Ok. Let’s get real for a minute. Raise your hand if you miss mashed potatoes. Uh-huh. That checks out — which is exactly why this loaded cauliflower casserole exists. It’s cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and butter baked over tender cauliflower, and it’s on the table in 45 minutes.
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Ok. Let’s get real for a minute. Raise your hand if you miss mashed potatoes.
Uh-huh.
That checks out – potatoes were my JAM back in my pre-keto days – and my family lived for my homemade loaded mashed potatoes – which took an incredible amount of time to peel, wash, mash and smother with sour cream, butter, and cheese.
Look, I know my way around a bowl of hand mashed heaven, and I know you do too, so I’m not going to straight-up lie and tell you cauliflower is the new potato or claim that nobody here notices the difference between loaded cauliflower and a big steaming carb-filled pot of Russets.
They do – but here’s the thing – they like both.
Score for me. And you.
Also, my cauliflower version takes less than half the prep time and work, and you can have it on the table in 45 minutes from start to finish – with all of the cheesy flavors you love with significantly fewer carbs.
How To Make Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
We’re loading this cauliflower casserole up with bacon, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, sour cream, and butter.
So you’re going to want to fry the bacon first.
Next, we’re steaming the cauliflower for a few minutes in the microwave so that it gets tender, but our kitchen doesn’t get “that cauliflower” smell.
Once you have those steps behind you all that’s left is to add in ingredients and bake!
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Why This Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Works
- Cream cheese + sour cream + butter = a richness that makes you forget you’re eating a vegetable
- Two cheeses (cheddar AND Monterey Jack) give you that loaded baked potato flavor without the carbs
- Steaming in the microwave keeps your kitchen from smelling like a science experiment
- Only 4.7 net carbs per serving — compared to 30+ grams in a potato casserole
- Freezer-friendly, so you can make it ahead for holidays or meal prep
Why Cauliflower Is the MVP of Keto Side Dishes
I should probably disclose that I am not yet the official spokesperson for Big Cauliflower, but at this point we’re in talks.
Here’s why this vegetable deserves all the hype: one cup of cauliflower has just 3 net carbs. Compare that to white rice at 45 grams per cup or potatoes at 30 grams, and suddenly you understand why every keto blogger on the internet won’t shut up about it. It’s loaded with vitamin C, vitamin K, B6, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber – so you’re getting actual nutrition while you eat what tastes like comfort food.
The best part? Cauliflower doesn’t care how you cook it. Roast it, bake it, grill it, air fry it, steam it, or eat it raw with ranch like a monster. It’s versatile enough to handle whatever you throw at it. I’ve turned it into shrimp and grits, loaded soup, goat cheese mash, and now this casserole. The sponsorship is coming. I can feel it.
Loaded Cauliflower Casserole – Carbs Per Serving
If you’re keeping up with your macros – this casserole contains 4.7 net carbs per serving. In case you forgot – you calculate net carbs by subtracting dietary fiber from total carbs:) 5.8 – 1.1 = 4.7. Full Disclosure: I use a plugin that I trust to calculate nutrition – but if something looks off to you or you’d rather calculate your own info – I encourage you to go for it!
More Must Have Keto Side Dishes
If you like this loaded cauliflower recipe, then you need to check out these keto sides!
Goat Cheese Cauliflower Mash – If you’re looking for the ultimate keto side dish that’ll make everyone at your holiday table forget about mashed potatoes, this Keto Goat Cheese Cauliflower Mash is IT. Creamy, luxurious, and packed with flavor, this low carb cauliflower mash is about to become your new go-to for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and every special occasion in between.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts With Bacon – An easy low carb side that screams I worked all day on this, but it took less than 40 minutes to pan roast these Brussels Sprouts to perfection in bacon, butter, and olive oil:)
Creamed Spinach – Make this epic keto side dish with fresh or frozen spinach, cream cheese, butter, and garlic topped with a layer of Parmesan cheese and pork rinds!
Green Beans with Bacon – Make fresh green beans stand out for the holidays or any day with this green beans with bacon side dish that you can make on the stove or slow cooker with 3.1 net carbs per serving.
46 Keto Side Dish Recipes – An epic collection of the best low carb side dish recipes.
Keto Crockpot Crack Chicken – Slow cooker cream cheese shredded chicken dinner recipe that is addictively awesome!
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Loaded Cauliflower Casserole With Cream Cheese [Low Carb, Keto] | Word To Your Mother Blog
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
This loaded cauliflower casserole is the ultimate healthy comfort food swap for mashed potatoes. Loads of cream cheese, cheddar, butter, and bacon combined with cauliflower create an unbelievably delicious side dish that is ready to serve in 45 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 Head Cauliflower (4 cups cauliflower florets) – Chopped
- 6 Ounces Cream Cheese, cut into chunks
- 8 Strips Fried Bacon
- 1/2 Cup Sour Cream
- ¼ Cup Heavy Cream
- 3 Tablespoons Butter
- 1 + 1/2 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1/2 Cup Monterey Jack Cheese
- 1/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- ¼ Teaspoon Garlic Powder (Optional)
- 2 Tablespoons Chives or Green Onions To Garnish
Instructions
- Cook bacon and set aside
- Preheat oven to 400°
- Chop cauliflower
- Steam Option 1: Put cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl, add a few tablespoons of water – cover with cling wrap – and steam for around 5 minutes until tender
- Steam: Option 2: Place the cauliflower in a steamer basket on top of a pot with boiling water and steam until tender, around 5 minutes.
- Once it’s steamed – drain excess water and throw the cauliflower back into the bowl – cover it and let it sit there for 2-3 minutes. Please be patient here and let the cauliflower do its thing – (it will absorb extra moisture and prevent your casserole from being a soggy disaster)
- If you want a mashed potato consistency, then whip out the potato masher, blender or food processor and go for it. Or skip this step. It’s up to you.
- Next Step: Add cream cheese, 1 cup of cheddar, Monterey Jack, sour cream, heavy cream, butter, and garlic powder. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and toss to combine.
- Transfer to an oven-safe casserole dish and top with remaining shredded cheese blend and crumbled bacon.
- Place in preheated oven and cook until cheese is melted and nicely browned on top, around 8-10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and serve topped with fresh chives or green onions.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Variations:
Swap Cheddar Cheese with 1/2 cup Gruyere Cheese + 1/4 Cup Parmesan
Add 1/2 Cup Colby
Swap Cheddar with Italian Cheese Blend
Make it Au Gratin by adding Parmesan breadcrumbs (1/2 cup Parmesan cheese + Cup crushed original flavor pork rinds)
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Keto Side Dishes
Tips for the Best Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
Don’t skip the resting step. After steaming, let the cauliflower sit covered for 2-3 minutes. This absorbs extra moisture and prevents a soggy casserole. This is the #1 mistake people make.
Cut your cream cheese into small chunks so it melts evenly into the cauliflower.
Use pre-cooked bacon if you’re short on time – no judgment. Just crisp it up in the microwave for 30 seconds first.
Fresh cauliflower > frozen for texture, but frozen works in a pinch. Pat it dry thoroughly if you go frozen.
Want it mashed? Use a potato masher for chunky or a food processor for smooth. Both are great – just depends on whether you want a casserole vibe or a mashed potato vibe.
How To Store and Reheat
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: This casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350° until heated through.
Reheat: Oven at 350° covered with foil for 15 minutes, or microwave 2-3 minutes. The oven keeps the cheese topping crispier.
I lost 150 pounds on keto and have maintained that weight loss for twelve years. These recipes played a huge role in my success — and I know they can help you too.
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