Easy Cheesy Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

Name: Easy Cheesy Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 large head Cauliflower ((cut into small florets)); 2 tbsp Unsalted butter ((melted)); Sea salt; Black pepper; 2/3 cup Sour cream; 1/4 cup Heavy cream; 2 cloves Garlic ((minced)); 1 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese ((shredded, divided)); 6 tbsp Bacon bits ((cooked, divided)); 1/4 cup Green onions ((chopped, divided))

This cheesy loaded cauliflower casserole recipe needs just 10 minutes prep. All the flavors of a loaded baked potato, without the carbs. Easy & delicious!

By Maya Krampf

366 Comments

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As the weather cools down, I’m in comfort food mode. And, low carb comfort food often means cauliflower is involved. How about an easy loaded cauliflower casserole?

How To Make Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Healthy

Okay, that header is a trick question. If you ask me, loaded cauliflower casserole is already healthy! The cauliflower is a delicious way to make a low carb comfort food side dish that’s packed with veggies.

Now, don’t attack me for calling this side dish healthy. Sure, cauliflower casserole does have butter, sour cream, cheese, and bacon in it.

Some people may be wondering if I’m crazy to consider it healthy. But, I’m not one to fear fat. I believe that it can be a good thing if you use unprocessed sources. I use grass-fed butter and uncured bacon. And, a casserole like this is much healthier than one with potatoes.

My friend, Kim, has a yummy loaded cauliflower recipe using mashed cauliflower. Try her version here if you miss mashed potatoes! You can also make low carb loaded potatoes using radishes.

I like to make my easy cauliflower casserole using whole cauliflower florets instead. That way, I get the flavor of roasted cauliflower and don’t have to wash my food processor. The entire prep time is just around ten minutes, which is awesome for busy weeknights.

Twice Baked Cauliflower Casserole

If you’ve seen any of my other low carb cauliflower recipes, you know that I’m a big fan of roasting the cauliflower first.

This is my method with pretty much every baked cauliflower casserole that I make. Always, always roast it first. So much more flavor that way! Try my pesto chicken bake and cheesy beef marinara casseroles to see what I mean.

So, it’s no surprise that my favorite way to make an easy cauliflower casserole is a twice baked version. The result is actually a little similar to cauliflower mac and cheese.

Can you guess the first step when making this cheesy cauliflower casserole? Roast the cauliflower florets, of course! That way, you get some crispy edges to the florets, without the smell and blandness of steaming.

While that’s doing its thing, mix all the loaded toppings together. These are all the ones you’d expect on a loaded baked potato.

Garlic, sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions! So good. You could use chives instead of the onions, if you want to.

Next, stir the toppings into the roasted cauliflower casserole dish. Add some more cheese and bacon on top, then bake again. Baking the second time only takes five to ten minutes.

Don’t let the concept of twice baked cauliflower throw you off this recipe, because it’s still super quick. Baking twice doesn’t have to mean a lot of time or effort. It’s just about half an hour for the whole thing!

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole for the Family

For a deliciously cheesy cauliflower casserole that the whole family will love, this is the one. It’s a dish you can serve for picky family members that don’t want to eat vegetables. It’s pretty much the epitome of comfort food. I’ll bet they won’t mind the veggies with all that cheese and bacon in there! And if they are still feeling leery, then try out low carb cheesy cauliflower tater tots on them.

Loaded cauliflower casserole is also a yummy option if you have guests coming over. You can prepare most of it in advance. We all love that convenience when hosting, right? Just complete the final second baking step right before serving.

If your family still insists on potatoes, you can make the same toppings for you and them. Then, just bake in two separate casserole dishes. It’s easy to make one version with potatoes and one with cauliflower. If you ask me, the cauliflower and cheese casserole is the much better version, anyway.

Easy Cheesy Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

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366 Comments

Julie
0 September 19, 2022Reply

This is the absolute best tasting mac ‘n cheese wanna-be I have ever tasted! I could not get my kids on the cauliflower train, but they scarfed this up! I now make it as a side dish or main entree. Add some diced ham or bacon and you have a quick and easy meal. I added broccoli with ham one night, and the kids and I could not get enough. Truly, the best!
Phyllis
0 September 16, 2022Reply

I have heart disease, is this healthy for the heart? All that fat seems unhealthy, like cheese, butter, heavy cream? Just curious because I’d like to try keto.
- Wholesome Yum A
  0 September 16, 2022Reply
  
  Hi Phyllis, I’m not a doctor so I would recommend talking with your medical provider to see if keto is right for you.
Sarah Williams
0 August 31, 2022Reply

Can you use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
- Wholesome Yum D
  0 September 1, 2022Reply
  
