Cheesy Loaded Cauliflower Bake with Bacon

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If you’re looking for the perfect comforting vegetable side dish, look no further than this Easy Cauliflower Casserole loaded with bacon and cheese. Made with 9 simple ingredients and 10 minutes of preparation, this decadent, fully loaded cheesy cauliflower bake is sure to please everyone at the table! (low-carb, keto-friendly)

Featured comment: What a delicious comfort food dish! I absolutely love cauliflower, so this one was right up my alley. So perfect for the holidays!” – Marilyn

Continue to read on for comprehensive tips on preparing, serving, storing and making this loaded cauliflower bacon casserole in advance. Plus, easy ways to customize this recipe. And, don’t miss the in-depth step by step photos showing you exactly how quick and easy this side dish is to prepare!

Update: This recipe for bacon cauliflower casserole was originally published in November 2021. I’ve made updates to the article below to include more information about making the best cheesy cauliflower bake at home.

I love casseroles, especially during the holidays – I mean, they are pretty much a non-negotiable main stay on the holiday table, right?! And, while I do love completely from-scratch, homemade casseroles, I also love vintage casseroles – you know, the ones that require very little effort, yet produce mind-blowing, delicious results. So, today we are celebrating cauliflower casserole in all its retro, cheese-laden glory – with a few minor (yet major!) upgrades of course!

About this loaded cauliflower casserole

Casserole recipes don’t get any easier (or creamier) than this decadent loaded cauliflower bake!

This simple recipe features tender cauliflower blanketed and cocooned in a mixture of creamy celery soup, rich mayonnaise, two types of cheeses, plenty or umami-rich bacon, fresh parsley and aromatic seasonings! Everything gets sprinkled with more cheese, more bacon and shatteringly-crisp onions, before being baked until warm, bubbly and golden brown-delicious! This fully loaded cauliflower casserole is truly satisfying comfort food at its finest! And, bonus points, this recipe will get even the pickiest of eaters to devour their veggies – and ask for second helpings!

But, not only is this cheesy casserole rich, soul-satisfying and undeniably delicious, it’s also an absolute breeze to throw together! This recipe requires just 9 simple ingredients and 10 minutes of hands-on preparation! If you can boil a bit of water (for steaming the cauliflower), stir ingredients together and turn on your oven, then you can make this recipe – it’s honestly that easy-peasy!!

Whether you are looking for an easy weeknight side dish or an impressive, crowd-pleasing holiday side, this casserole is perfect for any and every occasion!

Why you’ll love cheesy cauliflower bake

• Simple ingredients! This loaded cauliflower casserole requires just 9 simple ingredients plus a few pantry staples!
• Easy and fast to prepare! This recipe is straightforward, fool-proof and literally as easy as steam, dump, mix and bake!
• Creamy, cheesy texture! This loaded cauliflower bake is ultra-creamy and deliciously cheesy!
• SO much flavor! Featuring cauliflower, bacon, two types of cheeses and crispy onions, this casserole has got it going on in the flavor department!
• Customizable! You can customize this flexible casserole recipe to suit your specific taste! Feel free to add jalapeños or rotisserie chicken, make your own cream of celery soup (versus using store-bought), or simply switch up the cheeses!
• Make-ahead! You can easily prepare this casserole in advance! When you are ready to enjoy it, simply bake and eat!
• Crowd favorite! I have yet to meet anyone who doesn’t swoon over this casserole – it literally tastes like nostalgia wrapped in cheese!
• Great way to get your kids to eat their veggies! Who doesn’t want to eat cauliflower when it’s enveloped in a blanket of creamy, cheese?
• Anytime side dish! This casserole is the perfect side dish for any and every occasion! It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners and delicious enough to be worthy of your holiday table!

What is a cauliflower casserole?

Cauliflower casserole is a baked dish consisting of tender-crisp cauliflower, cheese and flavorful seasonings in a creamy sauce made from condensed soup. Traditional cauliflower casserole is typically topped with a crunchy topping, such as breadcrumbs or crackers, before being baked until bubbly and golden brown all over.

Cheesy cauliflower casserole was made popular in the United States in 1950’s as it’s remarkably quick and easy to prepare, plus it’s irrefutably tasty!  This loaded cauliflower bake recipe is a twist on the vintage dish, featuring all the same key players – cauliflower, mayonnaise, condensed soup and cheese – along with salty, umami-rich bacon, shatteringly-crispy onions, fresh herbs and flavorful seasonings to jazz things up!

