Love a loaded baked potato? It's one of my favorites... and one of the things I've missed most since going low carb in 2017. I've created this recipe to give me that loaded baked potato flavor without the carbs...
This loaded cauliflower bake is simple, delicious and tastes just like a real loaded baked potato. It's so good that my family requests this recipe at least once a week. I'm here today to share it with you. Enjoy.
This loaded cauliflower bake is: LOW CARB, KETO-FRIENDLY and GLUTEN-FREE.
Inspiration for this loaded cauliflower bake recipe
Is the loaded cauliflower bake recipe either low carb or keto?
What are the ingredients to make a loaded cauliflower bake?
Cauliflower: It provides a low carb base, mimicking the texture of potatoes while offering a neutral canvas for the creamy sauce and bacon. Yes.
Olive Oil or Melted Butter: Used for roasting the cauliflower, these fats add richness and help in achieving a caramelized cauliflower. This is where a lot of flavor can be built.
Sour Cream: Adds a creamy tanginess to the sauce, enhancing the overall richness while keeping the dish moist and flavorful.
Cream Cheese: This creates the thickness in the sauce and adds a creaminess, ensuring it coats the cauliflower beautifully without being runny. If you use heavy cream, the cauliflower bake will be a watery mess.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the bake, providing a gooey, cheesy texture and a sharp, comforting flavor. Be sure to set some aside for the crispy topping!
Parmesan Cheese: Offers depth and a complementing flavor to the cheddar. Also helps to create a nice crunchy topping to the bake!
Bacon: What would a loaded baked potato be without bacon? Just a potato. Same applies for the loaded cauliflower bake- without the bacon, why make it?
Garlic: Adds a crucial flavor component to this recipe. I’ve tried it several times without garlic and it is just not as good.
Chives or Green Onions: Every loaded baked potato needs a contrasting flavor component… green onion is it. Make sure you chop a bunch because they are delicious on this recipe.
Is a loaded cauliflower bake the same as a loaded cauliflower casserole?
The terms "loaded cauliflower bake" and "loaded cauliflower casserole" are often used interchangeably. Both refer to a dish where cauliflower is combined with creamy, cheesy elements and baked, but the name may vary based on regional preferences or slight variations in preparation or presentation.
Can I use a different cheese than cheddar in a loaded cauliflower bake?
Absolutely, you can experiment with different types of cheese in a loaded cauliflower bake. Cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack are excellent choices that melt well and can add varying flavors and textures to the dish. The key is to choose a cheese that complements the overall flavor profile you're aiming for.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN Loaded Cauliflower Casserole:
To begin making the Loaded Cauliflower Bake, start by preheating your oven and preparing the cauliflower. Cut the cauliflower into florets and toss them with olive oil or melted butter, seasoning them with salt and pepper.
Spread these on a baking sheet and roast until they're tender and have a nice caramelization, which typically takes about 20-25 minutes. This roasting step is key as it intensifies the cauliflower's flavor and reduces moisture, ensuring your bake isn't watery. Once done, reduce the oven temperature, readying it for the next baking phase.
Putting it all together:
In a separate bowl, mix together the sour cream with the cream cheese. Add the majority of the cheddar cheese along with all the Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and a touch more salt and pepper. Stir these until well combined. Then, take your roasted cauliflower and gently mix it into this creamy sauce, ensuring each floret is nicely coated.
Transfer this mixture to a casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, followed by the crumbled bacon. Bake in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and begins to turn golden. Once out of the oven, let it sit for a moment before garnishing with chives or green onions.
Serve this delightful Loaded Cauliflower Bake warm, perhaps with a dollop of sour cream on top for an extra touch of decadence.
Make this loaded cauliflower bake today:
I’ve taken pictures so you can make this loaded cauliflower bake in your own kitchen. If you have questions, please ask in the comments!
STORAGE, Reheating and Freezing your loaded cauliflower bake:
Storing: The Loaded Cauliflower Bake can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Ensure it's cooled to room temperature before covering. Store in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing other flavors in the fridge.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for longer storage, up to a month. To freeze, let it cool completely, then wrap it securely in a freezer-safe wrap or place it in a freezer-safe container. It's a good idea to portion the bake before freezing so you can thaw only what you need later.
