Introduction

This Tasty Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole is a delicious twist on the classic jalapeno popper flavors, combined with the comforting texture of roasted cauliflower. It’s a cheesy, spicy side dish that’s perfect for any meal.

This image shows a glass baking dish filled with a cooked cauliflower casserole. The bottom layer is made of green jalapeño slices and large pieces of roasted cauliflower with a slightly browned texture. Melted bright orange cheddar cheese covers the vegetables unevenly, creating a creamy layer on top. Small pieces of crispy, browned bacon are scattered across the dish, adding texture and color contrast. The glass dish is placed on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cauliflower head (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tablespoons softened cream cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 jalapenos (de-seeded and chopped)
4 slices of bacon (cooked and crumbled)
3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C). Spread the cauliflower evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes to soften it and enhance its flavor.
Step 2: Remove the cauliflower from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) to prepare for the final baking.
Step 3: Transfer the roasted cauliflower to a mixing bowl. Add the softened cream cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the cauliflower evenly with the cream cheese mixture.
Step 4: Pour the cauliflower mixture into a baking dish. Spread the chopped jalapenos and crumbled bacon evenly over the top. Then sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese to cover the surface.
Step 5: Bake the casserole at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, leave some jalapeno seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese mixture.
Try using smoked gouda or Monterey Jack cheese instead of cheddar for a different flavor profile.
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add toasted breadcrumbs on top for crunch.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To keep the cheese from drying out, cover the dish with foil during reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a baked dish in a clear glass rectangular baking dish placed on a white marbled surface. The dish has three visible layers: a bottom layer of roasted white cauliflower florets with some browned edges, a middle layer of melted golden-yellow cheddar cheese evenly spread over the cauliflower, and a top layer scattered with bright green slices of jalapeño peppers and small crispy pieces of reddish-brown cooked bacon. The cheese looks gooey and slightly browned from baking. The overall look is warm, hearty, and colorful with a mix of creamy, crunchy, and spicy elements. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. Thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before roasting to avoid a watery casserole.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, keep it refrigerated, and bake it when ready. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Tasty Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 125 reviews

A flavorful and cheesy cauliflower casserole with spicy jalapenos, creamy cream cheese, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese, roasted and baked to perfection for a delicious low-carb side dish or appetizer.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 cauliflower head, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons softened cream cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 jalapenos, de-seeded and chopped
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese

Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Roast the Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Spread the bite-sized cauliflower pieces evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes to soften them and enhance their natural flavor.
Reduce Oven Temperature: Once the cauliflower has roasted, remove it from the oven and lower the temperature to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for the final baking step.
Prepare the Cauliflower Mixture: Transfer the roasted cauliflower to a mixing bowl. Add the softened cream cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat the cauliflower evenly with the seasoned cream cheese.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the cauliflower mixture into a baking dish. Evenly distribute the chopped, de-seeded jalapenos and crumbled bacon over the top. Then sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese generously to cover the entire surface, creating a cheesy crust.
Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C), until the cheese is bubbling and melted but not browned. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

De-seeding the jalapenos reduces the heat while keeping the flavor, but you can adjust the amount or keep seeds for more spice.
Bacon can be substituted with turkey bacon or omitted for a vegetarian version (adjust diet accordingly).
Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing and better coating.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Cauliflower casserole, jalapeno popper, cheesy cauliflower bake, low carb side dish, bacon cauliflower bake