Tasty Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
A flavorful and comforting Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole featuring roasted cauliflower mixed with creamy cheese, spicy jalapenos, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar for a delicious low-carb twist on the classic appetizer.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting, Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Vegetables
- 1 cauliflower head, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 jalapenos, de-seeded and chopped
Dairy
- 2 tablespoons softened cream cheese
- 3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
Meat
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Preheat the Oven and Roast the Cauliflower: Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C). Spread the cauliflower evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes. This initial bake softens the cauliflower and enhances its natural flavor.
- Reduce Oven Temperature: Once the cauliflower is roasted, remove it from the oven and lower the temperature to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare the Cauliflower Mixture: Transfer roasted cauliflower to a mixing bowl. Add the softened cream cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the cauliflower is evenly coated with the creamy, seasoned mixture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the cauliflower mixture into a baking dish. Evenly distribute chopped jalapenos and crumbled bacon over the top. Finally, sprinkle grated cheddar cheese generously over the surface to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the assembled dish into the oven and bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Notes
- Removing seeds from jalapenos reduces heat; adjust according to your spice preference.
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon or substitute with plant-based bacon.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a bolder flavor.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to help it set.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of casserole
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: jalapeno popper casserole, cauliflower casserole, low carb casserole, cheesy cauliflower bake, jalapeno bacon casserole