  Hi Sarah, If using frozen I would thaw and then roast your cauliflower.
Maegan
0 July 17, 2022Reply

Simple, delicious, and most importantly, guilt-free! This is the first time I’ve ever had cauliflower and I’m glad I branched out! I’ll keep this recipe as a go-to as I find other recipes focused on this veggie. Thanks for sharing!
Margaret
0 July 11, 2022Reply

Can this be frozen?
- Wholesome Yum D
  0 July 12, 2022Reply
  
  Hi Margaret, Absolutely! Store it in a freezer-safe airtight container and it will keep well in the freezer.
Mother Luv
0 July 10, 2022Reply

Hello. This dish was very EASY and delicious. I substituted some ingredients with plant based ingredients. My son really does not like my planted meals he said “It was deeeelicious.
I wanted to post a pic of my dish however I did not see the option to post pics 🤗 ~Mother Luv~ 💖Hug somebody and tell’m u luv’m 💖
Irene Showalter
0 June 27, 2022Reply

My son is not very fond of vegetables but he took seconds👏👍🤸
Mary Zeno
0 June 26, 2022Reply

Love it, very good but my cheese watered down.
C. Rawlins
0 June 18, 2022Reply

Delicious outcome. I only gave it four stars instead of five because there is some extensive prep involved, which probably could be avoided by using pre-shredded cheese (great if you like eating wood chips) and pre-minced garlic (which is always foul-tasting). Still, it was delicious. I would say using fully fatted sour cream and cream is a must because otherwise, you will end up in with a soupy cauliflower mess.
Micki
0 May 13, 2022Reply

If I wanted to do this as a prep-ahead recipe, could I roast the cauliflower and put together the sauce, store them separately and then combine when I’m ready to bake? Would the roasted cauliflower still be good after being in the fridge for a day or two? I suppose I could just do the sauce ahead of time, but would like to do both if possible. Thoughts?
- Wholesome Yum D
  0 May 16, 2022Reply
  
  Hi Micki, Yes you could prep both ahead of time and heat up when you are ready to eat.
Norma
0 April 30, 2022Reply

Excellent recipe!! My family loved it!
Karen Hunt
0 April 19, 2022Reply

Thank you so much Maya. Your Cheesy Loaded Cauliflower Casserole is delicious! I had given up on cauliflower after trying it mashed until I looked up your recipe. It’s on the menu again. Awesome!
Megan
0 April 18, 2022Reply

This was a HUGE hit to say the least. I brought it to my families Easter dinner. It was all gone in a matter of minutes. Everyone went home asking for the recipe.. so I shared the app! Thank you for the great recipe and the wonderful app that makes it all so easy and accessible.
- Andrea
  0 May 22, 2022Reply
  
  Absolutely delicious, even my husband likes it. We had it with a lamb chop, yummy, thank you.
Lejla
0 April 18, 2022Reply

I just made this for dinner and have enjoyed it very much. Great recipe! Thank you for sharing. 👍
Sondra Johnson
0 April 2, 2022Reply

OMG! This was fantastic! My husband gave it a “10” – said he could eat this every day. Thanks Maya for a wonderful recipe! (Served it with a rotisserie chicken and roasted asparagus.)
Linda P.
0 March 28, 2022Reply

Yummy, yummy, yummy! Thanks for the recipe.
Alyssa
0 March 23, 2022Reply

I didn’t have sour cream so I used 2/3 cup heavy cream and it is still so delicious!
K.
0 March 22, 2022Reply

How long will this keep in fridge after cooked? Thanks for reply!
- Wholesome Yum D
  0 March 23, 2022Reply
  
  You can store in an air tight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
SW Scholar
0 March 10, 2022Reply

Amazing recipe. We loved it. Will probably make a double recipe next time. I omitted the fresh garlic in the sauce and instead seasoned the cauliflower before I roasted it with a seasoning from Kinders called The Blend which is salt/pepper/garlic.
John Lacenere
0 March 8, 2022Reply

I love it it’s quick and delicious. I used my ninja foodie xl.
Jami
0 January 24, 2022Reply

The recipe was delicious. But seriously, the webpage is simply awful. Ingredients were obstructed, and the ads are just more than annoying.
- Wholesome Yum D
  0 January 25, 2022Reply
  
  Hi Jami, Thanks for your feedback. Ads keep the Wholesome Yum website running and allow me to develop recipes that readers like you can access absolutely free. However, you may be interested in Wholesome Yum Plus, which includes an ad-free version of the website, along with other perks.
  - Stephie
    0 January 29, 2022Reply
    
    It’s not so much the ads, it’s the formatting. The ‘Pin, Facebook and Save’ circlets overlay the recipe on the left side. It ends up cutting off the first 4 spaces, so instead of seeing 2/3 cups you see 3 cups because the “2/” is cut off. Then some of the ads change the placement of the recipe vertically, so you are reading it and suddenly it shifts down, a few seconds later it shifts the opposite direction. I believe this is what they are referring to in their post.
    