Ingredients for cauliflower loaded casserole 

This recipe uses 9 super simple, easy to find ingredients, along with a few pantry seasonings! The chances are good that you already have most of the ingredients for this casserole right in your pantry and refrigerator!

What you’ll need to make this recipe

• Cauliflower: You will need 24 ounces of cauliflower florets – fresh or frozen – for this recipe. I recommend using a fresh head of cauliflower for the best texture and taste. Two medium heads of cauliflower should yield approximately 24 ounces of florets, give or take.
• Condensed Soup: One can of cream of celery soup adds tons of body and serves as a thickening agent. Condensed soup is the key shortcut ingredient – preventing you from the hassle of preparing a time-consuming homemade cream sauce!
• Mayonnaise: One cup of mayonnaise adds richness and extra moisture which helps make the casserole ultra-creamy!
• Eggs: Two large eggs help bind the casserole together while also providing rich, luscious flavor!
• Seasonings: A combination of garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, kosher salt and ground black pepper all provide robust, yet subtle flavors!
• Cheeses: A mix of sharp cheddar and creamy gruyere give the casserole a depth of cheesy flavor!
• Bacon: While entirely optional, crispy bacon adds the perfect savory, salty, umami-rich flavor to this casserole!
• Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a subtle, yet distinctive aromatic, slightly peppery flavor.
• Crispy Onions: Shoestring onions provide slightly sweet onion flavor, along with plenty of deliciously crispy texture!

Substitutions

This fully loaded cauliflower cheese casserole recipe is flexible! Please feel free to use any of the substitutions below as you need or see fit!

• Broccoli: You can easily swap out the cauliflower and use broccoli instead!
• Condensed Soup: While I prefer the pairing of cream of celery with cauliflower, you can use any condensed soup you love, such as mushroom, chicken or even cheese!
• Sour Cream or Yogurt: If you want to add a touch of tangy flavor, try swapping out half of the mayonnaise for sour cream or Greek yogurt!
• Cheese: If cheddar and gruyere aren’t your thing, you can use any decent melting cheese you love! Varieties such as white cheddar, Colby Jack, Fontina, Gouda, Mozzarella, Swiss, Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack cheese, and Provolone will all work great!
• Herbs: Feel free to add in more fresh herbs – chives, thyme, and green onions are delicious in this casserole!
• Topping: A crispy, crunchy topping is the trademark of a delicious loaded cauliflower recipe! However, if you aren’t a fan of crispy onions, you can easily use a different topping! Try using panko breadcrumbs (toss them in melted butter first), crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz), Chow Mein noodles, or even crushed salted potato chips (don’t use compressed chips) or cereal! (See below for a list of delicious topping ideas!)

Variations

Do you want to make a few additions to this loaded cauliflower bake recipe? Go for it! I encourage you to get creative in the kitchen and create a creamy cauliflower casserole that’s perfect for YOU and YOUR family! Below are a few ideas to help get you started!

• Onion: If you prefer onions in (and not just on) your casserole, you can grate a large shallot or ½ a small onion and add it to the mix!
• Jalapeños: If you like a little heat, finely dice a jalapeño, and add it to the casserole mixture!
• Ham: Feel free to add diced ham or swap out the bacon for ham!
• Turkey: If you have leftover holiday turkey, you can dice it up and add it to the casserole to transform this dish into an entrée!
• Vegetarian: To make a vegetarian cauliflower casserole recipe, simply omit the bacon
• Gluten-free: To make gluten free cauliflower cheese casserole, make sure you use a brand of gluten-free cream of celery soup or make your own cream soup. Believe it or not, but many store-bought condensed soups are not-gluten free, so please be cautious and read product labels.

Loaded cauliflower topping ideas 

Crispy, crunchy toppings are a fun and easy way to shake things up and customize a casserole to your specific tastes! Below are a few of my favorite ways to top this cheesy cauliflower casserole!

