Description
This Loaded Cauliflower Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and savory dish featuring tender cauliflower florets mixed with rich cheeses, crispy bacon, and fresh chives. Perfect as a comforting side or a satisfying main, it combines simple ingredients for a flavorful low-carb meal that is easy to prepare and guaranteed to please.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 lbs cauliflower florets (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives (reserve one tablespoon for topping)
Dairy and Cheese
- 1 box (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
- 1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, finely shredded
Seasonings and Proteins
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Meat
- 6 slices crispy cooked bacon, coarsely chopped
Instructions
- Steam the cauliflower: Place the cauliflower florets in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam until fork-tender, about 10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Prepare the cheese mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar, shredded Monterey Jack, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine ingredients: Gently stir the cooked cauliflower, half of the bacon, and chopped chives into the cheese mixture. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Assemble and bake: Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly and top with the remaining bacon slices. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with the reserved chives, and serve hot.
Notes
- Feel free to add additional toppings like sliced green onions or a dash of paprika for extra flavor.
- For a cheesier variation, sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Ensure bacon is cooked to crispy before chopping to add a crunchy texture.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of casserole
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
