Jalapeño Popper Cauliflower Casserole – A Creamy, Cheesy, Low-Carb Comfort Bake
If you love jalapeño poppers but want something heartier, creamier, and a little more wholesome, this Jalapeño Popper Cauliflower Casserole will become your new favorite cozy dish. It brings all the irresistible flavors of classic jalapeño poppers—creamy cheese, smoky bacon, and that perfect touch of heat—into a warm, bubbly casserole built around tender roasted cauliflower. It’s indulgent enough to satisfy your cravings but low in carbs, making it perfect for keto dinners, potlucks, or holiday tables.
This casserole hits all the right notes: the cream cheese and sour cream create a velvety base, cheddar and mozzarella melt into stretchy, golden deliciousness, and crispy bacon adds the perfect salty crunch. Fresh jalapeños bring personality—just enough heat to wake up the flavors without overwhelming the dish. Whether you serve it as a hearty side or a full meal, it brings comfort in every bite.
This recipe is beautifully flexible. Add more jalapeños for spice, swap cheddar for pepper jack, or add chicken for a full entrée. It’s also a wonderful make-ahead dish, reheats like a dream, and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Let’s dive into this dreamy, cheesy, jalapeño-packed comfort casserole.
Ingredients:
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3–4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and minced (add seeds for more heat)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, extra bacon, green onions
Instructions:
- Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8 baking dish.
- Cook cauliflower: Steam or microwave cauliflower until just tender (about 8–10 minutes). Drain well.
- Dry well: Pat cauliflower with paper towels to remove excess moisture—helps prevent a watery casserole.
- Make the creamy mixture: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add cheeses: Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, minced jalapeños, and half the bacon.
- Combine: Gently fold cooked cauliflower into the creamy cheese mixture.
- Transfer: Spread into the prepared baking dish.
- Top: Sprinkle remaining bacon and extra cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Optional broil: Broil 2–3 minutes for a golden, crispy top.
- Garnish: Add sliced jalapeños or green onions before serving.
Jalapeño Popper Cauliflower Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8×8 baking dish.
- Steam or microwave cauliflower until just tender and drain well.
- Mix cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, minced jalapeños, and half the bacon.
- Fold cauliflower into cheese mixture.
- Spread mixture into baking dish and top with remaining bacon and cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and hot.
- Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden top.
Notes
Tips & Tricks
- Dry cauliflower thoroughly—excess water is the #1 cause of soggy casseroles.
- Roast instead of steam for extra flavor; roast at 425°F until tender and lightly browned.
- Control heat level by adjusting jalapeño seeds.
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream to the mixture.
Variations
- Chicken Jalapeño Popper Casserole: Add 1–2 cups cooked shredded chicken.
- Extra spicy: Add a chopped serrano or use pepper jack cheese.
- Bacon Ranch Version: Add 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning.
- Loaded Casserole: Add green onions, extra cheese, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with grilled chicken or steak
- As a main dish with a simple green salad
- As a side for BBQ ribs, roasted pork, or burgers
- Perfect addition to holiday or potluck tables
Storage Information
- Refrigerator: Keeps 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze before baking for best results; thaw overnight before baking.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes.
FAQ
Is this casserole spicy?
Mild to medium—adjust jalapeño seeds to taste.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, but thaw fully and drain well to avoid extra moisture.
History / Fun Facts
Jalapeño poppers emerged from Tex-Mex cuisine, combining creamy cheese fillings with spicy peppers for the perfect appetizer. As low-carb and keto diets grew, cooks began transforming popular comfort foods into casseroles centered around cauliflower. This dish blends those two ideas—beloved jalapeño popper flavors and the versatility of cauliflower—to create a modern comfort recipe that’s both nostalgic and nourishing.
