This Loaded Creamy Cauliflower Casserole has the flavors of a classic loaded baked potato. It’s a hearty, healthy, and delicious low-carb side for any occasion.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Loaded Cauliflower Recipe

• Healthy substitute for potatoes
• Cheesy and loaded with bacon
• Satisfying, comfort food
• Easy to make with simple ingredients

Who doesn’t love a loaded baked potato?  Even those who are not on keto will enjoy the same rich and savory flavors in this cauliflower casserole.

With this recipe, fresh cauliflower, along with many of the traditional toppings of a loaded baked potato, is transformed into a guilt-free Keto side dish. It’s smooth with cheesy goodness, and of course, the bacon takes it to the next level!  

The saltiness of the bacon and the creaminess of the Mascarpone and cheddar truly make this the best keto cauliflower recipe you’ll ever make.

If you like the combination of the bacon and cauliflower in this recipe, try this loaded keto cauliflower potato salad that has many of the same tasty ingredients in it!

🛒 Ingredients for Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

• Cauliflower
• Cheddar cheese
• Mascarpone cheese
• Uncured bacon
• Sour cream
• Grass-fed butter
• Garlic salt
• Salt and Pepper
• Fresh chives

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Small casserole baking dish
• Food processor
• Microwave safe bowl
• Skillet

🔪 How to Make Keto Cauliflower Casserole

Preheat the oven to 450°F.

Add the cauliflower to a microwave safe bowl, cover with a paper plate, and cook in the microwave for 10 minutes or until tender.  

Drain the cauliflower well and pat it with paper towels, pressing gently to dry.  It’s important to make sure it’s dry so that it doesn’t get watery when you bake it.

Next, dump the cauliflower into the bowl of a food processor.  Add in all the remaining ingredients except for the bacon and half the cheddar cheese.

Pulse the mixture until it’s all smooth and creamy.

Pour the mixture into a small baking dish that’s been buttered or sprayed with nonstick spray.

Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

Top with the crumbled bacon, and garnish with chopped fresh chives.

Allow it to cool slightly before serving.

☑️ Storage Instructions

Mashed cauliflower can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to about 3 days. You can also freeze it, though the texture is best when it’s freshly baked.

💡 Tips for Making Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

• While using a head of cauliflower is fine, buying prepackaged florets can save you time and a little clean up.
• Because you want a thick consistency, using frozen cauliflower for this cauliflower casserole is not recommended, due to its moisture content.
• If you can’t find Mascarpone, you can always use cream cheese. It’ll change the macros because cream cheese has more carbs, so make sure you take that into account.
• You can change up the flavors of this casserole by swapping the cheddar for pepper jack or Colby, or any of your favorite melting cheeses.
• If you have the extra time, roasting the cauliflower florets adds even more flavor.
• If you love extra spice, add you can add chopped, fresh, or pickled jalapenos.
• You can add leftover chopped chicken or ham for a complete meal.

🔄 Cauliflower Mash Casserole Variations

• Broccoli florets: Add steamed broccoli florets to the cauliflower mash for a broccoli and cheddar twist.

• Jalapeños: Spice it up by adding diced jalapeños to the cauliflower mash for a hint of heat.

• Caramelized onions: Include caramelized onions for a sweet and savory flavor.

• Parmesan cheese: Mix in grated Parmesan cheese with the cheddar for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.

• Herbs and spices: Experiment with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives, and spices such as paprika or cayenne pepper to enhance the flavor.

• Greek yogurt: Swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt or a slightly tangier twist.

• Cream cheese: You can use cream cheese instead of mascarpone, if you prefer.

🍴 What to Serve Keto Cauliflower Casserole With

Honestly, any protein main course you can think of will go with these potatoes. If you have simple meat and potato lovers in your house, here are some great options:

• Air Fryer Pork Chops
• Cast Iron Steak and Mushrooms
• Mississippi Pot Roast
• Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
• Crockpot Meatloaf
• Lemon Pepper Wings

Is Cauliflower Keto?

Cauliflower is perfect for keto. In fact, it’s commonly used as a substitution for potatoes and rice in many low carb recipes.

Not only is cauliflower low carb, it’s rich in fiber and nutrients like vitamin B6, vitamin C, and vitamin K. If you’d like to read more about the health benefits of cauliflower, check out this article.

Why is My Baked Cauliflower Runny?

Ensure the cauliflower is well-drained once it has been microwaved. Also, you only want to bake the casserole until it’s bubbly. Over-baking can cause it to become watery.

How Do I Give Cauliflower a Creamy Consistency?

Use a food processor or immersion blender to get a smooth and creamy texture. Add a bit of sou cream or butter for extra richness.

Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for this Recipe?

Technically, you can. Having experimented with both fresh and frozen, fresh is what I always recommend.

🍽️ More Keto Casserole Recipes

• Chicken Parmesan Casserole
• Buffalo Chicken Casserole
• Easy Taco Casserole
• Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
• Easy Sausage and Pepper Breakfast Casserole
• Chicken Alfredo Casserole

*Originally published on August 29, 2018, updated on March 7, 2024 with new photos, new recipe information and helpful tips.