Best Cauliflower Casserole Recipe, Loaded with Bacon

If you’re looking for the ultimate low carb comfort food, then you’ve hit the jackpot! This cheesy loaded cauliflower casserole has all the flavors of a loaded baked potato, without all the carbs. This delicious side dish is going to have even non-low carb fans asking you for a second helping. 

I’ve already shared with you all some of our favorite cauliflower recipes including cauliflower mac and cheese, and garlic mashed cauliflower. But right now I’m going to share with you a new favorite one…Keto Loaded Cauliflower Casserole. 

That’s right I said loaded cauliflower. When you hear the word loaded, you might automatically be thinking of a loaded baked potato or loaded potato skins.

However, now you can have the amazing taste and texture without having all the carbs from regular potatoes. Oh and a bonus is that it’s actually considered to be a healthy side dish! Can’t get any better than that.

Cauliflower Casserole or Cauliflower Bake?

What’s the difference between a keto cauliflower casserole or a keto casserole bake? They are basically the same thing, you can call it whatever you prefer.

No matter if you decide to call it a cauliflower casserole or loaded cauliflower bake, you’re going to love it, and so will your dinner guests!  

Is Cauliflower Casserole Healthy?

Healthy can mean different things to different people. You hear the word “loaded” and I’m sure we all automatically think it’s loaded with calories which then means it’s bad for you. But that’s not really the case. 

First of all, this casserole is loaded with lots of yummy goodness. And in the keto and low carb world loaded can mean so many things.

However, if you’re eating low carb or keto, then you’re looking for recipes that are cutting your daily carbs in order to be a healthier person.

So if that’s your goal then this keto cauliflower casserole is a good choice. A way to make it even healthier is by using uncured bacon. 

Rather than using potatoes that are full of carbs, you can substitute them with cauliflower. Besides being significantly lower in carbs, cauliflower is full of fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Vitamin B’s.

So that automatically makes this low carb loaded cauliflower casserole a healthier option.  

What Ingredients are in a Loaded Cauliflower Casserole?

With all the following ingredients, it really comes together to create the perfect cheesy keto side dish…

Cauliflower – In case you don’t know, I’m a huge fan of roasting my cauliflower for a lot of my dishes and this one is no exception. Cauliflower has become such a versatile vegetable and is an essential low carb option. 

Cream Cheese – This is a staple ingredient that will hold all everything together but will give it a creaminess. 

Sour Cream – You don’t need too much of this, but just a little bit mixed with the cream cheese helps to really make it extra creamy. I’ve made it without the sour cream before, but I’ve found it is a necessity. 

Cheddar Cheese –  I use some shredded cheddar cheese. But you can use mozzarella or parmesan if you prefer. 

Bacon – Besides making everything better, you can’t have anything “loaded” without bacon.

Fresh Chives – I just love adding fresh chives to anything with cheese and bacon. 

Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Cayenne, Salt, and Pepper – I like the combo of these spices the best. The little bit of cayenne and paprika mix well with the onion and garlic powders. 

The Whole Family will LOVE this Cauliflower Casserole (Even Your Kids!)

I’m here to tell you that this low carb cauliflower casserole is going to satisfy even your pickiest eaters. Everyone who I’ve made this for, (and let me tell you I’ve made it for some very picky eaters) have all LOVED IT!!

Not only have they all loved it, but several of my friends have made requests for it every time I offer to bring a dish over their house for dinner. 

Even my friends who have kids, have eaten this keto loaded cauliflower casserole and have asked for seconds and even thirds! I don’t have any kids of my own, but I know them well enough to know that when a kid asks for seconds, I’d say that’s a huge win!    

Is Cauliflower Casserole Keto?

Not only is this a keto dish, but it’s also the PERFECT KETO DISH! Why you might ask? With cauliflower being the main ingredient but having cheese, and cream cheese in it makes it an even better keto recipe.

For 1 serving, which is a heaping ½ cup, it’s only 5 NET CARBS. 

