Loaded Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole is a delicious side dish. Like loaded potato casserole but with tender cauliflower for a satisfying and guilt-free twist on a classic. Get ready to indulge in a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.
If you love low carb dishes with cauliflower, try my roasted parmesan cauliflower and my sicilian baked cauliflower.
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Why this Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole Recipe is a Keeper
I love this cheesy cauliflower recipe because it’s quick and easy. This healthy-ish recipe is perfect to add to an easy dinner recipe stash.
- Comfort Food Classic: It’s a warm, cheesy, and satisfying dish, kind of like mac and cheese.
- Easy to Make: It only requires simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Low carb cauliflower is a hit with both kids and adults.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with different ingredients.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be assembled ahead of time.
- Healthy-ish: Make this cauliflower dish as a great way to incorporate vegetables into a comforting dish.
- It Is Delicious: It is a very delicious and comforting dish.
What Other Cheeses Can I Use in this Casserole?
Use different shredded cheese like sharp cheddar cheese, Gruyere, Monterey Jack or a blend of cheeses to make this amazing casserole.
Pro Tip to Make Cheesy Cauliflower Side Dish
Don’t Overcook the Cauliflower: Keep it slightly firm for the best texture.
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Ingredient Notes and Variation Suggestions for Cheesy Baked Cauliflower
All of the required ingredients are easy to find at the store, but there may even be some of them in the kitchen already. Feel free to use different ingredients to substitute or to experiment with flavors.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Cauliflower: Feel free to use frozen cauliflower that’s been thawed or fresh cauliflower.
- Vegetable Variations: Add cauliflower and broccoli, carrots, peas, or mushrooms.
- Sour Cream: If you don’t have sour cream, you can use cream cheese in this cheesy cauliflower casserole instead.
- Meat Variations: Add cooked bacon, ham, sausage, or chicken to low-carb delicious cauliflower.
- Sauce Variations: I love cauliflower casserole with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.
- Spice Variations: Add dried herbs like thyme or oregano for veggies like cauliflower.
- Dairy Substitutions: Feel free to use milk alternatives.
How to Make Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
This cauliflower cheese casserole recipe comes together in just 3 super easy steps. Loaded cauliflower casserole is so good, I make whenever I need a quick, easy dinner.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Preheat Oven and Prep Cauliflower: Preheat the oven to 425℉. Boil the cauliflower until fork tender and drain.
- Toss the Cauliflower in Sauce: Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, half of the bacon, 3 tablespoons green onions, ½ cup Colby cheese, ½ cup cheddar cheese, All Purpose Seasoning and cauliflower.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour into 13×9 baking dish and sprinkle remaining bacon, green onions and cheeses on top. Bake the casserole in the oven until cheese is completely melted, golden brown and bubbly.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for Roasted Cauliflower in Cheese Sauce
When I prepare ingredients or steps ahead of time, it can help save me time and kitchen space when it comes to making easy cheesy cauliflower casserole.
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Cut the head of cauliflower into cauliflower florets and roast the cauliflower in the air fryer, or steam the cauliflower instead of boiling. Store in the refrigerator.
- Shred the Cheese: Shred your cheese in advance and store it in an airtight container.
- Make the Sauce: Prepare the cheese sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine any dry ingredients or spices for this delicious recipe in a small bowl.
- Prepare Topping (if using): Prepare any breadcrumb or crunchy toppings and store them separately.
How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftovers
- Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for 2-3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat this delicious side in the microwave, or reheat the whole Cheesy Cauliflower casserole dish in the oven.
- Using Leftovers: Enjoy leftovers Add it to soup to thicken it up and add creaminess and flavor. Use it as a base for a creamy pasta sauce. Combine it with breadcrumbs and bake into cheesy cauliflower patties or fritters.
Common Questions About This Easy Cheesy Cauliflower Bake Recipe
Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or use an airtight container. It should stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Make sure to not add too much liquid. If your cauliflower mac and cheese is too soupy, add more cheese and cauliflower.
Yes, experiment with adding diced cooked chicken or turkey to make the casserole heartier.
A crunchy topping can be a great addition. Try breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, crispy fried onions or chips to the top of the creamy cauliflower casserole.
Expert Tips for Making This Low Carb Keto Dish
- Season the Sauce Well: Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper, garlic powder, and nutmeg.
- Layer Evenly: Ensure even layers of cauliflower and cheese sauce for balanced flavor.
- Use a Generous Amount of Cheese: Cheese adds flavor and moisture.
- Crunchy Topping: A crunchy topping adds a delightful contrast.
- Let It Rest: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld.
- Creamy: Heavy cream will help the sauce to thicken for the Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole.
- Serve this Recipe With: Serve with Loaded Baked Potato Salad, Best Baked Hamburgers or Strawberry Fluff Salad.
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Loaded Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
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Ingredients
- 6 cups Cauliflower florets
- 6-8 strips Bacon, cooked and crumbled, divided
- 6 tablespoons Green onions, chopped, divided
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- ½ cup Sour cream
- 1 cup Colby cheese, shredded, divided
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
- 8 ounces Mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 2 teaspoons All Purpose Seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425℉.
- 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, ½ cup Colby cheese, ½ 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.
Christina’s Notes
- Season the Sauce Well: Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper, garlic powder, and nutmeg.
- Layer Evenly: Ensure even layers of cauliflower and cheese sauce for balanced flavor.
- Use a Generous Amount of Cheese: Cheese adds flavor and moisture.
- Crunchy Topping: A crunchy topping adds a delightful contrast.
- Let It Rest: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld.
- Creamy: Heavy cream will help the sauce to thicken.
- Serve this Recipe With: Serve with Loaded Baked Potato Salad, Best Baked Hamburgers or Strawberry Fluff Salad.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, scroll up on the page.
Help!! How many cups of cauliflower rice comes from 12 cups of florets? I want to use frozen cauliflower rice — please help !
I do not know as I haven’t tried it with cauliflower rice.
Amazing! Everybody loves it!
I’m so glad!! 🙂
This recipe was the “BOMB”!! So Yummy!
Is it possible to make this ahead, put in fridge and bake later? If so, how long would you bake?
Absolutely!
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….
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.
Can you give the nutritional info please
I just updated the recipe for you 🙂
I am confused what is the special seasoning
Here’s the link to my House Seasoning: https://www.itisakeeper.com/10427/house-seasoning-blend/
This is FABULOUS! Creamy, rich, & seasoned perfectly. I’ll definitely be making this one over & over! Thank you!!
I’m so glad you liked it! Thank you for coming back and sharing your feedback! 🙂
what is the serving size of the casserole, 1 cup or half cup.