Tasty Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
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.
- 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
