Easy loaded cauliflower bake is creamy, saucy, & bursting with flavor! Made with simple ingredients, this makes a delicious side dish to any main and one of the tastiest ways to get veggies in! This recipe is low carb, keto, gluten free, paleo-friendly, and can be made vegan, too!
We are big potato lovers in my house. Literally, in any form. But, sometimes I like to find sneaky ways to get more veggies in and this is one of my favorite recipes! Loaded baked potatoes are obviously a classic, but this loaded cauliflower bake might be just as tasty! It has all the flavor, texture, and creaminess of loaded baked potatoes while being lower in carbs and packed with nutrients!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Cauliflower casserole/bakes make a super easy side dish!
- Nutrient dense: This cauliflower bake packs in tons of veggies! Full of nutrient dense ingredients while not lacking on flavor.
- It can be made to fit any dietary needs (dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free, keto, paleo).
- This recipe is a fun way to switch things up & enjoy cauliflower in a new way!
How to make loaded cauliflower casserole
Full recipe and measurements are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post!
Ingredients
- Cauliflower
- Milk: I used canned coconut milk but you can use almond milk, regular milk if you’re not dairy free, etc.
- Avocado oil mayonnaise: I love primal kitchen!
- Arrowroot starch/flour: You could try subbing tapioca flour!
- Nutritional yeast: This adds a cheese-like savory flavor to the recipe and really elevates it! It also packs in a ton of vitamins and protein. Skipping this will definitely take away from the flavor, so if you do, I’d recommend stirring in some real cheese before baking.
- Spices: We use a mix of sea salt, pepper, and red pepper.
- Yellow onion
- Spinach: This is optional but packs in a bunch of extra nutrients and adds a pop of color to the recipe!
- Garlic: A superhero food! Garlic is incredible for you, while also boosting the flavor of the recipe. Don’t leave it out!
- Olive oil: You can sub ghee, coconut oil, or avocado oil.
steps to make loaded cauliflower bake
- First you’ll steam your cauliflower until it’s fork tender.
- In the meantime, you’ll start making the sauce by sautéing the onion until tender. Then you add in the remaining ingredients.
- Once the sauce is ready, you’ll add the steamed cauliflower to the sauce and give everything a good toss.
- Bake!
What pairs well with cauliflower casserole?
Loaded cauliflower casserole pairs well with so many mains:
- Rotisserie chicken
- Steak
- Roasted or air-fryer Salmon
- Baked chicken thighs
- Grilled or air-fried tofu
Storing & Reheating leftovers
Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge and reheat when ready to eat. To reheat:
- Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a covered pan on the stove over medium heat.
- Microwave: Reheat until heated through.
More veggie recipes to try
- Superfood pesto
- Vegan broccoli cheese soup
- Healthy chicken broccoli rice casserole
- Healthy chicken pot pie soup
- Crispy smashed potatoes with pesto aioli
- Low carb cucumber sushi rolls
- Crispy balsamic tofu salad
Loaded Cauliflower Bake (Low carb)
Ingredients
- 1 medium/large head of cauliflower
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 cup milk, of choice
- 1/3 cup avocado oil mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 2 cups spinach, chopped finely
- 1 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tbsp arrowroot flour
- sea salt & pepper, to taste
- pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp dried herbs (parsley, chives, etc)
- green onion, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Oil a square casserole dish and set aside.
- Cut the cauliflower into small florets and add to a steamer pot. Steam until fork tender.
- In the meantime, add the oil to a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook a few minutes until they've softened.
- Add in the spinach and stir well. Then add in the milk, mayonnaise, nutritional yeast, spices and herbs. Once that's mixed well, stir in the arrowroot flour. Pour in the steamed cauliflower and toss everything together.
- Pour the cauliflower into the oiled casserole dish. Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden. Remove from the oven. Top with green onion and enjoy!
Delish and easy to make! My non vegan son and husband loved! Made them some pork chops to go with, and a salad for all of us!