• Crackers: Buttery, crispy crackers are a delicious go-to topping for casseroles! While Ritz crackers are the obvious option, Cheez-Its work great too! If using crackers, crumble them and put them on top of the casserole before baking.
• Breadcrumbs: Not all breadcrumbs are created equal! When it comes to topping a casserole, crisp panko breadcrumbs reign supreme! Make sure you toss the breadcrumbs in a bit of melted butter and add them to your casserole before baking for the crispiest results!
• Chow Mein Noodles: Crunchy fried Chow Mein noodles make a fun casserole topping! And they get bonus points for ease of use – no crushing or buttering necessary. To use, simply swap the crispy onions for noodles in the recipe.
• Chips: Ever wonder what to do with those sad chip crumbs lounging around at the bottom of the bag? Well, they make a wonderful casserole topping! Some flavors lend themselves perfectly as toppers – classic (original), sea salt, ranch, jalapeño and sour cream and onion – and will all work great with cheesy cauliflower! However, avoid compressed chips, like Pringles, as they tend to become soggy during baking. To use, crush the chips and sprinkle them on top of the casserole before baking.
• Cereal: If cereal seems like an odd casserole topping, you are missing out! However, make sure you use an unsweet variety of cereal for this cauliflower casserole – plain varieties such as Corn Flakes work the best. You can either crush the cereal or use it whole, depending upon your personal preference! To use, crush the cereal and sprinkle it on the casserole before baking.

How to make a loaded cauliflower bake

This creamy, cheesy loaded casserole is simple and totally fool-proof to prepare! Plus, this recipe only requires 10 minutes of hands-on preparation – it’s literally as easy as steam, dump, stir and bake!

1. Cook cauliflower: Place the cauliflower florets in a steamer basket and steam until the cauliflower is tender-crisp, about 5-8 minutes. Drain the cauliflower and transfer it to a clean work surface. Use paper towels to gently pat the cauliflower dry and set aside to cool.
2. Preheat oven to 350-degrees F. Spray an 9×9 or 8×10-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
3. Mix wet ingredients + seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, combine the soup, mayonnaise, eggs, and seasonings. Whisk until thick and creamy.
4. Add remaining ingredients: Add the steamed cauliflower, 1 cup of cheddar (4 ounces), all the gruyere, ¼ cup of bacon, and all the parsley to the bowl. Gently mix well to combine.
5. Transfer to a baking dish: Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.
6. Top with cheeses & Bake: Top the casserole with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar. Bake for 40 minutes.
7. Add onions + remaining bacon: Remove the casserole from the oven and top with the remaining bacon and all the crispy onions. Return to oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Cool: Remove from the oven and let you cool 5-10 minutes before serving.
9. Serve: Garnish with grated parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve your loaded cauliflower bake and enjoy while warm!

Kitchen equipment you’ll need

This fast recipe for loaded cauliflower requires basic kitchen equipment:

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk and Spatula
• Large Mixing Bowl
• 9×9 or 8×10-inch Baking Dish
• Large Pot (Optional: if you are steaming the cauliflower)

Expert tips for making the best cauliflower casseroles

• Use fresh cauliflower: You can use fresh or frozen cauliflower florets to make this cheesy loaded casserole. However, for the best outcome, I strongly encourage you to use fresh cauliflower! Frozen cauliflower is very wet (obviously), and it tends to make the casserole watery and mushy. If you use frozen florets, please make sure you thoroughly dry them before proceeding with the recipe!!
• Cook cauliflower until tender-crisp: This only applies to fresh cauliflower florets – make sure you cook the cauliflower until it is just tender-crisp, meaning it still has a little bite! If you overcook your cauliflower it will turn to mush during the baking process.
• Shred your own cheese: Please purchase a block of cheese and shred it yourself!! While those bags of pre-shredded cheese are convenient, they also contain anti-caking agents that prevent them from properly and smoothly melting.
• Use a good-quality mayonnaise: This casserole recipe is the only one (to date) on this site that calls for mayonnaise. I don’t advocate for mayonnaise often, but when I do, please know it’s for good reason. Make sure you use a good-quality mayonnaise in this recipe – it will make a difference.
• Let the casserole cool: I’m going to state the obvious – no one wants to burn the roof of their mouth. Please make sure you let the loaded cauliflower bake cool for 5-10 minutes before enjoying!

Step-by-step photos: making cauliflower casserole with bacon

(Please scroll down for the detailed instructions in the complete printable loaded cauliflower recipe card at the bottom of the page!)

FAQs: frequently asked questions

Can I use fresh or frozen cauliflower to make a casserole?

You can use either fresh or frozen cauliflower to make this cauliflower casserole with bacon. However, the texture of the casserole is best when made with fresh cauliflower. The most budget-friendly option is to purchase heads of cauliflower and cut them into florets yourself.

