Tasty Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
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.
- 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
