Tasty Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
This Tasty Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole is a flavorful, cheesy baked dish that combines roasted cauliflower with creamy cheese, spicy jalapenos, and crispy bacon for a delicious low-carb comfort food.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
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 (preferably Tillamook sharp cheddar)
Meat
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled into small bits
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
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 them for 15 minutes to soften and bring out their natural flavors.
- Reduce Oven Temperature: After roasting, remove the cauliflower from the oven and decrease the temperature to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare the Cauliflower Mixture: Transfer the roasted cauliflower to a mixing bowl. Add the softened cream cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat the cauliflower evenly with the seasoned cream cheese.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the cauliflower mixture into a baking dish. Evenly distribute the diced jalapenos and crumbled bacon on top. Finally, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the entire surface.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the assembled dish in the oven and bake for 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C), until the cheese is melted and bubbling but not browned. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For less heat, remove seeds from jalapenos before dicing.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Use nitrate-free bacon for a healthier option.
- Cover the dish with foil if the cheese is browning too quickly during baking.
- This casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
Keywords: jalapeno popper, cauliflower casserole, cheesy cauliflower bake, low carb casserole, spicy cauliflower dish, roasted cauliflower recipe
