Home » Recipes » Casseroles » Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
posted by Crissy Pageon Mar 8, 2017 (updated Jan 19, 2024) 126 comments »
Cauliflower casserole is a great low carb dinner recipe that also works well as a side dish. You’re going to love our easy loaded cauliflower casserole recipe!
Our loaded cauliflower casserole is bursting with flavor. This casserole takes cauliflower to a whole new level thanks to yummy ingredients like sour cream, lots of cheese, and crispy bacon.
Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
I’m a believer in the casserole as a dinner solution for busy families, and this loaded cauliflower casserole might just be one of my favorite easy casserole recipes.
Old-fashioned casseroles are usually loaded with pasta or rice, but I’m loving this casserole because the main star of the dish is healthy cauliflower. Three cheers for vegetables!
Even my kids who aren’t typically huge fans of cauliflower love this cheesy and delicious loaded cauliflower casserole recipe.
Come to think of it, and the thought literally just popped into my head, if you wanted to add some more nutrition here you could use half cauliflower and half broccoli in this dish.
Easy Keto Cauliflower Casserole
This is a wonderful casserole for anyone doing the keto diet. With just 3 carbs per serving, it’s a satisfying dinner that will help keep you on track with your goals.
Whether this loaded cauliflower casserole is a main dish or a side dish is up for debate.
RELATED: Love casseroles? Don’t miss this amazing Mexican tater tot casserole and my keto breakfast casserole.
For me, personally, I could easily make a warm bowl of this casserole my entire dinner, but you can serve it alongside your favorite meat and a garden salad.
If you wanted to beef-up the casserole (err… chicken-it-up?) you could shred some rotisserie chicken and add it to the dish prior to baking.
When I was a kid my mom would always steam a pan of cauliflower and then sprinkle a bunch of cheddar cheese on top. She and I would eat a huge plate of that stuff and it’s what made me grow to love cauliflower when I was younger.
This loaded cauliflower casserole recipe reminds me of the cheesy plates of cauliflower that my mom would whip-up, but WAY BETTER.
The crispy bacon in this cauliflower casserole really sends it over the top. It adds a nice crunch that pairs nicely with the creamy steamed cauliflower and cheese.
This loaded cauliflower casserole recipe is definitely worth giving a try. Be sure to add it to your weekly meal plan this week and let me know how you like it!
Oh, and if you’re interested in utilizing cauliflower in more recipes, you’ll love my cauliflower pizza crust!
More Tasty Dinner Recipes
- Ground Turkey Vegetable Soup
- Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
- Tater Tot Casserole
- Chicken Spaghetti
- Biscuits and Gravy Casserole
Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
This low carb keto cauliflower casserole is truly loaded with flavor!
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bacon, fried crispy
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded colby & monterey jack cheese
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- 6 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 370degrees. Spray a11×7 (you can also use 13×9) baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Fry bacon in a large skillet until crispy and crumble. Set aside.
- Steam cauliflower until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Combine your sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, black pepper in a large bowl. Add the steamed cauliflower florets,1/2 of the bacon, 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese and 3 tablespoons chives; mix well. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and top withyourcolby & monterey jack cheese and the other half of the bacon.
- Cover dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 5-10 minutes or just until cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown.Garnish casserole with remaining chives.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8Serving Size: 3/4 cup
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 297Total Fat: 26.6gSaturated Fat: 9.8gTrans Fat: 0.4gUnsaturated Fat: 14.8gCholesterol: 53.6mgSodium: 798mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 0.5gSugar: 1.2gProtein: 11.4g
Casseroles
originally published on Mar 8, 2017 (last updated Jan 19, 2024)
126 comments Leave a comment »
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126 comments on “Loaded Cauliflower Casserole”
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Megan — Reply
This is so delicious! I added jimmy deans sausage & omg..it’s SO GOOD. I also added ranch seasoning until my heart said to stop & 👌👌
Rating: 5
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KC Werthmann — Reply
We had company for dinner and my friends’ husband said it was the best cauliflower he ever had. Everyone loved it!