Reheating: To reheat, use the oven. Cover the bake with foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) until it's warmed through, which usually takes about 20 minutes. If reheating from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
My loaded cauliflower bake LOVES TO BE PAIRED WITH THESE AMAZING RECIPES:
Golden Rotisserie Chicken: A succulent, perfectly cooked chicken with a beautifully golden exterior... it pairs so nicely with this loaded cauliflower bake.
Roasted Leg of Lamb: This dish features a tender, juicy leg of lamb, seasoned to perfection, with a robust and aromatic flavor. It's easier to make than you might think!
The Perfect Porterhouse Steak: A steak lover's dream, this recipe shows how to make a perfectly cooked porterhouse with a flavorful crust on the outside and a juicy, tender interior. It's a match made in heaven with the cauliflower bake.
Crispy Oven Roasted Chicken: An easy-to-make, crispy-skinned chicken that's juicy inside, offering a delightful contrast in textures when served alongside the smooth and creamy cauliflower bake.
Grilled Lamb Chops: These lamb chops are grilled to perfection, infusing them with a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich and savory notes of the loaded cauliflower bake.
LOOKING FOR More amazing side dishes? TRY THESE RECIPES
Cheesy Brussel Sprouts Casserole: A comforting casserole that transforms Brussels sprouts into a cheesy, creamy delight, perfect for those who love a hearty side dish.
French Haricots Vert Recipe: This classic French recipe brings out the delicate flavor of green beans, making them a simple yet elegant side dish that pairs well with various mains.
Green Beans and Mushrooms: A flavorful combination where the earthiness of mushrooms meets the crisp freshness of green beans, creating a side dish that's both healthy and full of flavor.
Spicy Roasted Cauliflower: This dish gives cauliflower a kick with its blend of spices, making it a great choice for anyone looking to add a bit of heat to their otherwise kinda boring cauliflower!
Oven Roasted Asparagus: Simple and elegant, this recipe highlights the natural flavors of asparagus, making it a go-to for a quick, healthy, and delicious side dish.
Loaded Cauliflower Bake
The Loaded Cauliflower Bake is a comforting and hearty side dish, perfect for those who enjoy rich, savory flavors. It features tender roasted cauliflower and a creamy mixture of sour cream, cheeses, and minced garlic, topped with crispy bacon and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup heavy cream or cream cheese (for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided into ¾ cup and ¼ cup)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- ¼ cup finely chopped chives or green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven for Roasting: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Cauliflower: Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil or melted butter. Season with salt and pepper.
- Roast Cauliflower: Spread the cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized, stirring halfway through.
- Reduce Oven Temperature: Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Creamy Mixture: In a bowl, mix together the sour cream, heavy cream or cream cheese, ¾ cup of cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and a bit of salt and pepper.
- Combine with Cauliflower: Transfer it to a large mixing bowl once the cauliflower is roasted. Pour the creamy mixture over the roasted cauliflower and stir gently to combine.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Grease a casserole dish and transfer the cauliflower mixture into it. Spread evenly.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, let it cool slightly, and garnish with chopped chives or green onions. Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream on top, if desired.
Notes
Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower florets evenly for consistent roasting. Spread the florets in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure they roast evenly. Turn the baking sheet halfway through roasting for an even caramelization.
Cheese: Using a mix of cheddar and Parmesan adds depth of flavor. Keep in mind that freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded. I try to avoid using very sharp cheddar in this recipe, opting for more mild cheddar flavor.
Bacon: While the cauliflower is roasting, you can also roast the bacon in the oven at the same time. It saves time and makes delicious bacon. Or, try using my incredibly flavorful Homemade Bacon Bits. Amazing!
Seasoning: Before baking the loaded cauliflower, give it a taste. Adjust the seasoning and then bake it, keeping in mind that the bacon and extra cheese will add more saltiness.
Fresh Herbs: A loaded baked potato (what this recipe is based on) needs to have some chives or chopped green onions... make sure you have them as that oniony flavor compliments the baked cauliflower's rich creaminess.
Serving: Be sure to let the cauliflower bake sit for a few minutes before serving. The flavors will come together, and the sauce will have a chance to thicken. It's simply amazing served with just about any keto or low carb protein. So yum.
This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.
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