Description
Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole is a delightful fusion of creamy, cheesy goodness and the bold kick of spicy jalapeños. This crowd-pleasing dish takes the beloved flavors of classic jalapeño poppers and transforms them into a hearty, comforting casserole that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower
- 4 ounce cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 to 3 jalapeños, seeded and diced
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional: Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Start by steaming or boiling the cauliflower florets until they’re tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the cauliflower well and pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
3. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced jalapeños, half of the crumbled bacon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well blended.
4. Add the cooked cauliflower to the cheesy jalapeño mixture and stir until the cauliflower is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top it off with the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and the remaining crumbled bacon.
5. Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the top is golden brown.
6. Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes. Then, garnish it with the chopped green onions (if using) and serve it hot.
Notes
To ensure your Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole turns out absolutely amazing, here are a few helpful tips:
Look for a large, fresh head of cauliflower with tightly packed, creamy white florets. Avoid any that are discolored or have blemishes.
The amount of jalapeños you use will determine the overall spice level of the casserole. If you prefer a milder dish, start with just 1 or 2 jalapeños and add more to taste.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian or meat-free version, you can easily omit the bacon or substitute it with plant-based bacon alternatives.
Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole is the perfect dish to make ahead of time. Assemble the casserole, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 600 milligrams
- Fat: 25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Protein: 15 grams
- Cholesterol: 40 milligrams