Tasty Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
This Tasty Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole is a deliciously cheesy and spicy baked dish featuring roasted cauliflower mixed with cream cheese, jalapenos, crispy bacon, and grated cheddar. Roasting the cauliflower enhances its natural flavor, while the combination of creamy, spicy, and smoky ingredients creates a comforting casserole perfect for a flavorful side or a satisfying low-carb main.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Cheese
- 1 cauliflower head (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons softened cream cheese
- 3 jalapenos (de-seeded and chopped)
- 3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
Meat & Seasoning
- 4 slices of bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Roast the Cauliflower: Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C). Spread the cauliflower evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes. This initial bake will help to soften the cauliflower and bring out its natural flavors.
- Reduce Oven Temperature: Once the cauliflower is done roasting, remove it from the oven and decrease the temperature to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). This will prepare the oven for the final baking step.
- Prepare the Cauliflower Mixture: Transfer the roasted cauliflower to a mixing bowl. Add cream cheese, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly to coat the cauliflower well 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 cauliflower. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top, covering the entire surface for a delicious cheesy crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). The cheese should be bubbling and perfectly melted on top without browning. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- De-seeding the jalapenos reduces the heat level; leave some seeds if you prefer spicier casserole.
- For a vegetarian variation, omit bacon or replace with a plant-based bacon alternative.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheesy flavor.
- Ensure cauliflower pieces are bite-sized for even roasting and mixing.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
Keywords: jalapeno popper, cauliflower casserole, roasted cauliflower, cheesy casserole, spicy casserole, bacon, jalapeno, comfort food, low-carb casserole