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Amanda T — Reply
So good! I added rotisserie chicken and jalapeño instead of chives after the first time I made it and both the original recipe and altered recipe were delicious. Almost too good because now my husband makes me make it for him all of the time ;)
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Ida Pletz — Reply
Made this tonight snd we all liked this so its a keeper. Thank you
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R. Alvarez — Reply
This dish is very tasty. We substituted plain yogurt for the sour cream and the bacon with turkey bacon and mixed some chopped green onion.
Will surely make again. -
Brushjl — Reply
Delicious casserole and great way to use up my hidden valley ranch spice.
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Vi — Reply
I made this last year and and my cauliflower hating husband loved it. Has has asked for me to make it often since. I have added cooked chicken and that is good, too. Thanks for a great recipe!
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Delana Thompson — Reply
Made this today and it was awesome! Even my guy asked for me to make it again! Love it, thank you!!!
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Shirley — Reply
Tried it tonight and it was so, so gooood!!!! Can’t wait to make it againllll
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Shannon Willis — Reply
Does this freeze well?
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Dede Carmen — Reply
Cant wait to try this
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Lisa Edwina — Reply
Curried cauliflower rice is a soup flavor.It’s taste is very delicious. This soup is good for our health.
Rating: 4
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Sabina — Reply
Wow sooooo good! Thank you for sharing.
Rating: 5
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Joyce — Reply
Love this recipe! I have made it several times. Tonight we were out of sour cream, so I used plain nonfat organic Greek yogurt. It did not change the taste of the dish at all!
Rating: 5
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David — Reply
Hi! I would very much like to thank you for this recipe!! My wife and I love this! I have made it many times as is plus mixing up the ingredients for to go with different meals. So thank you very much!
Rating: 5
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Chay No — Reply
I love this dish. So easy to prepare…. tasty and Keto friendly.
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Rachel — Reply
Literally one of the best things I have ever tasted. Anyone who tastes it asks for the recipe. And it’s even better as leftovers. Thanks for a great recipe!
Rating: 5
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Bella Hardy @ Healthnerdy.com — Reply
That cauliflower casserole looks delicious, I just want to devour it off the screen! Thanks for sharing, Crissy!
Rating: 5
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Shelly — Reply
Absolutely fantastic recipe! Great side dish with Steak!
Rating: 5
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Tina Conrad — Reply
I’m eating it as I type! This is delicious! Next time I’m going to dice up a jalapeno for it! Yummy!
Rating: 5
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Kia D — Reply
I made this last night and it was amazingly delicious. I will make again. This mimics mac and cheese taste.
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Amy — Reply
This was excellent! I made this as a side dish for flat iron steak. What an awesome meal. Will definitely make again. I did use 2 bags of frozen cauliflower to speed things up. Great recipe!
Rating: 5
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Janelle — Reply
I make this all the time, I add one breast of shredded chicken and make it a main course. Sometimes I use different cheeses to change up flavor a little! Pepper jack cheese is wonderful! Love this, even our non-keto family does too!
Rating: 5
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Stephanie S — Reply
Thank you. We love this and I wondered if frozen cauliflower would work!!! Glad to know you tried it this way and it worked. Now will make it even more!
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Helen — Reply
Love this recipe I have made it several times excellent I find it best with fresh cauliflower.
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Lenka — Reply
Thank you for this recipe, it is amazing and became our family’s favorite immediately!
Rating: 5
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Lizzie — Reply
Absolutely love this dish!!! Made it straight forward the first time (and even forgot the chives and it was to die for. ISpiced it up and added a rotisserie chicken this time, it’s in the oven and I can’t wait to dive in.
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Cheryl — Reply
I’d like to use the frozen cauliflower already chopped (Costco). How many cups of that would be equivalent to a large head of cut up raw cauliflower?