How to Make Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

Start off preheating the oven to 425 degrees. 

Get a cutting board and your favorite knife, and chop the heads of cauliflower into small bite-sized pieces. 

Place the cauliflower onto a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil and then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss the cauliflower to make sure it’s coated well. Put into the oven and roast for about 15-20 minutes.

You want the cauliflower to be soft and some of the pieces should have started to brown up. 

Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a large mixing bowl. 

In the meantime, place parchment paper on a baking sheet, and then put the raw bacon on top. Bake at 425 degrees for about 15 minutes or until it’s reached your desired crispiness. 

Now add softened cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix up well. If you let the cauliflower cool off, then you can use your hands to mix together. 

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By now your bacon should be done. Chop it up into small pieces and add it to the cauliflower. 

Chop the fresh chives and add to cauliflower as well. Mix everything up well. 

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Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until it’s bubbling. 

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Additional Tips for Making Keto Loaded Cauliflower Come Out Perfect

How do you know when your cauliflower is done roasting? It should take about 15-20 minutes depending on your oven and should be soft and some of your pieces should be browned up.  

For this recipe, I cook my bacon in the oven. Place parchment paper on a baking sheet, then add your raw bacon.

Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes for regular thin-sliced bacon or at 450 degrees for thick-sliced bacon. I prefer the way baked bacon comes out, and I probably will never fry it again. 

Once you put your low carb loaded cauliflower casserole together, it should take about 30 minutes to cook, but you will be able to tell once it starts to brown on the top and is bubbling. 

Different Variations on Cauliflower Casserole

This recipe can be changed or tweaked for sure. Here are some ideas: 

• You can use uncured bacon or even pancetta instead of regular bacon. 
• Instead of cheddar cheese, you can use, Parmesan or Mozzarella.
• Adding spices such as Thyme, Sage, Oregano, and Parsley, or Italian Seasonings.
• You can combine broccoli and cauliflower and make it a Loaded Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole.

• To make this more of a spicy casserole, add some chopped jalapenos, poblano peppers, or some pepper jack cheese. 
• If you want a loaded mashed potato casserole, then mash steam the cauliflower then mash it. Load it up with all your cheeses and other ingredients, and bake. 
• Add some shredded chicken to the ingredients to turn it into an entire meal in just one dish. 
• Instead of using cauliflower, try using roasted radishes. 

What other Diets is a Cauliflower Casserole Good for?

Even though this is perfect for those who are eating low carb and on keto, it’s not the right dish for those of you who are dairy-free and I’m sorry for that.

There’s no easy way to make this dairy-free, but if you need a dairy-free cauliflower option try my Creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes, just omit the butter in that recipe.  

But on the plus side, this cauliflower casserole is naturally gluten-free. It doesn’t contain any trace of gluten whatsoever which is pretty awesome. 

What to Serve with Keto Cauliflower Bake 

This recipe goes with so many different things…

• Roasted Prime Rib
• Oven Roasted Turkey
• Chicken Piccata
• Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs
• Roasted Brussel Sprouts
• Sweet Butternut Squash Casserole
• Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus 
• Keto Stuffing 

How to Store Cauliflower Casserole 

I have a feeling you won’t have too many leftovers, but in case you do then either keep it in the baking dish you cooked it in, covered with foil.

You can also transfer it to an airtight container and then store it in the refrigerator. It will last at least 4 days stored in the fridge. 

How to Reheat Keto Cauliflower Bake

You can reheat your low carb casserole super easily. If you stored it in the baking dish you cooked it in, then simply put the baking dish in the oven at 300 degrees and reheat until it’s bubbling. 

Otherwise, scoop out the desired amount into a bowl or plate and microwave for about 1-2 minutes depending on how hot you like it. 

Other Low Carb Side Dishes:

If you’re looking for some other Low Carb Sides then try our:

• Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
• Keto Stuffing
• Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce
• Butternut Squash Casserole

Both of them are low carb and your family and friends will love them!

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