Using fresh cauliflower

• Florets: Heads of cauliflower can vary greatly in size. You need 24 ounces of florets to prepare this recipe, which is equal to approximately 2 medium size heads of cauliflower. Cut the head of cauliflower into bite-size florets.
• Cook: For the best results, you need to cook the florets until they are just tender-crisp. You can either steam, boil (blanch), or roast the cauliflower to cook it.
• Dry: Pat the florets dry and let them cool before using them in the cauliflower casserole recipe.

Frozen cauliflower

• Florets: You will need 24 ounces of frozen cauliflower florets for this recipe.
• Cook: There is no need to thaw the cauliflower first. Simply boil the frozen florets in salted water for 3-5 minutes, or until almost tender.
• Drain and Dry: Drain the florets and pat them thoroughly dry before using them in the casserole. (Note: When using frozen cauliflower, it’s imperative you thoroughly dry it after cooking to prevent the casserole from becoming watery!)

Do I have to cook cauliflower for casseroles?

You will need to cook the cauliflower until it’s tender-crisp before preparing this cauliflower casserole recipe. You can cook the cauliflower florets by steaming (on the stovetop or in the microwave), roasting, or boiling.

Cooking the cauliflower serves two purposes. First, cooking the florets until they’re just tender-crisp ensures that the cauliflower will end up beautifully fork-tender after baking. Second, partially cooking the cauliflower prior to assembling this loaded cauliflower recipe significantly reduces the bake time.

How long to bake cauliflower casseroles?

This cheesy cauliflower bacon casseroles bakes in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for approximately 45 minutes. The precise amount of time to bake your casserole will depend upon the strength and (proper) calibration of your oven. Cauliflower casserole is done with the edges are bubbly, the top is golden brown, and the cauliflower is fork tender.

Can I make a cauliflower loaded casserole in advance?

You can prepare this cauliflower casserole recipe up to one day ahead of time!

The best way to prepare this casserole made with cauliflower in advance is to assemble it and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it the next day.

To make loaded cauliflower casserole in advance: Follow the recipe instructions, cooking the cauliflower and mixing all the ingredients. Pour the casserole mixture into the baking dish and top with cheese. Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and set it on the counter for 30-40 minutes to remove the chill. Then, bake the casserole according to the recipe instructions.

Can I double this recipe?

You can easily double this recipe for cauliflower casserole with bacon if you are feeding a large crowd!

To double this recipe for loaded cauliflower bake, you will need to use a 9×13-inch baking pan. Also, you may need to bake the casserole for 5-15 minutes longer than stated in the recipe, depending upon the depth of your casserole pan. Cauliflower casserole is cooked when the edges are bubbly, the top is golden brown, and the cauliflower is fork tender.

Serving bacon cauliflower casserole

Are you looking for delicious, exciting ways to serve your simple cheesy cauliflower bake? Below are some of my family’s favorite ways to enjoy this cauliflower casserole recipe – hopefully these ideas provide you with a bit of inspiration!

Holiday side dishes

Are you searching for more delicious side dishes specifically for the holiday season? Check out these fan favorites that pair great with this cheesy cauliflower:

• Parker House Rolls, Garlic Bread Roasted Garlic, or 1-Hour Dinner Rolls
• Warm Kale Salad
• Orange Cranberry Relish
• Stuffing with Chestnuts
• Creamy Spinach Casserole
• Brussels Sprouts au Gratin
• Cream Style Corn Casserole

11 sides to serve alongside cheesy cauliflower casseroles

Side dishes for this cauliflower cheese casserole can be as simple or complex as you like. Anything from a garden salad or roasted seasonal vegetables to caramelized onions and stuffing pair well with this loaded cauliflower recipe!

• Hearty Salads: Salads make a wonderful light pairing option for this casserole. A southern cobb salad, wild rice salad, roasted squash salad, or any chopped salad are all great side selections.
• Soups and Stews: Anything from a broth-y chicken noodle soup or Tuscan bean soup to a hearty sausage soup pairs great with this creamy dish.
• Sweet Potato Casserole: Slightly sweet Southern sweet potato offers a nice contrast of flavor to savory, cheesy cauliflower.
• Green Beans: Simple, yet delicious crisp green beans with butter and garlic work well with this casserole.
• Carrots: Sweet glazed carrots are always a winning side dish.
• Brussels Sprouts: Crispy brussels sprouts with bacon is a classic combination that pairs brilliantly with this dish.
• Stuffing: If you are looking for a holiday pairing, croissant stuffing and corn are a match made in heaven.
• Mac n’ Cheese: Double up on the creamy sides by pairing this casserole with traditional or healthy mac n’ cheese.
• Potatoes: Crisp roasted potatoes with garlic lend a nice textural contrast to this creamy dish.
• Mushrooms: Earthy mushrooms (roast or sauté) nicely complement this savory casserole.
• Vegetables: If you are looking for a healthy, yet easy side, try roasting a medley of your favorite seasonal vegetables.

