Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe - Perfect Keto (2024)

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Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe - Perfect Keto (1)

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When it comes to easy recipes and rich, filling food, it’s hard to beat a casserole dish. If you’re just starting out on your keto journey, you probably quickly realized that casserole bakes are one of the most popular main dishes — and this loaded cauliflower casserole is no exception.

This comfort food is one of the best ways to make everyone, even the picky eaters, load up on veggies without even noticing. It’s hassle-free and involves very little cleaning afterwards.

This keto cauliflower casserole is crispy, cheesy, and will surely become a household staple.

Health Benefits of Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

This loaded cauliflower casserole recipe is not only worry-free if you’re following a keto or low-carb diet, but it’s also incredibly nutritious and loaded with health benefits. Here are a few nutrition facts.

#1: Can Improve Bone Density

This baked cauliflower casserole is also packed with delicious, calcium-rich dairy products. Cheese is not only a great source of protein but also one of the best ways to increase your daily amount of required calcium to keep your bones and teeth healthy[*].

Whenever possible, always opt for grass-fed cheese to avoid harmful additives and get extra richness in important compounds such as CLA and omega 3 fatty acids[*][*].

Green onions, also known as scallions, are also in this dish and they’ve been used as a popular remedy in Asian folk medicine for thousands of years. Eastern herbalists commonly use them to fight colds and alleviate headaches, indigestion, and insomnia.

This veggie comes packed with both vitamin C and vitamin K, which are crucial to bone health. Both these vitamins work together to strengthen and maintain bone density, helping to prevent bone degenerative conditions such as osteoporosis[*][*][*].

#2: May Promote Heart Health

This loaded cauliflower casserole delivers a great number of vitamins and nutrients, but one of the most prominent is folate.

One large head of cauliflower delivers an astounding 479 grams of folate goodness. One particular study has shown that folate can help to lower the risks of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases[*].

Cauliflower is also a powerhouse of other important nutrients, such as lutein and zeaxanthin. These particular compounds have been shown to be greatly beneficial to cardiometabolic health and to prevent oxidative stress[*].

#3: Can Help Lower Blood Sugar Levels

The two veggies used in this recipe come packed with high amounts of vitamin C. Vitamin C is quite unique because your body cannot produce it. It’s a very important nutrient that contributes to many vital functions in the body[*].

According to a study published in 2011, a higher consumption of vitamin C may contribute to lower high cholesterol and blood pressure levels, therefore having a positive impact on those affected by type 2 diabetes[*].

#4: Can Help Improve Skin Health

Green onions provide around 9 milligrams of vitamin C per half-cup serving. This nutrient plays an important function in synthesizing collagen, the most abundant protein found in the human body. It plays a crucial part in bone, muscle, skin, and tendon formation[*].

Vitamin C is also an important antioxidant that protects your cells and promotes healthy tissue growth. It assists in wound healing and, when combined with vitamin E, can protect the skin against UV irradiation[*].

#5: May Help Lower the Risk of Colon Cancer

There’s a reason why cauliflower is the king vegetable in keto. Not only is it extremely low-carb but also half of its total carbohydrate content is dietary fiber.

Fiber plays an important role in the proper function of your digestive system, particularly your intestines.

New research is now showing just how important the large intestine is and how closely it’s linked to proper immune function as well as brain performance. It’s even nicknamed “the second brain”[*].

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the world and it may be avoided if you follow a healthy diet and a balanced lifestyle. Suitable intake of dietary fiber can help keep your colon working in an optimal way, helping to lower the chances of cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and colorectal cancer[*][*].

The next time you want an extra boost of nutrition for your salads, omelets, or stir-fries, this loaded cauliflower casserole will become your new favorite low-carb side dish.

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe - Perfect Keto (3)

Recipe Variations

This casserole is incredibly versatile and can be boosted in a number of ways. Here are some ideas for making this recipe your own.

  • Add sour cream: If you really like a creamier recipe, adding some sour cream can turn it into an even more decadent dish, without the guilt.
  • Save time: To make this recipe even quicker, using frozen cauliflower is a great option. Just use it the same way as you would fresh cauliflower.
  • Heat it up: For a spicy twist, chop some jalapeño peppers and sprinkle on top. For medium-heat, remove some of the seeds, otherwise it will become a very hot dish.
  • Mix up seasonings: To boost the flavor and change things up, throw in some minced garlic or even garlic powder. Or sprinkle it with chopped chives after you’ve removed it from the oven for extra flavor and nutrients.
  • Be cheesy: When you’re choosing which cheeses to use, sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or parmesan make for flavorful and rich options.

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole: Easy, Quick, and Keto

If you’re missing your mom’s high-carb loaded potatoes, this keto diet-approved version will not disappoint you.

It’s crispy, gluten-free, loaded with important nutrients, and high-fat. You won’t have to worry about the carb count or getting kicked out of ketosis.

When you’re just starting a keto diet, or if you’ve already been following the keto lifestyle for a while, finding cooking inspiration can be hard at times.

If you’re looking for easy, low-carb recipes that won’t skyrocket your carb count, be sure to browse these keto recipes where you can find hundreds of delicious ideas to add to your meal plan.

And if cauliflower has become your new favorite veggie and best friend since you started keto, check out these tasty cauliflower recipes:

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe - Perfect Keto (4)

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Loaded Cauliflower Bake

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe - Perfect Keto (5)

★★★★3.3 from 239 reviews

This cheesy cauliflower casserole is a great low-carb, high-fat dish when you want to enjoy a comforting, wholesome meal without being kicked out of ketosis.

