Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
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Are you looking for a tasty, low-carb dish? Loaded cauliflower casserole is the answer! This cheesy, creamy casserole gives you all the flavors of a loaded baked potato without the extra carbs. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck with friends.
You’ll love how easy this recipe is to make. With just 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes in the oven, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time. The combination of tender cauliflower, crispy bacon, and melted cheese creates a comforting dish that’s sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this yummy loaded cauliflower casserole:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into small florets
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Make sure to have these ingredients ready before you start cooking. The recipe serves 6 people and takes about 40 minutes to make from start to finish.
Remember to preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will help your casserole cook evenly and prevent it from sticking to the pan.
You’ll love how the flavors come together in this dish. The creamy cheese mixture coats the tender cauliflower florets, while the bacon adds a nice crunch and smoky flavor.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Get a large pot of water boiling on the stove.
Cut your cauliflower into small florets. Add them to the boiling water and cook for 5-6 minutes until just tender. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels.
In a big bowl, mix sour cream, softened cream cheese, 3/4 cup cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and half the green onions. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Stir the cooked cauliflower into the cheese mix. Make sure it’s all coated. Fold in half the bacon bits.
Spread this yummy mix in your greased dish. Top with the rest of the cheddar cheese.
Pop it in the oven for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s bubbly and the cheese is golden.
Take it out and sprinkle on the rest of the bacon and green onions. Add some fresh parsley if you like. Serve it up hot and enjoy your cheesy, low-carb treat!
Possible Substitutes List
You can easily swap out ingredients in this loaded cauliflower casserole to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:
- Veggies: Try broccoli or a mix of cauliflower and broccoli instead of just cauliflower.
- Cheese: Switch up the cheeses with Gruyère, Gouda, or Monterey Jack.
- Bacon: Use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon for a lighter option.
- Sour cream: Greek yogurt works great as a tangy, protein-rich substitute.
For a dairy-free version, try these swaps:
- Vegan cream cheese
- Dairy-free shredded cheese
- Cashew cream instead of sour cream
Want to add more flavor? Try these mix-ins:
- Diced jalapeños for a spicy kick
- Chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary
- Sautéed mushrooms for an earthy touch
Remember, you can always adjust the spices to your liking. Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne for extra warmth. Happy cooking!
How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly
To make this loaded cauliflower casserole more diabetes-friendly, you can try a few simple swaps. Use low-fat or fat-free versions of the dairy products. This means choosing low-fat sour cream, cream cheese, and cheeses.
Cut back on the bacon. Instead of 6 slices, use just 3 or 4. You’ll still get that yummy bacon flavor with less fat and calories.
Add more veggies to boost fiber and nutrients. Mix in some diced bell peppers or spinach with the cauliflower. This will help fill you up without adding many carbs.
Try using Greek yogurt in place of some of the sour cream. It has more protein and less fat. You can swap half the sour cream for plain Greek yogurt.
Watch your portion sizes. Stick to a smaller serving, about 1/2 to 3/4 cup. Pair it with a big salad or some grilled chicken for a balanced meal.
Skip the salt when seasoning. Use more herbs and spices instead. This will help keep your blood pressure in check.
By making these tweaks, you can enjoy this tasty casserole while keeping your blood sugar levels stable.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
To make your loaded cauliflower casserole even better, try these tips:
- Use fresh cauliflower for the best texture. If using frozen, thaw and drain it well first.
- Don’t overcook the cauliflower. It should be just tender when boiled.
- Pat the cauliflower dry after boiling to avoid a watery casserole.
For extra flavor, try these tricks:
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the cheese mixture.
- Use different cheese blends for variety.
- Sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy finish.
Storing your casserole is easy:
- Cool it completely before refrigerating.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Cover the casserole with foil.
- Heat for 15-20 minutes until warm throughout.
You can also freeze this dish:
- Wrap it well in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
For meal prep, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days, then bake when ready to eat.