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Cindy — Reply
Omg this was amazing!!!! My family loved it the only change I made was I added chicken
Rating: 5
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Diana — Reply
Was so good, even my picky son loves it.
Rating: 4
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Stephanie Cavanagh — Reply
Hi! I love love love this recipe? Have you ever tried freezing it? Thanks!
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Crystalyn — Reply
This might be one of the best dishes I’ve ever made! Thank you for the recipe!
Rating: 5
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Maggie — Reply
I’m not a fan of mayo, or sour cream. Does this have those tastes or are they covered up by the rest of the ingredients? Not opposed to using them if I don’t have to taste them. Other than that, this looks amazing!
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Sarah — Reply
I’m not a fan of either as well, you can’t taste it! I add a pound of browned ground beef and make this a whole meal!
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Savy — Reply
I made this tonight and it was amazing! I’ve shared the recipe two times already tonight:) thank you so much!!! I did add a little bit more ranch and I used a little broccoli also.
Rating: 5
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Mille — Reply
Love love love this recipe! We omit the bacon since we try to have less processed meats and it is still amazing. We also use a diy ranch seasoning because it’s easy to make organic and leave out the random crap they put in those packets :) We’ve had this multiple times for ourselves and the kids, and when entertaining. It’s always a hit!I’ve tried it with a few times with both sour cream/Mayo and yogurt/Mayo. We are fans of the way the sour cream version turnaround out, better. Turns out less watery and tastier.
Rating: 5
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Mekka — Reply
This was a hit in my home. It was really great!!!
Rating: 5
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Dawn — Reply
This was delicious! Next time I will double the sauce ingredients since I found it a little dry. I didn’t have fresh cauliflower so used two bags of frozen. Next time I will double the recipe so there will be leftovers. Thanks for a new and exciting way to consume more veggies!
Rating: 5
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Ashley — Reply
So delicious! My hubby’s fav keto dish!
Rating: 5
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Shannon — Reply
Can this be made ahead & frozen?
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Jodie Hansen — Reply
How long would this last if I were to make it to take in my lunches for the week? Trying to eat low carb and this looks amazing, going to add chicken for the extra protein. Thanks
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Angie M — Reply
This is sinfully delicious! Made a great side dish with our steaks. Thank you for sharing
Rating: 5
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Jenni — Reply
Amazing! The hubby loved it.
Rating: 5
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Patty — Reply
We are traveling for Thanksgiving, and I must bring my own low-carb dishes if I plan to stay on keto. Could I make this in advance and freeze it? Thanks.
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Teresa — Reply
Do you mean one cup each of Colby And Monterrey jack ? Two cups total? Or one cup total? Thank you, can’t wait to make it!
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Sarah — Reply
Colby & Monterey Jack is a type of cheese. It’s just 1 cup of it.
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Elizabeth — Reply
I believe the recipe calls for 1 cup total of the colby/monterey jack blended style cheese sold in stores, not 1 cup of each. I’m also looking forward to trying this. Sounds and looks delicious!
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Michelle — Reply
I thought this looked delicious and was planning to make it at home. My kids’ school had P/T conferences, so I made a pan and took it to school for the teachers to have for supper. They loved it! I can’t wait to make it for me to eat!.
Rating: 5
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Kelsey — Reply
This was amazing! Will make again! I like everyone’s comments and how they added differ t ingredients. Might try it with some other goodies next time :)
Rating: 5
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Deborah Johnson — Reply
Very tasty and flavorful. Made it for a potluck and brought home an empty casserole dish! Will definitely make again.
Rating: 5
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Jodi — Reply
Ewe just made this for dinner as is. It is delicious and just bursting with the flavor of a loaded baked potato! Thank you for the recipes. Even the kids enjoyed it! Will definitely be putting this into the rotation. I can’t wait to experiment with other add ins!!!
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April — Reply
Hi! I am already loving the recipe just by reading it. Can i use mucrowave instead of oven though?
