Tasty Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
This Tasty Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole is a flavorful, low-carb side dish that combines roasted cauliflower with creamy cheese, spicy jalapenos, and crispy bacon. Perfect as a comforting, cheesy casserole with a kick, it balances heat and indulgence in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower
- 1 cauliflower head, cut into bite-sized pieces
Cheese & Cream
- 2 tablespoons softened cream cheese
- 3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Toppings
- 3 jalapenos, de-seeded and chopped
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Roast the Cauliflower: Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C). Spread the cauliflower evenly on a baking sheet and roast it for 15 minutes. This process softens the cauliflower and enhances its natural flavors.
- Reduce Oven Temperature: Remove the roasted cauliflower from the oven and lower the temperature to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare the Cauliflower Mixture: Transfer the roasted cauliflower to a mixing bowl. Add the softened cream cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the cauliflower is evenly coated with the creamy, seasoned mixture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the cauliflower mixture into a baking dish. Distribute the chopped jalapenos and crumbled bacon evenly over the top. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese generously to cover the surface, creating a cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish into the oven and bake for 15 minutes at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) until the cheese is melted and golden, and the casserole is heated through.
Notes
- For less heat, remove all seeds from jalapenos or reduce the number used.
- Crisp bacon ahead of time and store it to save prep time.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and add extra cheese or sautéed mushrooms.
Keywords: jalapeno popper, cauliflower casserole, cheesy casserole, low carb side dish, spicy cauliflower, bacon casserole
