If you love cozy, cheesy comfort food that’s also packed with veggies, you are going to adore this Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe. It takes humble cauliflower and transforms it into a crowd-pleasing dish bursting with creamy cheese goodness, crispy bacon bits, and fresh chives. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special gathering, this casserole offers the perfect balance of rich flavors and satisfying textures. Best of all, it feels indulgent while sneaking in a healthy vegetable, making it one of my favorite go-to recipes for weeknights or holidays alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe is wonderfully simple but don’t let that fool you—the ingredients each play an essential role! From creamy cheeses to vibrant fresh chives, every component brings something special to the party, building layers of texture and flavor that make this casserole taste irresistible.
- Cauliflower florets: Using 2 pounds of bite-sized pieces ensures a tender base that soaks up all the cheesy goodness.
- Chopped fresh chives: About 1/4 cup adds a subtle oniony brightness, with a tablespoon reserved for a fresh, colorful topping.
- Cream cheese, softened: An 8-ounce box brings rich creaminess to the mix, making the casserole decadently smooth.
- Sour cream: Half a cup adds a gentle tang that balances the cheese and beefs up the texture.
- Sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded: 1 1/2 cups contribute a bold, classic flavor and melty richness.
- Monterey Jack cheese, finely shredded: Another 1 1/2 cups provide a creamy melt and slight sweetness that pairs perfectly with cheddar.
- Garlic powder: Just a teaspoon to infuse a warm, aromatic hint without overwhelming.
- Onion powder: Half a teaspoon enhances the savoriness delicately.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Added to taste for the perfect seasoning that ties everything together.
- Crispy cooked bacon: Six slices coarsely chopped to layer in smoky crunch both inside the casserole and on top.
How to Make Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Steam the Cauliflower
Begin by placing the cauliflower florets in a steamer basket over boiling water. Steam until the florets become fork-tender, about 10 minutes. It’s important to drain them well afterward—that way, your casserole won’t turn soggy but stays perfectly creamy and thick.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
While the cauliflower cooks, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to ensure your casserole has a smooth release and edges that crisp just right during baking.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar, shredded Monterey Jack, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until everything is combined into a smooth, creamy mixture. This cheese base is the heart of the dish, providing luscious flavor that brings all the other ingredients together beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Gently fold the steamed cauliflower, half of the chopped bacon, and chopped chives into the cheese mixture. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to your liking. Mixing carefully here helps maintain those tender cauliflower pieces while coating them in cheesy goodness and smoky bacon bits.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
Spoon the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining crispy bacon on top to form a savory, crunchy crust. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese bubbles and melts into a golden, irresistible blanket over the cauliflower.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the reserved fresh chives over the casserole for a pop of green color and vibrant flavor. Serve it hot and watch everyone dive in eagerly—this is the kind of dish that brings smiles and seconds.
How to Serve Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
The final touch of fresh chopped chives is perfect for garnishing, but you could also add a little extra shredded cheddar or a dollop of sour cream for those creamy pockets of joy. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper adds a nice final kick.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a versatile companion for so many meals. Pair it with a crisp green salad to balance the richness or serve alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak for a hearty, well-rounded dinner. Mashed potatoes or crusty bread can make your meal even more comforting and filling.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive occasions, bake the Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for personal servings. You can even turn leftovers into a savory breakfast bake by reheating portions and topping with a fried egg for a delicious start to your day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers from this irresistible Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making it just as tasty when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking for up to two months. Simply wrap the dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes. Using the oven helps preserve the casserole’s texture better than microwave reheating, which can sometimes make it watery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cauliflower works well for this recipe—just be sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before mixing to avoid a watery casserole.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, this Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a wonderful option for those avoiding gluten. Just double-check that your bacon or any added toppings are gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To keep it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon, or replace it with crispy fried mushrooms or smoky vegetarian bacon alternatives for a similar flavor and crunch.
What cheese substitutions can I make?
If you prefer, you can swap Monterey Jack for mozzarella or use a mild gouda. The key is to maintain a combination of sharp and creamy cheeses for the perfect balance in the casserole.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild in spice but rich in flavor. If you want a little heat, you can sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños to the cheese mixture before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe has earned its place in my kitchen repertoire for good reason. It’s cozy, cheesy, and full of heartwarming flavors that are perfect for sharing with loved ones. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you’ll find it’s a delightful way to enjoy vegetables with a crowd-pleasing twist. Once you make it, I bet you’ll be reaching for it again and again.
Print
Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Loaded Cauliflower Casserole is a rich and creamy side dish featuring tender steamed cauliflower mixed with a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, sharp cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheeses. Enhanced with crispy bacon and fresh chives, this casserole is baked to bubbly, golden perfection and makes a comforting addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Fresh Herbs
- 2 lbs cauliflower florets (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives (reserve 1 tablespoon for topping)
Dairy
- 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
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Protein
- 6 slices crispy cooked bacon, coarsely chopped
Instructions
- Steam the cauliflower: Place the cauliflower florets in a steamer basket set over boiling water. Cover and steam until the cauliflower is fork-tender, about 10 minutes. Drain well to remove excess moisture 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 to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the cheese mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar, shredded Monterey Jack, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy to ensure even flavor.
- Combine ingredients: Gently fold the drained cauliflower, half of the chopped crispy bacon, and the chopped chives into the cheese mixture. Taste and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper per preference.
- Assemble and bake: Transfer the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining chopped bacon slices. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly, the cheeses are melted, and the top is slightly golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with the reserved fresh chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot as a delicious and comforting side dish.
Notes
- Ensure the cauliflower is well-drained after steaming to avoid a watery casserole.
- For a smoky flavor, you can substitute bacon with smoked turkey bacon.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and reheated before serving.
- To make this dish vegetarian, omit the bacon and consider adding smoked paprika for flavor.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and texture.
