Tasty Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Tasty Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic jalapeno popper flavors, combining tender roasted cauliflower with creamy cheese, spicy jalapenos, and crispy bacon. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish perfect as a side or a light main course.

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

1. 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 natural flavor.
2. Step 2: Remove the cauliflower from the oven and reduce the temperature to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
3. Step 3: Transfer the roasted cauliflower to a mixing bowl. Add cream cheese, salt, and pepper, then stir well to coat the cauliflower thoroughly with the seasoned cream cheese.
4. Step 4: Pour the cauliflower mixture into a baking dish. Evenly distribute the chopped jalapenos and crumbled bacon over the top. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly to form a cheesy crust.
5. Step 5: Bake the casserole at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling but not browned. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For more heat, leave some jalapeno seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
• Use smoked cheddar for a deeper, smoky flavor that complements the bacon.
• Try adding a handful of chopped green onions or chives on top before serving for added freshness.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add toasted breadcrumbs for crunch instead.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until warmed through to retain the casserole’s texture and flavor. Microwaving is convenient but may soften the cheese topping.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Yes, frozen cauliflower can be used. Thaw and drain it well before roasting to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

Is this casserole spicy because of the jalapenos?

The jalapenos add a mild to moderate heat, especially if de-seeded. Adjust the amount or leave out the seeds if you prefer a milder dish.

Tasty Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 118 reviews

This Tasty Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole is a flavorful low-carb dish combining roasted cauliflower with creamy cheese, spicy jalapenos, and crispy bacon. Perfect as a hearty side or a light main, it delivers the familiar jalapeno popper flavors in a comforting casserole form.

• Author: Naya
• 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 1x2x3x

Main 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

1. 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 to soften and bring out their natural flavors.
2. Reduce Oven Temperature: After roasting, remove the cauliflower from the oven and lower the oven temperature to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) in preparation for the casserole baking step.
3. Prepare the Cauliflower Mixture: Transfer the roasted cauliflower into a mixing bowl. Add the softened cream cheese, salt, and black pepper, stirring thoroughly until the cauliflower pieces are well coated with the seasoned cream cheese.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the creamy cauliflower mixture into a baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the chopped jalapenos and crumbled bacon over the top. Then generously layer the grated cheddar cheese, covering the surface to create a cheesy crust.
5. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C), until the cheese is bubbling and melted but not browned. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• To avoid excessive heat, remove seeds from jalapenos before chopping.
• Bacon can be substituted with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
• Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
• Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheesy flavor.
• This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat in the oven before serving.

Keywords: jalapeno popper, cauliflower casserole, keto casserole, cheesy cauliflower, bacon casserole, low carb casserole, jalapeno cauliflower bake