Loaded Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

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4.65 from 14 votes
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 35 minutes

This Loaded Cauliflower Bake recipe consists of a layer of bacon and cheese goodness. It’s a healthier substitute for potatoes and is ketogenic diet friendly. If you have a side or main course, no one will be able to withstand this casserole.

A dish of the Loaded Cheesy Cauliflower Bake with green onions on the side.

Loaded Cauliflower Bake is such a great side dish. If you love all the cheesy goodness of a loaded baked potato but want something that is a little less carb heavy. It is a perfect way to sneak a little something healthy into your families diet. Healthline highlights why cauliflower is so good for us. Want more favorites, check out these great side dishes.


MORE CAULIFLOWER RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE

Air Fried Cauliflower | Roasted Sweet and Spicy Cauliflower | Parmesan Cauliflower Rice


What We Love About This Recipe

When it comes to side dishes, potatoes have always been a popular choice. However, this Loaded Cheesy Cauliflower Bake recipe is a healthier alternative that is just as delicious. This dish has a layer of bacon and cheese goodness that makes it a decadent side dish. It is also Keto friendly, making it a great option for those on a special diet. Whether you need a side dish or main course, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table.

  • 15 Minute Prep: It is a quick and easy meal to make any day of the week,
  • Easy Ingredients: All found in pantry or the fridge.
  • Keto Friendly: A wonderful way to stay in ketosis and enjoy something full of flavor.
  • Adaptable: Great for meal prep. Use different cheese to make it your favorite side dish.
A side view of the Loaded Cheesy Cauliflower Bake.

Ingredient Notes

  • Cauliflower Florets: Fresh or frozen. Also look for bagged and prepped vegetables in your grocery produce section.
  • Bacon: 6-8 strips cooked and crumbled. You can use precooked bacon or bacon crumbles for this recipe.
  • Mayonnaise: Avocado or other low carb option can be used.
  • Cheese: Shred sharp cheddar cheese or any cheese that you prefer.
  • Seasoning: All Purpose Seasoning, you can use your favorite blend or kosher Salt and black pepper to taste as well.
Cauliflower, cheese, vegetables to create bake.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Add some heat: Hot peppers or seasoning to add flavor.
  • Air Fryer: Make this dish in the air fryer. It comes out great. Roast cauliflower in the air fryer for about 20 minutes or until you reach the desired tenderness and then place all the ingredients in a casserole dish and cook for another 5 minutes.
  • Greek Yogurt – Replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt.

How to Make Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

These are the basic steps for making Cauliflower Bake Recipes. Please refer to the recipe card below for more detailed instructions, cook time and nutrition information.

Prparing the cauliflower for the bake.

STEP 1: PREP

First, chop vegetables and shred cheese and then preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Then boil cauliflower for 8-10 minutes or until fork tender; drain.

STEP 2: COMBINE

Next, in a large bowl, stir mayonnaise, sour cream, half of the bacon, 3 tablespoons green onions, 1/2 cup Colby cheese, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, All Purpose Seasoning and cauliflower.

STEP 3: BAKE

Finally, pour mixture into 13×9 baking dish spray with a cooking spray and top with remaining bacon, green onions and cheeses. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese melts into a beautiful cheese sauce. Sprinkle remaining green onion on top to serve.

Making the cauliflower bake.

Prep and Storage Tips for Cauliflower Casserole with Cheese

HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE AHEAD OF TIME

Prep all your vegetables ahead of time, cook cauliflower and allow to cool and pace in airtight container until ready to assemble and bake. This will save on the total time needed to make this dish.

HOW TO STORE THIS RECIPE

Store in the refrigerator wrapped well in foil or plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days.

HOW TO FREEZE THIS RECIPE

Freeze your cauliflower & cheese casserole or leftovers in an airtight container, zip top bag or wrapped well in foil for up to six months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to use.

HOW TO REHEAT THIS RECIPE

Bake the cheese cauliflower casserole in the oven until warmed through or microwave in a safe dish or on the stove top in a large saucepan or skillet on medium heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

HOW TO MAKE THIS CHEESY CAULIFLOWER BAKE HEALTHIER?

