Tasty Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
A flavorful and cheesy Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole that combines roasted cauliflower with cream cheese, spicy jalapenos, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese for a comforting and savory side dish or snack.
- 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
- 1 cauliflower head (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 3 jalapenos (de-seeded and chopped)
Dairy
- 2 tablespoons softened cream cheese
- 3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
Meat
- 4 slices of bacon (cooked and crumbled)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Roast the Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C). Spread the cauliflower evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes to soften it and enhance its natural flavor.
- Reduce Oven Temperature: Remove the roasting cauliflower from the oven and lower the temperature to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) to prepare for the final baking step.
- Prepare the Cauliflower Mixture: Transfer the roasted cauliflower to a mixing bowl. Add the softened cream cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat the cauliflower evenly with the seasoned cream cheese.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the cauliflower mixture into a baking dish. Distribute the chopped jalapenos and crumbled bacon evenly over the top. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese to cover the surface for a cheesy crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish into the oven and bake for 15 minutes at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) until the cheese is melted and bubbling but not browned. Remove and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- To reduce heat, remove seeds and membranes from the jalapenos before using.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or substitute with a plant-based bacon alternative.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer, creamier texture.
- Serve warm as a side dish or appetizer.
Keywords: jalapeno popper, cauliflower casserole, cheesy cauliflower bake, bacon cheese casserole, spicy cauliflower dish
