according to package directions and drain it thoroughly. You may need to reduce the baking time by a few minutes since it’s usually softer.
Storing Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
- Freezer: Freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months. Let thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What to Serve With It
This casserole is super versatile. Pair it with grilled chicken, steak, or even throw a fried egg on top for brunch vibes. And if you’re building a cozy dinner menu, add one of these delicious sides:
- Try the Roasted Broccoli & Cauliflower with Mushrooms if you want more veggie variety on the plate. You’ll love how those roasted edges add a little crunch.
- For a seasonal favorite, the Potato and Winter Squash Casserole is a hearty, sweet-savory combo that plays well next to this loaded cauliflower bake.
- If you want another cheesy veggie dish, don’t miss the Carrot Casserole: The Perfect Cheesy Side Dish. It’s creamy, colorful, and a little unexpected.
- And for dessert? An Easy Apple Casserole is warm, cozy, and smells like fall in a baking dish.
Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
If you’re craving something cheesy and comforting, but trying to stay low on carbs, say hello to Loaded Cauliflower Casserole. It’s everything you love about a loaded baked potato—minus the potato part. Think crispy bacon, gooey melted cheese, creamy sauce, and tender cauliflower in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs cauliflower florets, chopped into bite-size pieces
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Steam cauliflower until fork-tender, about 10 minutes. Drain well and press with paper towels if needed.
- Preheat oven to 425°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, Monterey Jack, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
- Add cauliflower, half the bacon, and chives to the bowl. Stir gently to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour mixture into prepared dish and top with remaining bacon.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until hot and golden on top.
- Top with extra chives before serving. Serve warm.
Notes
Drain cauliflower well to avoid soggy casserole. Use full-fat dairy for best texture. Add jalapeño or hot sauce for spice. Make ahead by assembling and refrigerating before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Final Thoughts
Loaded Cauliflower Casserole is one of those dishes that checks all the boxes—it’s easy, comforting, kid-approved, and low in carbs. It feels indulgent without being heavy, and it works for weeknights or big holiday meals.
Make it once and it’ll probably land in your regular rotation. It’s just that good.