Creamy Low Carb Loaded Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Creamy Low Carb Loaded Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole! This delectable dish combines tender cauliflower florets with a rich, creamy sauce made from sautéed onions, velvety cream cheese, and luscious heavy cream. Enhanced with the bold flavors of sharp cheddar cheese and garlic powder, this casserole offers a satisfyingly cheesy experience without the guilt of traditional carb-heavy dishes. Perfect for keto or low-carb lifestyles, it’s a deliciously wholesome way to enjoy your favorite flavors while staying on track with your dietary goals.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- Fresh Cauliflower (large): A head of cauliflower will be the star of the dish. It’s full of vitamins and adds a yummy taste and texture to the casserole.
- Butter (1 Stick): Butter makes the casserole super rich and tasty.
- Onion (chopped): Onions add a savory flavor to our casserole and make it taste even better.
- Cream Cheese (4 oz): Cream cheese makes things creamy and delicious!
- Garlic Powder (1 Tsp): Garlic powder adds a yummy garlic flavor to our casserole. It’s going to make it taste extra flavorful and delicious.
- Heavy Cream (1 Cup): Heavy cream makes things creamy and dreamy! It’s going give the casserole that rich and creamy texture we’re looking for.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese (2 Cups, divided): Cheddar cheese adds a nice cheesy flavor. We’re going to use half of it now and save the other half for later to make the casserole extra cheesy!
- Parmesan Cheese (1 Cup): Parmesan cheese adds even more cheesy goodness.
- Bacon (1 lb): Bacon adds a delicious smoky flavor.
- Green Onion (2): Green onions add a fresh, oniony flavor and a pop of color to the dish.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Salt and pepper add some extra flavor and seasoning to make sure it tastes just right.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE?
I never imagined that this low-carb casserole would become a staple in our family dinners, but it has! When I started following the keto diet, I was searching for a flavorful low carb side dish that everyone in the entire family could enjoy together. This cheesy cauliflower casserole fit the bill perfectly. Not only is it keto-friendly with only 9 g net carbs per serving, but its creamy texture and cheesy goodness make it a hit with even the picky eaters in the family. Now, it’s become a regular part of our meal rotation, proving that delicious, healthy eating can bring the whole family together, regardless of dietary preferences.
HOW TO PREPARE LOADed CAULIFLOWER casserole?
Time needed: 50 minutes
- Prepare the Cauliflower:
Wash and trim the cauliflower head, then steam it in a large stockpot with one inch of water until softened. Once done, chop into florets and set aside. - Melt Butter and Sautee Onion:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt one stick of butter and sauté the chopped onions until softened.
- Cream Cheese and Garlic Powder:
Add the softened cream cheese and garlic powder, stirring until incorporated. - Heavy Cream and Cauliflower:
Pour in the heavy cream and add the parmesan cheese and one cup of sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until the creamy cheese sauce is melted and smooth. - Add Bacon and Cauliflower:
Then add the crispy chopped bacon bits and gently fold in the steamed cauliflower florets.
Season with salt and black pepper. - Pour in Casserole Dish:
Pour the mixture into a greased casserole baking dish and top with the remaining cup of sharp cheddar cheese. - Bake:
Place it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees f oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly. - Garnish and Serve:
Garnish the top with sliced green onions and serve alongside your favorite protein.
Enjoy your Creamy Low Carb Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole!
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower if you prefer. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before to avoid a runny casserole.
When incorporating dairy such as sour cream you can add an extra layer of richness and tanginess by mixing in cream cheese with the sour cream. Alternatively, Greek yogurt can serve as a lower-fat substitute while still providing creaminess and a slight tang
Absolutely! This casserole is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare it up to a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and then bake it when you’re ready to serve.
This is perfect for a keto diet because cauliflower is a great substitute for higher-carb ingredients like potatoes or pasta. It’s rich in fiber and nutrients but low in carbohydrates, helping you stay within your daily carb limit. Plus, the creamy, cheesy sauce adds flavor and satisfaction without adding extra carbs, making it a delicious and satisfying option for anyone following a keto lifestyle.
