- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9″ or similar baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Prepare cauliflower: Cut cauliflower into florets and steam or boil 5–7 minutes until tender but still firm. Drain well and pat dry to prevent a watery casserole.
- Make the creamy base: In a large bowl, mix together sour cream, softened cream cheese, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Add cheese & bacon: Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar and most of the cooked, crumbled bacon (reserve a bit for topping).
- Combine and layer: Add the cauliflower florets to the creamy mixture, tossing gently to coat evenly. Transfer to prepared baking dish.
- Top & bake: Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese and reserved bacon over the top. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Finish & garnish: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped green onions or chives. Serve warm!
Serving and Storage
Serving
- Serve this casserole warm as a hearty side dish or even a main for a lighter meal.
- Pair with grilled chicken, roasted pork, or steak for a complete dinner.
- Add extra toppings like fresh herbs, extra cheese, or crunchy onions for contrast.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled casserole (without fresh toppings) up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Tips
- Dry cauliflower well: Excess water can make the casserole runny — pat florets dry after steaming.
- Cheese blend: Mix cheddar with mozzarella or pepper jack for extra gooey texture and flavor.
- Bacon poultry seasoning: A pinch of poultry seasoning or Italian seasoning adds depth.
- Add texture: Top with crispy fried onions or toasted breadcrumbs for crunch!
Variations
- Loaded Twice Baked: Mix in cooked diced ham or shredded chicken for extra protein.
- Buffalo Style: Stir in buffalo sauce and blue cheese for a tangy twist.
- Ranch Loaded: Add a packet of ranch seasoning to the creamy base for zesty flavor.
- Mexican Style: Swap cheddar for Mexican blend and add jalapeños + cilantro.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes! Thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before making the casserole. - Is this dish low‑carb?
Yes — the cauliflower base makes it a great low‑carb or keto‑friendly side! - Can I make this ahead?
You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate before baking; add a few minutes to cook time. - Can I add veggies?
Absolutely — broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers are great additions!
Conclusion
**Loaded Cauliflower Casserole** is a creamy, cheesy comfort side dish that brings flavor and texture to any meal. With tender cauliflower, savory bacon, and gooey cheese, it’s sure to