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Maureen — Reply
This is the second time I’m making this in two weeks. Second time I left out the bacon. I also used light mayo and sour cream. 180 calories per serving and delicious!!!!! (Even with no bacon)
Rating: 5
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Paula — Reply
Can this be made using cauliflower in Steamfresh packs out of the frozen food section, in order to save on time?
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Melissa — Reply
This was absolutely delicious. My husband really enjoyed it too!!! I’m trying out the keto diet and this will be on the menu.
Rating: 5
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Amber — Reply
Made this tonight and oh my word!!! I’m a girl who loves her loaded bake potatoes or potato soup and this right here nailed it for this keto girl! I added sautéed mushrooms, onions, spinach, and green bell pepper to have even more veggies – so rich and filling! I think next time I might even add in some chopped chicken. Thanks for this recipe!
Rating: 5
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Jennifer — Reply
This dish is fantastic! My husband likes when I add broccoli to it (but honestly I prefer the recipe just as it is!). I have made it AT LEAST 4 times now. It’s great as a meal all itself!Do yourself a favor, double the recipe!
Rating: 5
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Crissy — Reply
So glad you love it, Jennifer! Good idea about adding some broccoli!
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Kathryne — Reply
Just made this tonight and it was so good! I made it for a main dish and used two heads of cauliflower and used a whole package of turkey bacon and added chicken. Yay for leftovers!!
Rating: 5
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Beatriz Valenzuela — Reply
I love the casserole. I added 1tbs of margarine. And served as a side to Mild sausages with green peppers and red onions. Adding it to my new side dishes. Thank you!
Rating: 5
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Felicia — Reply
This dish is absolutely delicious!! I will definitely be making it over and over again.
Rating: 5
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Barb — Reply
Made it for the first time, and absolutely loved it. Have lots of leftovers and wondered if this would freeze well after it has already been cooked. Will definitely make again!
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Vanessa — Reply
Thanks for sharing! Does it keep long?
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Kim — Reply
So delicious and savory! Easy to make. Do you know how much is in a serving size? Thank you :)
Rating: 5
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Pamela Bloomingdale — Reply
My grandkids just loved it and they are picky when it comes to vegetables, they always ask when I am making it again.
Rating: 5
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Lori C — Reply
To turn this into a meal I might add chopped ham. Any other ideas?
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Nat — Reply
Just made this tonight…. heaven!!! Sooo yummy!!
Rating: 5
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Ebone Nickerson — Reply
Omg this is amazing! I made this for lunch as was surprised at the taste of it. I used avocado oil mayo and organic chives. The bacon makes the dish in my opinion it is a must have
Rating: 5
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Carina Keller — Reply
I don’t understand why you would need to steam the cauliflower ahead of time? Seems to me if you cut the florets into small enough prices, it should cook just fine.
any experiences with this?-
Crissy — Reply
Hi Carina, if you don’t partially cook the cauliflower ahead of time the risk here is that you end up with tough cauliflower and burnt or overcooked cheese and sauce. You could certainly give it a whirl, be sure to let us know how it works! :)
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Gale — Reply
I just made this for dinner and it is really good. I had to substitute onions for the chives. I thought I had chives and in the middle realized I was out. But the taste is wonderful. I will make it again. It’s also very filling.
Rating: 5
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Michelle — Reply
Lay the cauliflower on a paper towel after you strain it so it soaks up the excess water. I will double the greens onion. I sautéed it with the bacon. It was very good and willMake it again.
Rating: 5
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Amie — Reply
For all of you who are asking about calorie and carb content, I can tell you what my parameters came out to be. And I figured it out based on both six and eight servings, realistically for us, this was a six serving meal.
6 servings:
346 cal
29 fat
3.75 carb
.25 fiber
13.75 protein8 servings:
259 cal
22 fat
2.8 carb
.19 fiber
10.3 protein-
Kim — Reply
Thank you for posting this. Do you know how much is in a serving?
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Kim —
It says 3/4 cup is a serving. I am wondering how many ounces is in a serving. :) I calculate by ounces normally.
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Stephanie — Reply
This looks frickin delightful! Is the ranch seasoning a make or break with this recipe? I’m only asking cause I’ve used the seasoning in otherrecipes and it’s just ruined it for me.
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Lanie — Reply
Omg…sooooooo good! It’s a keeper for my Keto lifestyle. Thank you.
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carolyn — Reply
My family loves this recipe, even the twins who are 21/2!
Rating: 5
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Cathie breton — Reply
Hi, how much protein, carbs, fat etc in each serving. Thank you
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Stephanie, One Caring Mom — Reply
This. looks. AMAZING! I LOVE loaded potatoes, but am trying to eat more low carb so this is perfect! And you can’t go wrong with casseroles! Thanks for sharing!!!
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Jessica — Reply
I made this once back in June and holy man it was sooooooo good!I added half a brick of cream cheese and it made it that much more cheesy and delicious. I’m planning on bringing it to a potluck dinner in a crockpot. Wondering if you would recommend using uncooked cauliflower instead of steamed as it will be cooking on low for a few hours???Thanks!!
Rating: 5
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Elaine — Reply
What other cheese would be good, as I don’t have Colby or Monterey Jack?
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Crissy — Reply
Any cheddar would be amazing!
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Chrissy — Reply
I’m currently following the keto way of eating. I want to enter all the ingredients into the carb manager app in order to track my intake. How many servings in this casserole?
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Crissy — Reply
Hi Chrissy, I would say there are 8 servings in this.
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Stephanie Vodegel — Reply
I made this casserole to take to a family gathering, and everyone loved it now I make it all the time.
Rating: 5
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Debbie — Reply
Love this casserole. I will keep making this for a dish to bring
Rating: 5
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Michele — Reply
This recipe sounds amazing and I can’t wait to try it. I was wondering if it could be made with roasted cauliflower instead of steamed? I just adore the extra flavor that roasting creates with veggies.
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Crissy — Reply
That would work great too!
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Beth — Reply
Made this tonight and loved it! Even my kids liked it and one of them is super picky! I love that it was low carb (well, no pasta, grains, potatoes, at least) for me without having to make a bunch of adjustments or something extra for myself. I’ve made stuff with ranch seasoning before and usually find it overwhelming or weird warmed up but this was just perfect. Added the shredded rotisserie chicken and it was perfect. I will serve it with green beans and crescent rolls (for the non-diabetics) next time!
Rating: 5
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Crissy — Reply
Hi Beth! I’m so glad you loved it. Thank you for commenting and letting the other readers know that it was great with rotisserie chicken. I haven’t tried that yet but it’s on my list!
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Judy Linke — Reply
I added the crispy fried onions on top. Aldi carries a gluten free brand. This recipe is so easy and delicious! My husband, who is struggling with the loss of his carbs had seconds! I’m definitely using this as a go to side dish! My sister-in-law will love this!
Rating: 5
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Leslie Pappas — Reply
Hi Crissy, Sounds delicious, and easy ! On Keto, so what about carbs and sugar counts as well as calories and fat? Thanks
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Kendra — Reply
If this is made with cauliflower pearls(rice)..would you still recommend steaming prior to assembling casserole? Can’t wait to try!!!
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Avelina — Reply
I made this the first time on Easter Sunday. It was devoured. My husband told me to add this to the rotation of sides for supper. I’ve already shared the recipe, twice! It’s a huge hit. Thank you
Rating: 5
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Sandy Loper — Reply
This casserole was the Star of Easter Lunch!!!Requests have been made for it to be included on all of our family holiday menus.Thanks!!
Rating: 5
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Elizabeth — Reply
This recipe was amazing. Quite a process but eventually it will become easier to put together as I will be making this casserole often. My love and my brother were both blown away when they tasted it! I am quite a chef for the most part but this one really wowed them. Thank you so much for sharing this as I can now share this food of love with others :)
Rating: 5
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amy — Reply
My son made this recipe. It was amazing. Watch your cauliflower cooking time and add a bit more pepper. Excellent side dish!!