CHEESY CAULIFLOWER CASSEROLE SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS:
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese like Gruyere, Swiss, or Monterey Jack to change the flavor profile.
- Vegetable Additions: Add in other low-carb vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and texture.
- Protein Boost: Incorporate cooked rotisserie chicken, turkey, or bacon into the casserole for added protein and flavor.
- Spice it Up: Add spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes for a kick of heat and extra flavor.
- Topping Options: Use crushed pork rinds for a low-carb crunchy topping to add some texture.
WHAT DO YOU SERVE WITH CHEESY CAULIFLOWER CASSEROLE?
Low-carb cheesy cauliflower casserole pairs perfectly with any meat protein, making it an ideal choice for maintaining a low-carb diet. Whether you choose grilled chicken, steak, or even salmon, adding a protein source to your meal ensures you stay satisfied while keeping your carb intake in check. Or with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, asparagus, green salad, or steamed broccoli for a well-balanced meal. Additionally, you can enjoy it as a standalone dish for a satisfying and comforting low-carb dinner. Plus, the versatility of this casserole allows you to customize your meal making it a staple for anyone following a low-carb lifestyle.
HOW DO YOU STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVER loaded cauliflower bake?
To keep your leftover cauliflower casserole fresh, make sure it’s cooled down first. Then, put it in a sealed container or wrap it in foil. It can stay in the fridge for around 3-4 days. When you want to eat it again, warm up a single serving in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until it’s hot all the way through. If it seems a bit dry, adding a little cream or broth before reheating can help. Once it’s warmed up, you’re ready to dig in and enjoy your tasty cauliflower casserole again!
CAN LEFTOVER CHEESY CAULIFLOWER CASSEROLE BE FROZEN?
To freeze creamy cheesy cauliflower casserole, let it cool down completely. Then, put it in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil. Remember to write the date and what’s inside the container. Stick it in the freezer for 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Be wary that creamy sauces, like the one in this casserole, might change when thawed because of temperature and moisture changes. When you reheat it, add extra cream to make it creamy again. Stir it gently while reheating can help mix the sauce and prevent separation. Though it might not be exactly the same, with some effort, you can still enjoy your creamy cheesy cauliflower casserole after freezing.
LOOKING FOR MORE LOW-CARB OPTIONS? TRY THESE!
Bacon-Wrapped Baked Salmon: This exquisite dish marries the luxurious richness of salmon with the smoky, savory embrace of crispy bacon, resulting in a symphony of taste and texture that promises to captivate the senses. As the salmon bakes to tender perfection, the bacon envelops it in a delectable cocoon, infusing every bite with a tantalizing fusion of sweet and salty.
Grilled Chicken Hearts: Threaded onto skewers and expertly grilled to perfection, each bite promises a juicy burst of rich, meaty goodness. Whether you’re a seasoned barbecue pitmaster or a novice cook looking to explore new culinary horizons, these skewers are bound to be a memorable addition to your repertoire.
Marry Me Chicken: How to Cook: This tantalizing creation features tender chicken breasts enveloped in a velvety, creamy sauce infused with the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs.
Creamy Low Carb Loaded Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Equipment
- Casserole Dish
Ingredients
- 1 Cauliflower (large)
- 1 Stick Butter
- 1 Onion (chopped)
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1 Tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 Cup Heavy Cream
- 2 Cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded)(divided in half)
- 1 Cup Parmesan Cheese (shredded)
- 1 lb Bacon (chopped)(fried crispy)
- 2 Green Onion (sliced)
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Wash and trim the cauliflower head, then steam it in a large stockpot with one inch of water until softened. Once done, chop into florets and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt one stick of butter and sauté the chopped onions until softened.
- Add the softened cream cheese and garlic powder, stirring until incorporated.
- Pour in the heavy cream and add the parmesan cheese and one cup of sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheeses are melted and smooth, then add the crispy chopped bacon and gently fold in the steamed cauliflower florets.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and top with the remaining cup of sharp cheddar cheese.
- Place it in a preheated 350-degree oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly.
- Garnish the top with sliced green onions and serve alongside your favorite protein.
- Enjoy your Creamy Low Carb Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole!