Introduction

This Tasty Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole combines the spicy kick of jalapenos with creamy cheese and savory bacon, making it a flavorful and satisfying dish. It’s a perfect low-carb alternative that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

The dish is in a clear glass square baking dish on a white marbled surface. It has three visible layers: the bottom layer is pieces of green bell pepper cut into chunks, the middle layer consists of white cauliflower florets with some browning from roasting, and the top layer is melted, bright orange cheese spread unevenly over the vegetables. Scattered on top are small, crispy, dark reddish-brown bacon bits. The edges of the dish have some browned cheese and roasted leftover bits clinging to the glass. The overall look is a warm, cheesy, roasted vegetable bake with a mix of textures and colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 jalapenos (seeded and diced into 1/4-inch pieces)
1 head cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets)
2 tbsp cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (I use Tillamook sharp cheddar)
4 slices cooked bacon (crumbled into small bits)

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 and enhance its flavor.
Step 2: Remove the cauliflower from the oven and reduce the temperature to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for the final bake.
Step 3: Transfer the roasted cauliflower to a mixing bowl. Add the softened cream cheese, salt, and pepper, then stir until the cauliflower is well coated with the seasoned cream cheese.
Step 4: Pour the cauliflower mixture into a baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the diced jalapenos and crumbled bacon over it, then top with shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy crust.
Step 5: Bake the casserole at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

For a milder version, use fewer jalapenos or leave the seeds in for extra heat.
Swap cooked bacon for turkey bacon or omit for a vegetarian option.
Try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or garlic powder for extra depth of flavor.
If you prefer a creamier casserole, stir in a splash of heavy cream when mixing the cauliflower and cream cheese.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals to avoid drying out.

How to Serve

A glass baking dish filled with a layered baked cauliflower casserole is shown close up. The bottom and main layer is white cauliflower florets with some browned and roasted spots. On top, there is a bright orange melted cheese layer that covers the cauliflower. Scattered on the cheesy layer are small pieces of crispy browned bacon and slices of fresh green jalapeño peppers. The edges of the dish show some browned bits from baking. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?

Fresh cauliflower yields the best texture, but you can use frozen cauliflower. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before roasting to avoid excess moisture.

Tasty Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 113 reviews

This Tasty Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines roasted cauliflower with creamy cheese, spicy jalapenos, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar. Perfect as a side or a hearty snack, this casserole blends the classic flavors of jalapeno poppers into a healthy vegetable base for a low-carb twist.

Author: Ruby
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 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 recommended)

Seasonings

1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)

Meat

4 slices cooked bacon (crumbled into small bits)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Roast the Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Spread the cauliflower florets evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes. This step softens the cauliflower and enhances its natural flavors.
Reduce Oven Temperature: Once the cauliflower is finished roasting, remove it from the oven and lower the temperature to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for the next baking stage.
Prepare the Cauliflower Mixture: Transfer the roasted cauliflower to a mixing bowl. Add the 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 mixture into a baking dish. Evenly distribute the diced jalapenos and crumbled bacon over the top. Finally, sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the entire surface to create a cheesy crust.
Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish into the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C), until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.

Notes

For extra heat, leave some jalapeno seeds in the mix or add more diced jalapenos.
Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor contrast, but feel free to substitute with mozzarella for a milder taste.
Ensure cream cheese is softened to help it coat the cauliflower smoothly.
You can make this casserole ahead of time and bake just before serving.
This dish pairs well with grilled meats or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: jalapeno popper, cauliflower casserole, low carb casserole, baked cauliflower dish, cheesy cauliflower bake, bacon casserole, spicy casserole