This loaded cauliflower casserole recipe makes one of the most versatile and satisfying low carb side dishes around!
Think of it as a GIANT baked potato bake… just without the carbs! Trust me when I tell you, it’s one of those low carb casseroles you can’t have just one serving of…
This cauliflower recipes packed with veggies AND flavor! People often think low carb recipes are less delicious than their counterparts, but this amazing loaded cauliflower casserole recipe is about to change the game!
One bite, and you’ll be planning ALL your meals around it! Let’s dive in!
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What I Love About This Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
Taking a note from loaded baked potatoes, this loaded cauliflower casserole recipe combines all our favorite flavors in each bite. Also:
- Familiar, inexpensive ingredients, paired together in perfect harmony!
- Ready in under an hour! Plus, bakes at 350, so share that oven space and get more cooking done at once!
- Comforting, filling, and perfect for a party or cool weather dinner!
Recipe Notes
Honestly, this is one of your favorite classic dishes, with healthy swaps and amped-up flavor! Find out my tricks below!
Ingredient Notes
Good ingredients are the foundation for a good meal! Here’s a little info to make sure you start off on the right foot!
Cauliflower — If you haven’t been able to tell, this veggie is quite possibly my favorite. It’s SO versatile, packed with vitamins and it’s super low carb, which is kind of my jam. At the store, choose heads that are totally white and firm, with no spots for this mashed cauliflower casserole.
Bacon — Who doesn’t love the salty, savory chewy -crispy amazingness of bacon?? It makes a wonderful topping in this loaded cauliflower casserole recipe, just make sure that you choose one that doesn’t have added sugar. Watch out for keywords like “brown sugar” or “maple”, the carbs are sky high, and you just don’t need them in this scrumptious dish.
Milk — I use a combo of plain almond milk and heavy cream in this recipe because it’s much lower in carbs than plain milk.
Green Onions — These mild onions, also called scallions, are high in vitamin K and their slightly sweet taste is a perfect companion to the bacon and cheese. Narrowly slice these all the way to the white.
Tools To Make
This roasted cauliflower casserole uses a few common tools, making this recipe even more terrific!!
- Pot – You’ll use a large heavy-bottomed pot both for blanching the cauliflower and making the cheese sauce.
- Casserole dish – I used a 9” cast iron pan, but you could also use a 9×13 casserole or baking dish. You want plenty of room so that these loaded cauliflower bites can be absolutely smothered in cheese and toppings.
Storing Tips
Keep this loaded cauliflower casserole recipe in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or microwave for an almost-instant heartwarming meal.
Can You Freeze This?
You can freeze this cauliflower casserole to make dinner prep even easier. Prepare it all in the pan, then wrap in freezer plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the fridge, or add a little baking time to take this side dish straight from freezer to oven.
Meal Prepping Tips
This plentiful, cauliflower casserole will make for several, unforgettable low carb dinners. Prepare as directed, then portion out into individual containers for a super quick meal!
Add some shredded chicken or pork to get some protein, and you have a complete and healthy dish, ready when you are!
Recipe Variations
I love how customizable this loaded cauliflower casserole recipe is. Swap out the toppings, the meat, the spices! The choice is yours!
How Can I Add More Veggies?
You could add in some blanched broccoli for more fantastic nutrients and yummy flavor!
Looking for other veggie-heavy, healthy side dishes? Try this classic low carb green bean casserole or these tasty and zesty zucchini enchiladas.
Can I Use Different Types Of Meat?
This cauliflower casserole would be amazing with any kind of shredded or chopped meat. Mix it in or add it as a topping!
For some other protein-filled dinners, try this creamy low carb chicken casserole or this effortless low carb tuna casserole. Or try this unique and delicious ground chicken casserole!
Can I Add Squash?
You may be able to sneak in some rough cut yellow squash to this loaded cauliflower casserole because of its mild flavor.
But these yummy, healthy veggies deserve to be the star! Take this low carb squash casserole for a whirl, or try this pasta-like spaghetti squash casserole.
Can I Make This Spicy?
The cheesy sauce on this loaded cauliflower casserole recipe has a dash of Tabasco and black pepper, giving it more flavor than kick. If you want something a little stronger, up the Tabasco, sprinkle in some cayenne, or add your favorite spice mix.
For solidly piquant flavors, try these two south of the border classics: low carb mexican casserole or low carb taco casserole!
Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
Ingredients
- 24 Ounces Cauliflower florets (about 2 small heads of cauliflower)
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 Teaspoon Xanthan Gum
- 1/3 Cup Heavy Cream
- 1 1/2 Cup Milk I use unsweetened/plain almond milk to save carbs
- 1/2 Teaspoon Tabasco
- 4 Ounces Cream Cheese softened
- 2 Cups Shredded Cheddar divided
- 2 Teaspoons Kosher Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper freshly ground
- 6 Slices Bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 Cup Sliced Green Onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Bring a large pot of water to boil.
- Once boiling, add cauliflower florets and blanch for 3 minutes.
- Drain water, and wrap drained cauliflower in clean kitchen towels while we prep the rest.
- Make sure the pot is dry, and heat over medium heat.
- Add butter, once melted, add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
- Add the xanthan gum, and stir until it dissolves into the butter.
- Add heavy cream, milk (or almond milk), cream cheese, tabasco, and bring to a simmer.
- Remove from heat, and add 1 cup of cheese. Stir until cheese completely dissolves.
- Give the cauliflower a gentle squeeze to release as much liquid as possible, without mushing the cauliflower.
- Add the cauliflower back to the pot with cheese sauce, along with 1/2 the bacon and green onions.
- Stir to coat the cauliflower.
- Spread cauliflower into a 9x13 baking dish (I used a 9" cast iron).
- Sprinkle remaining 1 cup of cheese on top, along with remaining bacon and green onions.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
More Healthy Casseroles Recipes
After you fall in love with this dish, I know you’ll be on the hunt for more healthy casseroles! I have some amazing options sure to make your dinners easier and tastier than ever! Check these out:
- Low Carb Cheeseburger Casserole. WAY easier to eat than a burger…
- Low Carb Pizza Casserole. Great way to curb your pizza cravings!
- Cauliflower Rice Casserole. Just like the classic rice casserole, but with cauliflower 🙂
- Healthy Breakfast Casserole. Get your breakfast meal prep done in one fast kitchen sesh!
- Low Carb Breakfast Casserole. Skipping the potatoes means more room for veggies and cheeeese!
Conclusion
I know you’ll agree this loaded cauliflower casserole is the healthier, tastier version of your favorite twice baked potatoes, with a fraction of the carbs! Comment below with your favorite toppings to heap on this tasty dish!
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