There's nothing quite like a warm, cheesy casserole straight from the oven, and this Loaded Cauliflower Casserole is no exception. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with crispy bacon, this dish is a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy comfort food without the carbs.
I first made this casserole when I was searching for a keto-friendly side dish that still felt indulgent. After just one bite, my family was hooked, and now it’s a staple on our dinner table. Whether you’re serving it as a side or making it the star of the meal, this casserole is sure to impress.
Why You'll Love This Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite low-carb comfort food. This Loaded Cauliflower Casserole takes everything you love about a loaded baked potato and transforms it into a creamy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible dish.
First off, it’s keto-friendly and low-carb. If you're watching your carbs but still crave something rich and satisfying, this casserole is the perfect swap for traditional potato dishes.
It’s also incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have this dish in the oven in under 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings!
Another reason to love this recipe? It's packed with flavor. The combination of tender cauliflower, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and tangy sour cream creates an explosion of taste in every bite.
And let’s not forget how family-friendly it is. Even picky eaters won’t be able to resist the cheesy goodness. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies without complaints.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Loaded Cauliflower Casserole is in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of textures and taste.
Cauliflower – The star of the dish! Fresh cauliflower florets work best, but you can also use frozen if you're in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well after cooking to prevent excess moisture.
Cheese – Sharp cheddar gives this casserole its bold, cheesy flavor. You can also mix in some Monterey Jack or mozzarella for extra creaminess.
Bacon – Crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch. Cook it until it's nice and crispy before crumbling it into the dish. You can even use turkey bacon for a lighter option.
Sour Cream & Cream Cheese – These ingredients create the rich, creamy texture that makes this casserole so decadent. Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for a bit of tangy freshness.
Green Onions & Garlic – Green onions add a mild, oniony bite, while garlic enhances the overall depth of flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use chives instead.
A baking dish is the only special equipment you’ll need. A 9x13-inch dish works perfectly for even baking and easy serving.
How To Make This Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

Making this casserole is easier than you might think! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious, cheesy dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While the oven heats up, prepare your cauliflower. Cut it into bite-sized florets and steam or boil until fork-tender, about 5-7 minutes. Be sure not to overcook, as you want the cauliflower to hold its shape.
Next, drain the cauliflower well. Excess moisture can make the casserole watery, so pat it dry with paper towels if needed. This step is key for achieving that rich, creamy texture.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, garlic, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir until smooth, then gently fold in the cauliflower, coating it in the cheesy mixture.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and crumbled bacon on top, creating a golden, crispy topping as it bakes.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving for a fresh pop of flavor.
Storage Options
This casserole is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
Freeze: If you want to make this ahead, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen at 375°F for 30-35 minutes until heated through.
Reheating Tip: Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese before reheating to bring back that gooey, cheesy texture.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this Loaded Cauliflower Casserole is how versatile it is. You can easily tweak the ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs.
Make it vegetarian by skipping the bacon and adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
Add some spice by mixing in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. A drizzle of hot sauce before serving can also kick up the heat.
Swap the dairy for a lighter version. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative to make it suitable for lactose-intolerant guests.
Try different cheeses like smoked gouda, parmesan, or pepper jack for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Turn it into a full meal by adding shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked ground sausage for extra protein. It’s a great way to make this casserole the main event!
No matter how you customize it, this Loaded Cauliflower Casserole is bound to become a favorite in your household. Give it a try and let me know how you make it your own!
PrintLoaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
This loaded cauliflower casserole is a delicious low-carb alternative to traditional loaded potatoes. Packed with cheese, crispy bacon, sour cream, and green onions, it's the perfect creamy and savory side dish for any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Steam or boil cauliflower until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash the cauliflower slightly, then mix with sour cream, cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in half the cheddar cheese and half the bacon.
- Transfer to the baking dish and top with remaining cheese, bacon, and Parmesan.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with green onions and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, blend the cauliflower in a food processor before mixing.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter option.
- Add cooked chicken or turkey for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
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