14 delicious entrees that pair perfectly with this cauliflower bacon casserole

This loaded cauliflower bacon casserole is beautifully versatile! It pairs well anything from roast or fried chicken and meatloaf to holiday ham and roast beef! Below are a few delicious entrees that complement creamy cauliflower perfectly.

• Burgers and Sandwiches: If you’re looking for an easy pairing, burgers and sandwiches are a great option.
• Roast Turkey: Golden turkey roulade or a simple roasted turkey breast and a cheesy casserole go together hand in hand.
• Roast Chicken: A winning Sunday supper includes a simple roast and a comforting casserole.
• Pot Pie: Southern pot pie and cheesy cauliflower makes for a very hearty meal.
• Ribs: Fall-apart ribs make a comforting, filling main dish option.
• Pork: Pulled pork and this retro loaded cauliflower bake make a delicious match.
• Pork Chops: Glazed pork chops make a wonderful quick and easy weeknight main dish option.
• Pot Roast: For simple, yet cozy Sunday dinner serve this casserole with a tender pot roast.
• Brisket: Tender brisket is another winning cozy main.
• Meatloaf: A southern classic – grandma’s meatloaf and loaded cauliflower recipe.
• Chicken Fried Steak: Another soul-warming southern classic – don’t forget plenty of gravy.
• Holiday Ham: A sticky, succulent spiral ham and a side of loaded cauliflower is perfect for Easter.
• Lamb: A herb encrusted rack of lamb tastes terrific with this side dish.
• Roast Beef: My favorite Christmas dinner includes a beautiful beef roast along with this cauliflower casserole recipe.

Storing, freezing, and reheating instructions

Food safety is of the utmost importance! Please follow the tips below to ensure you are properly storing and reheating your leftover loaded cauliflower recipe!

How long will loaded cauliflower recipe last?

Leftover cheesy vegetable casserole will stay flavorful and delicious for up to 4 days. Leftovers a wonderful heat-and-eat side dish for easy weeknight dinners!

To properly store leftovers, first allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature; however, do not leave the dish out for more than 2 hours at room temperature. Once cool, cover the dish tightly with two layers of plastic wrap to completely seal, or transfer the leftovers to airtight storage containers. Store the leftovers of this cauliflower casserole recipe in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

How to reheat leftovers?

You can reheat this cheesy cauliflower casserole recipe in the oven or in the microwave, depending upon your personal preference! If you want to keep the top of the casserole crisp, I recommend reheating your leftovers in the oven.

• Oven (recommended for best results): Preheat oven to 350-degrees Fahrenheit. Gently tent the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake on the center rack for 15-25 minutes, or until warm throughout. Please note, individual servings will take around 15 minutes, while larger servings will take closer to 25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place an individual serving-size portion of the loaded cauliflower bake in a microwave-safe bowl. Place a microwave-safe lid on top of the container, leaving the lid slightly cracked at the side to form a vent. Reheat for 1 minute. Stir and continue to microwave in 30 second intervals until warm throughout.

Can I freeze recipes for loaded cauliflower?

You can freeze this cauliflower casserole with bacon; however, due to the mayonnaise, the sauce may separate during freezing, which will result in a slightly grainy texture upon thawing. While freezing leftovers is possible, I recommend refrigerating leftovers and enjoying them within a few days. Please note, I don’t advise preparing the loaded cauliflower bake in advance with the intent of freezing it to reheat and enjoy later. If you would like to try freezing your leftovers, please follow the instructions below.

To freeze leftovers

1. Cool: Allow the cauliflower casserole recipe to cool completely to room temperature.
2. Portion: Transfer individual serving-size portions of the casserole to freezer-safe, airtight containers.
3. Freeze: Store the leftover loaded cauliflower recipe in the freezer for up to 1 month.
4. To use: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven or microwave.

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More side dishes made with cauliflower!

If you love this loaded cauliflower bake, be sure to try these fan favorites!

• Cauliflower Healthy Soup
• Mexican Cauliflower Rice
• Salad with Roasted Cauliflower
• Veggie Meatballs (made from cauliflower!)

How to make the best quick and cheesy loaded cauliflower casserole with bacon recipe👇

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