Loaded Cauliflower Casserole (Keto): A Rich, Creamy, & Cheesy Low-Carb Delight That’s Flavor Packed

If you’re following a ketogenic lifestyle or just looking for a delicious low-carb side dish, this Loaded Cauliflower Casserole is a must-try! Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with bacon, this casserole is everything you love about a loaded baked potato but without the carbs. The cauliflower is steamed until tender and then mixed with sour cream, cream cheese, cheddar, and crispy bacon, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and keto-friendly. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or even weeknight dinners, this casserole is sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping you on track with your low-carb goals.

Scroll to the bottom for recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Loaded Cauliflower Casserole (Keto)

When you think of comfort food, loaded baked potatoes often come to mind. But for those on a keto or low-carb diet, potatoes are off the table. That’s where cauliflower comes in! This humble vegetable is a great stand-in for potatoes, offering a similar texture but with fewer carbs. This casserole takes all the flavors you love—creamy sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon—and combines them with tender cauliflower to create a dish that’s just as satisfying as its starchy counterpart, but without the carbs. Plus, the addition of garlic and green onions gives the dish a fresh, savory punch.

Why Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Will Become Your Keto Favorite

This dish is the ultimate keto comfort food. It’s rich, creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, making it perfect for those times when you want something indulgent but low in carbs. The tender cauliflower is coated in a luscious sauce made from sour cream, cream cheese, and cheddar, while the bacon adds a salty, crispy bite that takes the dish to the next level. And the best part? It’s super easy to make! Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a special occasion or enjoying it as a weeknight dinner, this casserole will satisfy your cravings without derailing your low-carb goals.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 5g (Net Carbs: 3g)
• Protein: 10g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fiber: 2g

This casserole is rich and filling, making it the perfect side dish for a low-carb meal. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even on its own for a satisfying lunch.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole is a versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. For a classic pairing, serve it alongside grilled steak, roasted chicken, or pork chops. It also makes a fantastic addition to any holiday spread, complementing dishes like turkey, ham, or prime rib. If you’re looking for a lighter option, pair it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus. For extra flavor, sprinkle some fresh herbs like chives or parsley over the top before serving.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This casserole stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Simply place any remaining casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or place the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If you’d like to freeze it, store the casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.

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Fun Fact: The Versatility of Cauliflower

Cauliflower has become a popular substitute for high-carb ingredients in many low-carb and keto recipes. Whether it’s mashed like potatoes, riced for stir-fries, or roasted for extra flavor, cauliflower’s mild taste and versatile texture make it the perfect blank canvas for a variety of dishes. In this casserole, cauliflower absorbs all the rich flavors of the cheese, bacon, and cream, making it the star of the show!

Cooking Tips

1. Steam the Cauliflower Just Right: To get the best texture, steam the cauliflower until it’s tender but not mushy. This helps it hold up better when mixed with the creamy sauce.
2. Use High-Quality Cheese: For the best flavor, use a good-quality sharp cheddar cheese. It melts beautifully and adds a rich, tangy taste to the casserole.
3. Add Extra Toppings: For more texture and flavor, consider topping the casserole with extra crispy bacon, chives, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.

Optional Variations

• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to mix in other low-carb vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
• Make it Spicy: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the cream mixture before baking.
• Swap the Cheese: Try using a mix of different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or even pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

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Loaded Cauliflower Casserole (Keto) Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 head of cauliflower, cut into small bite-sized pieces
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened at room temperature
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (reserve ½ cup for topping)
• 6 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled (reserve 1 strip for topping)
• ½ cup green onions, diced
• ½ tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Optional Ingredients:

• Fresh chives or parsley for garnish
• Extra bacon or cheese for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray an 8x8 baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Steam the cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into small bite-sized pieces. Place the cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl, add ¼ cup of water, and cover. Microwave in 3-minute increments until the cauliflower is fork-tender (alternatively, you can steam the cauliflower on the stovetop).
3. Make the creamy mixture: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and well combined.
4. Mix in the cheese and bacon: Stir in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, 5 strips of the crumbled bacon, green onions, garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Combine with cauliflower: Add the steamed cauliflower to the creamy mixture and gently stir to coat the cauliflower thoroughly with the sauce.
6. Assemble the casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and reserved bacon.
7. Bake: Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve and enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with extra green onions or fresh chives, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

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Loaded Cauliflower Casserole is the perfect dish for anyone following a low-carb or keto diet but still craving something indulgent. With its creamy, cheesy filling and crispy bacon topping, this casserole delivers all the flavors of a loaded baked potato without the carbs. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a family dinner or enjoying it as a main course, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household.