    BUT, the recipe itself is FANTASTIC. Thank you so much. It is a keeper. I couldn’t stop eating it and I’m buying more cauliflower tomorrow just to make it again. Roasting takes it to a whole new level.
    - Maya | Wholesome Yum
      0 January 29, 2022Reply
      
      Hi Stephie, Oh no, what you are describing definitely should not be happening! I’ll take a look at this. Thank you for bringing it to my attention. I’m so glad you like the recipe!
  - Lizzy
    0 April 15, 2022Reply
    
    Is it possible to do half cauliflower & half broccoli? The family loves both & have made many with with that combo. Thanks so much!!
    - Wholesome Yum D
      0 April 15, 2022Reply
      
      Hi Lizzy, Yes, that would also work!
    - Heike Farmer
      0 May 27, 2022Reply
      
      I really want to try this but I don’t have heavy cream. Can I do it without the heavy cream or is there a substitute?
      - Wholesome Yum D
        0 May 27, 2022
        
        Hi Heike, You could omit it but the sauce would be very thick.
      - Be
        0 September 15, 2022
        
        I used half and half. It was delicious.
Karen Todd
0 January 23, 2022Reply

This was delicious and my husband loved it.
Lori
0 January 21, 2022Reply

Can you leave out the heavy cream altogether, I’m diabetic and that has a lot of things I shouldn’t have.
- Wholesome Yum D
  0 January 24, 2022Reply
  
  Hi Lori, You could omit it but the sauce would be very thick.
Angie
0 January 2, 2022Reply

Loved it!
Susan
0 December 31, 2021Reply

I’m really big into one pot meals these days and it occurs to me that adding some shredded chicken to this yummy-sounding dish would make it a complete meal. I will try that.
Christina
0 December 25, 2021Reply

This dish was amazing as a side at Christmas dinner! A star of the meal. I adjusted it slightly, using plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. I also cooked a small diced onion and the garlic cloves until they were soft and translucent (about 6 mins) and mixed that into the dish. I didn’t add the bacon or green onions on top. I will definitely be making this again.
- Betty Bennett
  0 August 6, 2022Reply
  
  Loved this. Will definitely make again.
Laura
0 December 23, 2021Reply

Can you use 2% milk instead of heavy cream
- Wholesome Yum D
  0 December 24, 2021Reply
  
  Hi Laura, I have never used 2% in this recipe, one being because 2% milk is not low carb and two being you want a thick and creamy texture and you will only get that from HWC.
  - Amy
    0 January 23, 2022Reply
    
    Great recipe, so tasty every time. This is a new go to recipe for my family. I roast the cauliflower in the bacon grease rather than adding butter.
Sarene
0 December 10, 2021Reply

Second time I’ve made this. First was Thanksgiving, a friend who had it that evening requested it for her birthday dinner. It was a huge hit both nights. Feedback was “Who would have thought cauliflower would steal the show!”
Deb Steppe
0 December 8, 2021Reply

If using frozen cauliflower do you boil then roast or just roast etc…
- Wholesome Yum D
  0 December 8, 2021Reply
  
  Hi Deb, I would thaw and then roast your cauliflower.
Dawn E Van Riper
0 November 22, 2021Reply

Could I use frozen cauliflower in this recipe?
- Wholesome Yum D
  0 November 23, 2021Reply
  
  Hi Dawn, Frozen cauliflower should work as a replacement in this recipe.
  - HK
    0 December 21, 2021Reply
    
    How would you cook in crockpot?
    - Wholesome Yum D
      0 December 22, 2021Reply
      
      It may work in a slow cooker, but I’ve never tried it to give any recommendations. Let me know how it goes and what you did if you decide to experiment with it.
Janet Howgate
0 November 19, 2021Reply

Awesome. But I should have done more cauliflower I’m still hungry. Lol.
Anita
0 November 17, 2021Reply

Loved it!!
Vickie
0 November 10, 2021Reply

Is this recipe gluten free? I don’t eat gluten free but my daughter does and I would like to make something she can eat at our Thanksgiving dinner.
- Wholesome Yum D
  0 November 10, 2021Reply
  
  Hi Vickie, Yes, this recipe is gluten free.
Heather
0 October 17, 2021Reply

I only have 10% cream in my fridge. Do you think that would work? Thanks
- Wholesome Yum D
  0 October 18, 2021Reply
  
  Hi Heather, Yes, that would also work in this recipe.
Jpallesen
0 October 2, 2021Reply

This was SO DELICIOUS!! The roasting left the cauliflower with texture and a nice bite.
Judy
0 September 26, 2021Reply

I’ve made loaded cauliflower casserole for a very long time & have never roasted my cauliflower…..I cook it first drain it & put it in the baking dish & pour my sauce over it cover with foil & I sprinkle the cheese over it & bake for 10-15 mins. or until cheese melts. Sprinkle with green onions & serve.
- Gary
  0 November 11, 2021Reply
  
  You should try the roasted approach, even though you have always done it another way. Roasting removes a LOT of the additional water! It also adds a more complex, nutty and smoky flavor to the cauliflower.
  
