Tasty Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
This Tasty Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole is a flavorful and cheesy vegetable bake that combines roasted cauliflower with spicy jalapenos, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon. Perfect as a low-carb side dish or a comforting vegetarian-friendly entrée, it features a delicious blend of textures and bold flavors from sharp cheddar and smoky bacon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 3 jalapenos (seeded and diced into 1/4-inch pieces)
- 1 head cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets)
Dairy
- 2 tbsp cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Tillamook sharp cheddar preferred)
Meat
- 4 slices cooked bacon (crumbled into small bits)
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat and Roast the Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Spread the bite-sized cauliflower florets evenly on a baking sheet and roast them for 15 minutes. This step softens the cauliflower and enhances its natural flavors.
- Reduce Oven Temperature: After roasting, remove the cauliflower from the oven and lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for the casserole’s final bake.
- Prepare the Cauliflower Mixture: Transfer the roasted cauliflower into a mixing bowl. Add softened cream cheese, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat the cauliflower evenly with the creamy seasoning.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the cauliflower and cream cheese mixture into a baking dish. Evenly sprinkle diced jalapenos and crumbled cooked bacon over the top. Finish by spreading a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over everything to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Bake until the cheese is bubbly and melted but not browned. Once done, remove the casserole and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a milder dish, reduce the amount of jalapenos or omit the seeds.
- Use thick-cut bacon for extra smoky flavor and a better texture contrast.
- You can prepare the casserole up to the assembly step, then refrigerate it for a few hours before baking.
- Substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a different cheese twist.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: jalapeno popper cauliflower casserole, low carb casserole, roasted cauliflower bake, cheesy cauliflower dish, jalapeno bacon casserole