Rating: 5
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Kathryn — Reply
oh yum. So easy to make and smells delicious. Its done and waiting for my daughter to get home for lunch. Thank you for sharing and I have to admit I added green bell peppers!
Rating: 5
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Crissy — Reply
I’m sure bell peppers taste amazing in this recipe! :)
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Johnny S — Reply
Crissy! This was so delicious!!! I even switched it up by adding ground sausage! Major hit – and I’m making a batch for my friends who just had their first baby 4 weeks ago! Thank you!!
Rating: 5
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Karen — Reply
Husband loved this recipe! I added a pound of hamburger! We’ll be making this again!!
Rating: 5
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Suzy — Reply
Hey, just wondering how I could substitute the mayonnaise out since my little one needs it to be egg-free.
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Crissy — Reply
Hi Suzy, you can just use more sour cream, or you can use a vegan mayo product. Either would be great! :)
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Cindy — Reply
I made it with cauliflower and broccoli as you recommended, and it was fantastic! Thank you!
Rating: 5
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Julie — Reply
I tweeted this recipe by using turkey bacon, light sour cream, organic mayo(no sugar) and green onions/scallions. It was SLAMMIN’!!My daughter HATES Cauliflower and was asking for seconds!!!
Rating: 5
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Julie — Reply
*Tweeked
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Minnie Durbin — Reply
Do you have the nutritional values? I try to track my carbs and fats. On Keto diet.
Rating: 5
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Barb T. — Reply
Sooo easy and very delicious!!! ???❤❤❤???☺☺☺
Rating: 5
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Sue — Reply
I know someone else had asked this question but I didn’t see an answer. Can you make ahead, refrigerate and then bake? Also, how many people do you think this will feed as a side dish for Christmas?
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Crissy — Reply
I think this would be fine and as a side this would serve about 6-8 people.
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Jennifer — Reply
If I’m making this the night before and putting it in the fridge, at what temperature and for how long should I bake it the following day?
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Andrea van Zwol — Reply
Hi Crissy, Just curious to know if you have the nutritional values/content for the cauliflowercasserole. Thanks,Andrea
Rating: 5
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Kris — Reply
My family loved this! Nice option instead of potatoes. We’ll be having this again. Thank you!!
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Claudia Cooper — Reply
Do you have the nutrional info for this recipe?
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Crissy — Reply
I’m sorry Claudia, I don’t. I’m working on including that information in the future.
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Amanda — Reply
Can I omit the sour cream?
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Crissy — Reply
Hi Amanda, you’re going to lose a lot of moisture by doing that, so I’m not sure that I would recommend it.
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Liz — Reply
Wow! This is fabulous!
Rating: 5
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Gene Sloan — Reply
So good! I made this for myself and my wife while she was on the way home from work. So by the time she got in the door, I was just adding grilled chicken breast cut into bite size pieces, and mixed into the general mix, and sliding it into the oven. My only comment, is she liked it well enough to compliment me for it. It is printed out and it will be a repeat in this house. And she commented about the Ranch seasoning. It made a difference, and one she picked up on. I hadn’t told her it was in the list of ingredients.
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Crissy Page — Reply
Hi Gene, thanks for commenting! I’m so glad that you and your wife liked this recipe. Adding chicken is a great idea! :)
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Low Carb with Jennifer — Reply
Hi! Just letting you know I have featured this recipe in my post roundup of 14 delicious recipes using cauliflower! https://jenniferbanz.com/14-delicious-low-carb-recipes-using-cauliflower
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Melissa — Reply
can the cauliflower casserole be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake?
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doris murtha — Reply
I’m wondering the same thing!!
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Cheryl Rudolph — Reply
I want to try the tater tot casserole.
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Freda — Reply
Exactly like my recipe from 3 years ago minus the ranch seasoning… will have to try that.
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