  This recipe as written is GREAT! 🙂
Peggy Pavek
0 September 22, 2021Reply

I made this last week & it was outstanding! I plan to make it again next week! It was THAT GOOD!
Tammi
0 September 10, 2021Reply

This recipe is so delicious! My husband (who hates cauliflower) loved this casserole. I made this alongside smoked sausage and green beans. Will definitely be making this often!
Oh, I added double cheese
Ashley
0 September 9, 2021Reply

My family requests this a lot now!! So good! When we need to go through veggies, we add sweet potato, squash and zucchini. Super easy and most of the time my picky girl will even eat this.
Chris Vigil
0 September 3, 2021Reply

Love this recipe. I’d like to make ahead for a weekend away with some friends. Can I just refrigerate until time to bake? Any suggestions on bake time after that? Thanks in advance!
- Wholesome Yum M
  0 September 3, 2021Reply
  
  Hi Chris, Yes, you can assemble the ingredients in a baking dish and refrigerate until ready for the final bake. Follow steps 1-6 on the recipe card and then refrigerate. When you are ready to serve, bake at 350 for 20 minutes or so until fully heated through. Enjoy!
Kristy c Glisson
0 September 1, 2021Reply

Can you freeze this?
- Wholesome Yum M
  0 September 1, 2021Reply
  
  Hi Kristy, Absolutely! Store it in a freezer-safe airtight container and it will keep well in the freezer.
Lourdes Winter
0 August 22, 2021Reply

Maya does it again! I just whipped up my second batch of this delicious side dish – two Sunday dinners in a row. Big hit with friends last week as well as with the hubs.

I can’t recommend it enough!

*My variation was to substitute “Unexpected Cheddar” cheese from Trader Joe’s – it’s got a hint of parmesan, but it’s definitely a nice, sharp cheddar flavor.
Julie
0 August 19, 2021Reply

This just became a staple in my household and I will be making at least once a week. Was a little worried with cauliflower but it turned out incredible! With the salt and pepper I also added onion and garlic powder. So good!
Liz
0 August 18, 2021Reply

I made this recipe last weekend. Oh my goodness this is so good. I did add cooked chicken breasts, chopped, to it to give it some meat. The flavor was absolutely amazing. Nothing “diet” like to this. Loved it.
Rebecca Heck
0 August 14, 2021Reply

This recipe was one of our favorites when we first started Keto. We’ll 2.5 years and 105lbs later it STILL IS! Now I add 4oz of softened cream cheese in with heavy cream and sour cream. It’s a bit richer and spectacular over the top creamy.
Dana Jackson
0 August 8, 2021Reply

I made this for my family. We loved it! I did use a bigger head of cauliflower, so I added some extra butter, cream, and cheese. We turned it into a one dish meal with some extra crumbled bacon and diced, sweet onion on the top. Great recipe!
Sue Y
0 July 28, 2021Reply

Oh my… SO good! Husband and I may or may not have demolished the entire pan at dinner! Made exactly to the instructions. All the things I love about cauliflower mac & cheese without the fuss of making a sauce. Highly recommend.
Sue
0 July 22, 2021Reply

I didn’t add bacon or green onions very satisfying without all those carbs
Mandy
0 July 17, 2021Reply

I was planning to make this tonight but I only have 18% cream. Do you think that will work instead of heavy cream? Thanks so much in advance!
- Wholesome Yum M
  0 July 17, 2021Reply
  
  Hi Mandy, Yes, melt an extra tablespoon of butter in to the 1/4 cup of cream and it will work great! Enjoy!
Christalynn
0 July 13, 2021Reply

Very tasty but had some extra moisture in the bottom of the casserole dish. Any suggestions to reduce or what I may have done?
- Wholesome Yum M
  0 July 14, 2021Reply
  
  Hi Christalynn, Did you have too much cream sauce at the bottom or was it watery from the cauliflower? If it was watery, you can increase the roast time by another 5 minutes. Then pour off any excess liquid before adding the cream and sour cream. If the recipe had too much creamy sauce, you can half the amount of heavy cream you add to the recipe. I hope this helps!