There's nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a warm, cheesy casserole, especially when it’s packed with flavor and lightened up for guilt-free indulgence. Loaded Cauliflower Casserole is a creamy, cheesy dish that’s bursting with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and tender cauliflower, all baked to bubbly perfection.
I first discovered this dish while searching for low-carb alternatives to our family’s favorite potato casseroles. The result? A new go-to side dish that's as indulgent as it is nutritious. Let’s dive into why this recipe will soon become a staple at your table.
Why You'll Love This Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
Get ready to enjoy a casserole that checks all the boxes: delicious, simple to prepare, and crowd-pleasing. Loaded Cauliflower Casserole is more than just a side dish—it’s an unforgettable addition to any meal.
First, this recipe is quick and easy to make. With just 10 minutes of prep time and minimal steps, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
It’s also keto-friendly and low-carb, making it ideal for those looking to indulge without breaking their dietary goals. The cauliflower serves as a nutritious, fiber-rich base while still delivering the comfort-food vibes we all crave.
This casserole is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it alongside roasted chicken, steak, or as a standalone vegetarian dish, it adapts beautifully to any menu. Plus, it’s customizable—add veggies, swap the cheese, or spice it up to suit your tastes.
Finally, the combination of creamy, cheesy layers and the smoky crunch of bacon ensures everyone at the table will ask for seconds. It's comfort food reimagined in the best possible way.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this casserole lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Cauliflower: This humble veggie is the star of the show. When roasted, it develops a slightly nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy, cheesy elements. Cut it into bite-sized florets for even cooking.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the casserole its signature tangy, rich flavor. Opt for freshly grated cheese to ensure it melts smoothly and evenly.
Bacon: Crispy, smoky bacon adds a delicious crunch and savory note to the dish. Cook it in advance and crumble it for easy assembly.
Sour cream: This creates a luscious, tangy base that blends beautifully with the melted cheese. You can substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter option without sacrificing creaminess.
Cream cheese: A small amount of softened cream cheese enhances the richness and helps bind the ingredients together. Make sure it's at room temperature for easy mixing.
Optional additions include green onions for a fresh, zesty kick, and garlic powder to enhance the savory depth of the casserole.
For this recipe, you’ll need a large mixing bowl, a baking dish, and a sturdy whisk or spatula to bring everything together.
How To Make This Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

Creating this comforting casserole is as simple as mix, layer, and bake. Here’s how to do it step-by-step.
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. While the oven heats, prepare the cauliflower by steaming or blanching it until tender but not mushy. Drain well to remove any excess moisture, as this will help the casserole stay creamy, not watery.
In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and a pinch of garlic powder. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated, forming a smooth and creamy base.
Fold in the cooked cauliflower and half of the crumbled bacon, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the cheesy mixture. This step ensures every bite is loaded with flavor.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining bacon and additional cheddar cheese on top for an irresistibly golden, bubbly finish.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly with a golden crust. Remove from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped green onions, and let it cool slightly before serving.
From start to finish, you’ll have a comforting, flavor-packed dish on the table in under 40 minutes.
Storage Options
This casserole stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
To store, let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions. Wrap each serving tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or bake the entire casserole at 350°F until heated through. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top before reheating for an extra layer of melty goodness.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is endlessly adaptable, making it easy to tailor to your preferences or dietary needs.
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for a hearty, savory twist.
If you’re dairy-free, substitute plant-based cheese, sour cream, and cream cheese to create a creamy, vegan-friendly casserole.
Add extra veggies like broccoli, diced bell peppers, or zucchini for a colorful, nutrient-packed version.
Love spice? Stir in diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to kick up the heat.
For a more indulgent twist, use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan to enhance the dish’s flavor complexity.
Loaded Cauliflower Casserole is the perfect example of how a few simple swaps can transform a recipe into something uniquely yours. Get creative, and enjoy this crowd-pleasing dish any night of the week!
PrintLoaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
This loaded cauliflower casserole is a cheesy, creamy, and flavorful low-carb dish. Topped with crispy bacon and green onions, it’s the perfect comfort food for family dinners or gatherings. Packed with keto-friendly ingredients, this recipe satisfies your cravings without the carbs!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower, chopped into florets
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Steam or boil the cauliflower florets until tender, then drain and pat dry.
- Mash the cauliflower in a large bowl or pulse in a food processor until smooth.
- Stir in the sour cream, cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Fold in half the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and half the bacon crumbles.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon on top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use a food processor for smoother cauliflower mash.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Can be made ahead of time and reheated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of the casserole
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 390mg
Leave a Reply