Tasty Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
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.
- 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
