Description
This Loaded Cauliflower Casserole is a creamy, cheesy side dish packed with roasted cauliflower, a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning, topped with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. It’s a comforting and flavorful low-carb casserole perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower
- 1 head of cauliflower (cut into bite sized pieces, about 10 cups)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing mix
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded, divided)
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded, divided)
Toppings
- â…“ cup cooked crumbled bacon
- 1 green onion (thinly sliced)
Instructions
- Roast Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread the cauliflower pieces on a large baking pan in a single layer. Drizzle with oil and season with salt and pepper, then toss to coat evenly. Roast in the oven for 15 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender-crisp.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: While the cauliflower roasts, combine the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses in a small bowl, reserving 1 cup of this mixture. In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch dressing mix, minced garlic, and 1 cup of the cheese blend until well combined.
- Combine and Assemble: Spray a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Transfer the roasted cauliflower to a large bowl, gently add the cream cheese mixture, and stir until all the cauliflower is coated evenly. Then, spread this mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top, and then add the cooked crumbled bacon and sliced green onion as toppings.
- Bake the Casserole: Return the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until it is heated through and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- You can substitute the bacon with cooked sausage or omit it for a vegetarian version.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Make sure to not over-roast the cauliflower to keep some texture in the casserole.
- The casserole dish size can be adjusted, but 2 quarts is ideal for even cooking.