Truly it is easy to make this recipe vegetarian. Try omitting the bacon or use a meat alternative for the bacon. Also you can use a cheese alternative. To save calories, use low fat or fat free versions of the dairy,

CAN I SUBSTITUTE DIFFERENT CHEESES?

Of course, you can use any cheese that you like in this recipe. Parmesan cheese, cream cheese or a spicy pepper jack cheese or Monterey jack cheese works great.

CAN THIS RECIPE BE DOUBLED OR HALVED?

Indeed, you can even split the mixture between two trays and freeze one for a future meal.

WHY IS THE CHEESY CAULIFLOWER CASSEROLE WATERY?

Cauliflower cheese can go watery if the cauliflower is overcooked. Overcooked cauliflower releases water, which will seep into the rest of the dish.

A dish of the Loaded Cheesy Cauliflower Bake.

Expert Tips for Making This Recipe

  • Add More Vegetables: Broccoli, brussels sprouts or other vegetables can really make this casserole pop. You may have seen this dish all over Facebook and Pinterest.
  • Roast: Just toss the cauliflower with the olive oil, garlic, and House Season Blend on a baking sheet; Roast until golden and tender, about 20 minutes. Steam cauliflower, too.
  • Meat: Feel free to add leftover ham, turkey or chicken can really up the protein and make this a complete meal.
  • Fresh Herbs: Thyme, fresh chives or fresh lemon zest can really brighten up the dish and finish it perfectly.
  • Crispy Top: Want a crispy top for this low carb comfort food? Try adding a layer of bread crumbs and butter on top and broil for a few minutes.

What to Serve with Loaded Cauliflower Bake

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A dish of the Loaded Cheesy Cauliflower Bake with green onions on the side.
4.65 from 14 votes

Loaded Cauliflower Bake

Yield: 6 servings
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
This Loaded Cauliflower Bake recipe consists of a layer of bacon and cheese goodness. It's a healthier substitute for potatoes and is ketogenic diet friendly. If you have a side or main course, no one will be able to withstand this casserole.
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⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️Did you try this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review below!

Ingredients

  • 6 cups cauliflower florets
  • 6-8 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 6 tablespoons green onions, chopped
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup Colby cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons All Purpose Seasoning

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Boil cauliflower for 8-10 minutes or until fork tender; drain.
  • In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, half of the bacon, 3 tablespoons green onions, 1/2 cup Colby cheese, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, All Purpose Seasoning blend and cauliflower.
  • Pour into 13×9 baking dish and top with remaining bacon, green onions and cheeses.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese melts.

Video

Expert Tips

  • Add More Vegetables: Broccoli, brussels sprouts or other vegetables can really make this casserole pop. You may have seen this dish all over Facebook and Pinterest.
  • Roast: Just toss the cauliflower with the olive oil, garlic, and House Season Blend on a baking sheet; Roast until golden and tender, about 20 minutes. Steam cauliflower, too.
  • Meat: Feel free to add leftover ham, turkey or chicken can really up the protein and make this a complete meal.
  • Fresh Herbs: Thyme, fresh chives or fresh lemon zest can really brighten up the dish and finish it perfectly.
  • Crispy Top: Want a crispy top for this low carb comfort food? Try adding a layer of bread crumbs and butter on top and broil for a few minutes.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Calories: 455kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 1334mg | Potassium: 550mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 607IU | Vitamin C: 50mg | Calcium: 334mg | Iron: 1mg
The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/
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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

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16 thoughts on “Loaded Cheesy Cauliflower Bake”

  1. Help!! How many cups of cauliflower rice comes from 12 cups of florets? I want to use frozen cauliflower rice — please help !

    Reply
  2. What is the individual serving size – 1/2 cup or 1 cup? Are the nutritional amounts for the 6 servings? Love the recipe and will make it more often.
    Thank you….

    Reply
    • I’m so glad you like the recipe! The entire casserole serves six – the nutritional info isn’t per cup of half cup, it’s for each of the 6 servings.

      Reply

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