Loaded Cauliflower Casserole delivers all the familiar flavors of a loaded baked potato casserole with far fewer carbs. Made with fresh cauliflower florets, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon and green onions, this baked cheesy cauliflower recipe is an ideal keto-friendly, low-carb side dish.
LOADED CAULIFLOWER CASSEROLE
Low-carb side dishes are popular for good reason. If you’re reducing carbs or following a keto plan, finding satisfying substitutions for comfort foods can be a challenge. After experimenting with many ideas, this Loaded Cauliflower Casserole is one of my favorites—creamy, cheesy and loaded with the toppings you love.
BAKED CHEESY CAULIFLOWER
I first shared this recipe early in my blogging days and recently updated it with new photos and clearer instructions. The dish itself didn’t need changing because the combination of cauliflower, cheddar, bacon and green onions is simply irresistible.
HOW TO STEAM VEGETABLES WITHOUT A STEAMER
Steaming is my preferred method because it preserves nutrients and keeps vegetables vibrant. To steam without a dedicated steamer, add 1–2 inches of water to a large pot and place a strainer or colander on top, making sure the water doesn’t touch the strainer. Bring the water to a boil, add the vegetables to the strainer, cover with a lid and steam just until tender—usually a few minutes for cauliflower florets.
MODIFICATIONS, IF YOU PLEASE..
- Add shredded cooked chicken or diced ham to make it a heartier main dish.
- Include broccoli for a cheesy broccoli-and-cauliflower bake.
- Use thawed frozen cauliflower if fresh isn’t available—just drain well before mixing.
- Short on time? Use pre-cooked bacon bits from the grocery store instead of frying bacon yourself.
HOW TO MAKE CHEESY CAULIFLOWER CASSEROLE?
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook bacon on a sprayed baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–20 minutes or until crispy; drain on paper towels and chop.
Steam about 6 cups of cauliflower florets over 1–2 inches of boiling water for 2–3 minutes until tender but not mushy. Remove from heat and let drain.
In a large bowl combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir in most of the bacon and green onions along with half of the shredded cheddar (about 1 cup). Fold in the steamed cauliflower, mix gently, and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
Top with the remaining cheese, bacon and green onions and bake for 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
KETO CAULIFLOWER BAKE
This dish makes a wonderful keto side, but it’s equally appealing to anyone who loves cheesy casseroles—most people won’t miss the potatoes. If some guests prefer potatoes, you can easily prepare two casseroles: one with cauliflower and the other with cooked potatoes, topped the same way.
MORE LOW CARB RECIPES YOU WILL LOVE
If you enjoy this casserole, try other low-carb favorites like cheesy bacon broccoli casserole, roasted brussels sprouts with kielbasa, or roasted radishes for additional side-dish inspiration.
Disclaimer: If you follow a keto or low-carb diet, double-check your own carb counts using your preferred nutrition app based on the brands and amounts you use. I provide guidance but am not responsible for individual calculations.
Enjoy!
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
I would love for you to leave a rating and a comment below! Let me know how it turned out. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
Heather
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh cauliflower florets (about 2–3 heads)
- 6 strips crispy cooked bacon, chopped
- 4 green onions, diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange bacon on a sprayed baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes until crispy. Drain and chop.
- Steam cauliflower florets over 1–2 inches of boiling water for 2–3 minutes until tender; drain.
- In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and salt. Stir in most of the bacon and green onions and half the cheddar. Fold in cauliflower and transfer to the baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheese, bacon and green onions. Bake 15–20 minutes until bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Disclaimer: If you are on a KETO or low-carb diet, verify nutrition with your preferred app based on the exact brands and weights you use.
Nutrition
Serving: 6 | Calories: 368.2 kcal | Carbohydrates: 8.8 g | Protein: 13.9 g | Fat: 31.6 g
Update Notes: This post was originally published in May 2019 and was republished with updated recipe details, new photos, step-by-step instructions and tips in November 2023.