Jalapeño Popper Cauliflower Casserole
Creamy, spicy low-carb casserole combining roasted cauliflower with cream cheese, jalapeños, bacon, and melted cheddar. All the flavor of jalapeño poppers without the frying!
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets
- 2 tbsp cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 3 jalapeños seeded and diced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese shredded, sharp cheddar works best
Instructions
- Preheat and Roast: Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Spread cauliflower florets in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes until golden at the edges.
- Reduce Temperature: Remove cauliflower from oven and reduce temperature to 375°F (190°C). Let cauliflower cool for 1-2 minutes.
- Mix Cauliflower: Transfer roasted cauliflower to a large mixing bowl. Add softened cream cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until every floret is coated with cream cheese.
- Assemble: Spread cauliflower mixture into an 8x8 inch baking dish in an even layer. Scatter diced jalapeños evenly across the top. Sprinkle crumbled bacon over jalapeños. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, covering entire surface.
- Bake and Serve: Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until cheese is melted and golden. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Spice Level: Remove all jalapeño seeds for mild heat. Leave some seeds for medium heat, or use serrano peppers for extra spice.
Make Ahead: Assemble casserole up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate covered. Bring to room temperature for 15 minutes before baking. Add 5 extra minutes to baking time.
Vegetarian Option: Omit bacon and add 1/4 cup extra cheese plus a dash of smoked paprika for depth.
Storage: Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Substitutions: Use broccoli instead of cauliflower, Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese, or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar cheese.Claude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.
Make Ahead: Assemble casserole up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate covered. Bring to room temperature for 15 minutes before baking. Add 5 extra minutes to baking time.
Vegetarian Option: Omit bacon and add 1/4 cup extra cheese plus a dash of smoked paprika for depth.
Storage: Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Substitutions: Use broccoli instead of cauliflower, Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese, or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar cheese.Claude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.
