This Loaded Riced Cauliflower is a creamy, cheesy, and savory side dish that delivers all the indulgent flavors of a loaded baked potato—bacon, cheddar, sour cream, and green onions—without the carbs, making it a keto favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Loaded Riced Cauliflower brings the decadence of classic comfort food into a healthier, low-carb format that’s both satisfying and guilt-free. This dish is packed with flavor from melty cheddar, crispy bacon, tangy sour cream, and fresh green onions, all blended into a creamy cauliflower base. It’s perfect as a keto side dish, a hearty vegetable bake, or even a meal prep option. With just a few ingredients and under 40 minutes from start to finish, it’s a go-to choice for anyone looking for big flavor without the carbs.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 cups riced cauliflower (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: extra cheddar and bacon for topping
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the riced cauliflower, cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar, bacon bits, and chopped green onions. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- If desired, sprinkle extra cheddar cheese and bacon on top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Garnish with additional green onions and serve hot.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: Approximately 290 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Twist: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added nutrition.
- Tex-Mex Style: Use taco seasoning and pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
- Meat Lover’s: Add cooked ground beef or shredded chicken to make it a full meal.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute with dairy-free cheese, sour cream, and cream cheese alternatives.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through. This dish also freezes well. Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen riced cauliflower?
Yes, just make sure it is fully thawed and drained of excess moisture before mixing.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. It stores and reheats well, making it perfect for weekly lunches or dinners.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?
Yes, plain full-fat Greek yogurt works well as a tangy substitute.
How do I make this casserole crispier on top?
Add a little extra cheese on top and broil for the last 2–3 minutes of baking for a golden crust.
What kind of bacon should I use?
Any cooked and crumbled bacon will work—thick-cut, turkey bacon, or even bacon bits.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it up to a day in advance. Bake when ready to serve.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels for any hidden gluten.
Can I add eggs to this recipe?
Yes, adding 1–2 beaten eggs can help bind the casserole more firmly if desired.
What size baking dish should I use?
An 8×8-inch or similar-sized casserole dish works well for this recipe.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the bacon or replace it with a vegetarian alternative.
Conclusion
Loaded Riced Cauliflower is a comforting, low-carb dish that delivers on both flavor and satisfaction. Rich with cheddar, bacon, and sour cream, and balanced with tender cauliflower and green onions, it’s a keto-friendly alternative to classic potato casseroles. Perfect as a side dish or a light entrée, this recipe brings hearty, homestyle appeal to any table—without the carbs.
PrintLoaded Riced Cauliflower
This Loaded Riced Cauliflower is a creamy, cheesy, and savory side dish that delivers all the indulgent flavors of a loaded baked potato—bacon, cheddar, sour cream, and green onions—without the carbs, making it a keto favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cups riced cauliflower (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: extra cheddar and bacon for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together riced cauliflower, cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, bacon bits, and green onions until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread mixture evenly in the baking dish. Top with extra cheddar and bacon if desired.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Garnish with additional green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh riced cauliflower for better texture.
- Can be made ahead and reheated for meal prep.
- Try with chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg