There's nothing better than a warm, cheesy casserole straight from the oven, and this Loaded Cauliflower Casserole is no exception! It’s creamy, rich, and packed with bold flavors, making it the ultimate comfort food with a healthier twist.

I first discovered this dish while searching for a lower-carb alternative to my favorite loaded baked potato casserole. With crispy bacon, melty cheese, and tender roasted cauliflower, it delivers all the indulgence without the guilt. Now, it’s a regular on my dinner table—perfect as a side dish or even a hearty main course.

Why You’ll Love This Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite casserole. Whether you're looking for a low-carb alternative, a crowd-pleasing side dish, or just an easy meal to whip up on a busy night, this dish checks all the boxes.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple steps—roasting, mixing, and baking—you’ll have a dish that looks and tastes like you spent hours preparing it.

Next, it’s packed with flavor. The combination of crispy bacon, gooey cheese, sour cream, and green onions gives every bite a satisfying, loaded-potato vibe without the heavy starch.

Another big plus? It’s keto-friendly and low-carb! If you’re watching your carb intake, this casserole lets you enjoy all the cheesy goodness of a classic potato dish without the extra carbs.

Finally, it’s totally customizable. You can easily switch up the cheeses, add in different proteins, or make it vegetarian-friendly. It’s the kind of recipe that adapts to whatever you have in your kitchen.

Ingredients Notes

This casserole may be simple, but the ingredients work together to create an irresistible dish. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one is essential:

Cauliflower – The star of the show! Roasting it first enhances its flavor and prevents the casserole from becoming watery.
Bacon – Crispy, salty, and packed with umami flavor, bacon adds the perfect crunchy contrast to the creamy base.
Cheese – I use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a balance of sharpness and gooey texture. Feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even Parmesan for extra depth.
Sour cream – Adds a creamy, tangy richness that helps bind everything together. Greek yogurt works well as a substitute for a lighter option.
Cream cheese – Melts beautifully into the dish, creating a luscious, creamy consistency.
Green onions – Brighten up the dish with a fresh, slightly sharp bite that cuts through the richness.
Garlic powder & onion powder – Simple seasonings that add depth and enhance the cheesy goodness.
Salt & black pepper – A little seasoning goes a long way in bringing out all the flavors.

For this recipe, you’ll need a large baking dish, a mixing bowl, and a sheet pan for roasting the cauliflower.

How to Make This Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

Making this casserole is incredibly easy and requires just a few steps. Let’s break it down:

Step 1: Roast the Cauliflower

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets and spread them out on a lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and roast for 15-20 minutes, until the edges are golden and slightly crispy. This step is crucial for preventing a watery casserole.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

While the cauliflower roasts, cook your bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once done, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large bowl, combine sour cream, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until smooth. Then, fold in the roasted cauliflower and half of the crispy bacon.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheese and bacon. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, top with chopped green onions for a burst of freshness. Let it cool slightly before serving—this allows the flavors to meld together.

In just 35 minutes, you’ll have a rich, cheesy, and utterly satisfying dish ready to enjoy!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which isn’t always the case in my house!), this Loaded Cauliflower Casserole stores beautifully.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this casserole is how easily it can be customized. Here are some delicious variations to try:

Make it vegetarian – Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for a hearty, meat-free version.
Add more protein – Toss in cooked chicken, ground turkey, or even crumbled sausage for an extra-filling meal.
Switch up the cheese – Try pepper jack for a spicy kick or smoked gouda for a deeper, smoky flavor.
Spice it up – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a drizzle of hot sauce for heat lovers.
Lower the calories – Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for a lighter version.

This Loaded Cauliflower Casserole is one of those recipes that never disappoints. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight side, bringing it to a holiday gathering, or simply treating yourself to some cheesy goodness, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

Try it once, and I promise—it'll become a staple in your recipe collection!