Tasty Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
A flavorful and creamy Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole that combines tender roasted cauliflower with spicy jalapenos, crispy bacon, and a melted cheddar cheese topping. This dish is a perfect low-carb, savory side or a light main course for those craving a spicy, cheesy comfort food.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole, Side Dish
- Method: Roasting, Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 cauliflower head (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 3 jalapenos (de-seeded and chopped)
Dairy & Cheese
- 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 evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes to soften the cauliflower and enhance its natural flavor.
- Reduce Oven Temperature: Remove the roasted cauliflower from the oven and reduce the temperature to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) to prepare for the final baking.
- Prepare the Cauliflower Mixture: Transfer the roasted cauliflower to a mixing bowl. Add the softened cream cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to thoroughly coat the cauliflower with the seasoned cream cheese.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the cauliflower mixture into a baking dish. Evenly distribute the chopped jalapenos and crumbled bacon over the top. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese generously to cover the surface.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15 more minutes at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a slight golden crust.
Notes
- For less heat, remove all seeds from the jalapenos or substitute with mild green peppers.
- Bacon can be replaced with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Make sure to soften the cream cheese before mixing to avoid lumps.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and baked right before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of casserole
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: jalapeno popper, cauliflower casserole, low carb casserole, spicy cauliflower dish, bacon cheese casserole
