Side Dishes

Tasty Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

ByFelix Weber January 3, 2026January 3, 2026

Introduction

This Tasty Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole is a flavorful, cheesy side dish that brings a spicy kick to your table. Roasted cauliflower combined with creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and jalapenos makes it a satisfying treat for any meal.

A glass baking dish filled with a baked casserole showing layers of roasted cauliflower florets scattered on top mixed with green sliced jalapeños. The cauliflower is covered in melted bright orange cheddar cheese with small pieces of crispy cooked bacon sprinkled evenly throughout. The textures show a mix of soft melted cheese, juicy baked vegetables, and crunchy bacon bits. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 of bacon (cooked and crumbled)
3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese

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 cream cheese, salt, and black pepper, then stir well until the cauliflower is evenly coated.
Step 4: Pour the cauliflower mixture into a baking dish. Evenly scatter the chopped jalapenos and crumbled bacon on top, then sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese to cover the surface.
Step 5: Bake the casserole for 15 minutes at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a milder flavor, leave the jalapenos with seeds intact or reduce the amount used.
Add chopped green onions or fresh herbs like parsley for extra freshness.
Substitute bacon with cooked sausage for a different twist.
Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicier, creamier texture.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through to maintain the casserole’s creamy texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a glass baking dish filled with a cooked cauliflower casserole. The dish has a base layer of roasted white cauliflower florets with some browned spots. On top, there are melted yellow-orange cheese patches covering the cauliflower unevenly. Scattered throughout are crisp, small pieces of reddish-brown bacon and bright green slices of jalapeño peppers, adding color and texture contrast. The dish is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture, and the focus is close to show the gooey cheese and crispy bacon details. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain the cauliflower well before roasting to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

Is this casserole suitable for low-carb diets?

Absolutely! Cauliflower is a great low-carb alternative to potatoes, and this recipe is rich in protein and fat from the cheese and bacon, making it perfect for low-carb or keto diets.

Tasty Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 121 reviews

This Tasty Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole is a flavorful, cheesy bake that combines roasted cauliflower with spicy jalapenos, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon. It’s a perfect low-carb side or a comforting vegetarian-friendly dish by omitting bacon. Roasted to bring out the natural sweetness of cauliflower and baked with a rich, cheesy topping, this casserole offers a delicious twist on a popular appetizer.

Author: Felix
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

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 of bacon (cooked and crumbled)

Seasonings

1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Roast the Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C). Spread the cauliflower pieces evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes. This initial roasting softens the cauliflower and enhances its natural flavors.
Reduce Oven Temperature: Remove the roasted cauliflower from the oven and lower the temperature to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) to prepare for final baking.
Prepare the Cauliflower Mixture: Transfer the roasted cauliflower to a mixing bowl. Add softened cream cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the cauliflower is well coated with the creamy seasoning.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the cauliflower mixture into a baking dish. Evenly distribute the chopped jalapenos and crumbled bacon over the top. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly to cover the surface, creating a cheesy crust.
Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish into the oven and bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly but not browned. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or substitute with plant-based bacon.
Adjust jalapeno quantity to control the heat level according to preference.
To make it keto-friendly, ensure the cheddar and cream cheese are full fat.
Use gloves when handling jalapenos to avoid skin irritation.
Leftover casserole can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Keywords: jalapeno popper, cauliflower casserole, cheesy casserole, low-carb side dish, roasted cauliflower, bacon casserole, jalapeno cheese bake

Felix Weber

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