  • Author: Sara Nelson
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 1x

Scale

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. In a large pot of boiling water, blanch the cauliflower florets for 2 minutes.
  3. Drain the cauliflower and dry it using paper towels.
  4. In a medium pot, melt together butter, heavy cream, cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until well-combined.
  5. In a baking dish, add cauliflower florets, cheese sauce, all but 1 tablespoon of crumbled bacon, and all but 1 tablespoon of green onions. Stir together.
  6. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and green onions.
  7. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the cauliflower is soft, which should take about 30 minutes.
  8. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 498
  • Fat: 45
  • Carbohydrates: 5.8 (Net: 4.1)
  • Protein: 13.9

Keywords: loaded cauliflower casserple

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Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe - Perfect Keto (2024)

FAQs

How many carbs are in a loaded cauliflower casserole? ›

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
150Calories
11gFat
8gCarbs
8gProtein
Mar 26, 2024

Is cauliflower good on a keto diet? ›

Cauliflower. Cauliflower has a similar nutrition profile to broccoli. It's also a great cruciferous veggie to choose when you're on keto, says Dixon, as it has 1.5 grams of net carbs per half a cup.

Is cauliflower loaded with carbs? ›

Cauliflower has a mild taste and is often used as a substitute for higher carb foods like potato and rice. One cup (107 g) of raw cauliflower contains 5 g of carbs, 2g of which are fiber.

What can I eat instead of cauliflower? ›

  • Best cauliflower substitute. Broccoli is handy in that can easily replace cauliflower in many dishes. ...
  • Broccoli. Since broccoli is so similar to cauliflower, it's a great substitution for anyone who is looking for a vegetable option. ...
  • Zucchini. ...
  • Asparagus. ...
  • Root vegetables. ...
  • Mushrooms. ...
  • Legumes.
Sep 19, 2022

Why is cauliflower crust so high in carbs? ›

A single slice could have anywhere from 2 to 29 grams. That's a huge range, especially because cauliflower isn't carb-heavy (a cup has 5 grams). Why the difference? Crusts may include rice or brown rice flour, sugar, tapioca starch, and corn starch, which supply carbs.

How many net carbs are in 2 cups of cauliflower? ›

Cauliflower, raw (1 cup) contains 5.3g total carbs, 3.1g net carbs, 0.3g fat, 2.1g protein, and 27 calories.

Can too much cauliflower kick you out of ketosis? ›

If cauliflower is your only carb source other than eggs, you won't be able to eat enough cauliflower to snap out of ketosis. It will take at least a portion the size of your head. Not a cauliflower's head.

Which vegetable is not allowed in keto? ›

Vegetables to avoid in a keto diet
VegetableCarbs per 100 g
sweetcorn5.31 g
potatoes20.45 g
sweet potatoes16.82 g
beets9.56 g
3 more rows
Apr 28, 2021

How many carbs a day on keto? ›

The ketogenic diet typically reduces total carbohydrate intake to less than 50 grams a day—less than the amount found in a medium plain bagel—and can be as low as 20 grams a day. Generally, popular ketogenic resources suggest an average of 70-80% fat from total daily calories, 5-10% carbohydrate, and 10-20% protein.

Is peanut butter OK on keto? ›

Peanut butter can definitely be part of a keto diet, but it's best to stick to plain options that are free of extra flavors and sweeteners. Almond butter is a good choice, too, and it's slightly lower in carbs. Additionally, you should be mindful of your portion size if you're trying to lose weight.

Which beans are keto-friendly? ›

Keto-friendly beans

On a strict keto diet, your best bet for beans is to choose either green beans or black soybeans. While green beans are typically prepared more like a vegetable than a bean, black soybeans are a great alternative to other, starchier beans in soups, bean dips, refried beans, or other recipes.

Which fruit is keto? ›

Keto fruits by definition are low in carbohydrates. You still need to exercise portion control with most keto-friendly fruits to be within the limits of a keto diet. Keto-friendly fruits include avocados, watermelon, strawberries, lemons, tomatoes, raspberries, peaches, cantaloupe, star fruit, and blackberries.

What rice has lowest carbs? ›

There are 50 grams of carbs in one cup of cooked brown rice, while the same amount of cooked, enriched short-grain white rice has about 53 grams of carbs. On the other hand, cooked wild rice only has 35 grams of carbs, making it one of the best options if you want to reduce your carb intake.

Is broccoli or cauliflower better for keto? ›

If this feels like splitting hairs, it sort of is—both veggies are low in carbohydrate and even for someone with, say, diabetes, choosing one vegetable over the other wouldn't make much of a difference. But if you're on the keto diet, a very low-carb way of eating, cauliflower might be the smarter veg.

Which is healthier broccoli or cauliflower? ›

While they are both very nutritious vegetables, broccoli has a higher vitamin content, specifically in vitamin K and C, than cauliflower and is specifically known to be great for eye health. Broccoli florets also provide more minerals and fiber as well as contains vitamin A that isn't in cauliflower.

How many net carbs in 1 cup of cooked cauliflower? ›

Cauliflower, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt, 1 cup (1" pieces)
Protein (g)1.14
Carbohydrate, by difference (g)2.55
Energy (kcal)14.26
Sugars, total (g)0.87
Fiber, total dietary (g)1.67
34 more rows

Is cauliflower crust good for low-carb diet? ›

Per serving, cauliflower crust is lower in carbs. So, if you're looking to eat fewer carbs, going gluten-free or simply trying to eat more veggies, then cauliflower crust is for you. Eating a slice of this crust delivers close to a cup of cauliflower per serving.

Is Cauliflower pasta low-carb? ›

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is another versatile, low-carb option when you want grain-free pasta. Like zucchini, you can prepare it in different ways for whatever “pasta” dish you're using it in.

Does cauliflower have more carbs than potatoes? ›

Nutritionally, cauliflower is lighter in calories and carbs than potatoes and is more nutrient-dense. That's why it's popular among the low carb and weight loss communities.

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