Best 2 Low Carb Loaded Baked Cauliflower Recipes

Craving a hearty and comforting meal without sacrificing your low-carb goals? Look no further than this loaded baked cauliflower recipe. This innovative dish transforms cauliflower into a delicious and satisfying substitute for traditional potatoes. The cauliflower is roasted until tender and topped with a delectable combination of cheese, bacon, and other savory ingredients, creating a flavorful and visually appealing dish that will impress even the most discerning palate. In addition to the classic loaded baked cauliflower recipe, this article offers a variety of exciting variations to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. From a zesty buffalo chicken cauliflower to a creamy spinach and artichoke cauliflower, these recipes provide a range of options to satisfy your cravings. Whether you're following a low-carb diet or simply seeking a healthier alternative to classic comfort food, this collection of loaded baked cauliflower recipes is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

LOW-CARB LOADED BAKED CAULIFLOWER

Low-Carb Loaded Baked Cauliflower image

Need a low-carb side dish? Well, this is a fantastic cauliflower one. It's super hearty and creamy. The cheese sauce and bacon bits really do make this taste like a baked potato casserole. Crushed pork rinds on top cook until golden and adds nice texture. When hot out of the oven the cheese sauce is a little thin but thickens as...

Provided by Rhonda White

Categories Casseroles

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 head of cauliflower, washed and cut into florets
1 Tbsp butter
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
1 tsp tangy Dijon mustard
2 c shredded cheddar cheese
1 c heavy whipping cream
1/2 jar(s) Hormel real 50% less fat bacon bits (or pieces)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
3/4 c (more or less, to taste) finely crushed pork skins (pork rinds)
1 green onion, sliced, for garnish (optional)

Steps:

1. Steam cauliflower florets in about 1/2 inch of water in a covered dish in the microwave about 6 minutes or until slightly tender. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. While cauliflower steams, melt butter over medium heat in a heavy-bottomed 2-quart saucepot. Lightly saute onion for 1-2 minutes, until soft.
3. Slowly pour in 1 cup heavy whipping cream.
4. Add Dijon mustard, stirring the mixture well. Reduce heat if necessary to prevent scorching.
5. Stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar, stirring until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
6. Stir in bacon pieces, salt, and pepper.
7. Drain cauliflower. Add cauliflower and stir to coat.
8. Pour into a buttered or olive-oil coated 2-quart casserole dish.
9. Dust the top with crushed pork rinds. (No need to butter the pork rinds as their natural oils will brown and crisp them nicely.)
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until bubbly. If the top begins to over-brown, you may cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
11. If desired, garnish with chopped scallions (green onions). Serve hot.

LOW-CARB, TWICE-BAKED CAULIFLOWER CASSEROLE

Low-Carb, Twice-Baked Cauliflower Casserole image

A twist to the twice-baked potato, for those looking for an alternative.

Provided by buddyboy02

Categories Side Dish Vegetables Cauliflower

Time 1h

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 large head cauliflower, chopped
1 ½ cups shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
½ cup bacon bits (such as Hormel®)
½ (8 ounce) package low-fat cream cheese
½ cup low-fat sour cream
¼ cup minced green onions
3 tablespoons butter
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Bring a saucepan of water to a boil. Add cauliflower and cook until tender, but not overly soft, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain well and transfer cauliflower to a large bowl. Mash, using a potato masher, leaving some chunks.
Reserve 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese and 1 tablespoon bacon bits. Mix remaining Cheddar cheese, remaining bacon bits, cream cheese, sour cream, green onions, butter, salt, and pepper into the mashed cauliflower in the bowl. Transfer mixture to an 8-inch square baking dish. Sprinkle reserved Cheddar cheese and bacon bits on top.
Bake in the preheated oven until hot and bubbly, 30 to 35 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 240.4 calories, Carbohydrate 10.5 g, Cholesterol 46.3 mg, Fat 15.6 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 16.4 g, SaturatedFat 9.2 g, Sodium 639.9 mg, Sugar 3.7 g

Tips:

Select the right cauliflower: Choose a large, firm cauliflower with tightly packed florets. A head of cauliflower should weigh around 2 pounds (900 grams).
Prepare the cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into 1-inch florets. You can use a knife or a food processor to do this. If you're using a food processor, be careful not to over-process the cauliflower, as you don't want it to become mushy.
Steam the cauliflower: Steaming the cauliflower is a great way to cook it without losing its nutrients. You can steam the cauliflower in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water, or you can use a microwave steamer. Steaming should take about 10-12 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender-crisp.
Mash the cauliflower: Once the cauliflower is cooked, mash it with a potato masher or a fork. You can also use a food processor to do this, but again, be careful not to over-process it.
Add your desired seasonings: Once the cauliflower is mashed, add your desired seasonings. This could include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or any other herbs and spices that you like.
Top with cheese and bake: Top the mashed cauliflower with your favorite cheese and bake it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This will take about 10-15 minutes.

Conclusion:

Loaded baked cauliflower is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. It's also a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables. With its low-carb and high-fiber content, loaded baked cauliflower is a healthy and satisfying option for anyone looking to eat a healthier diet.