• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Kicking Carbs

  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • About
    • Contact Me
  • Keto Quick Start Guide
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About Wendy Polisi
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Contact Me
  • Keto & Low Carb Recipes
  • Keto Chaffles
  • Keto Recipes for the Low Carb Lifestyle
  • Privacy Policy
  • Recipe Index
  • Resources
  • ×

    Home » Cauliflower Recipes » Easy Keto Loaded Cauliflower

    Easy Keto Loaded Cauliflower

    Published: Sep 11, 2021 by Wendy Polisi Modified: Sep 10, 2021 · 857 words. · About 5 minutes to read this article.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    I love the way roasting vegetables brings out their sweetness and adds a hint of smokiness. This Keto Loaded Cauliflower has the flavors of a loaded potato in a keto-friendly version. This easy-to-make side dish is perfect for busy nights.

    Overhead photo of a bowl of Keto Loaded Cauliflower topped with bacon and chives.

    I am a big fan of cauliflower. It is so versatile and also readily absorbs flavors that you blend with it. I love my mashed cauliflower and this mashed keto cauliflower casserole, and I am also a big fan of roasted cauliflower.

    This easy recipe combines the texture of roasted cauliflower with all the deliciousness of loaded cauliflower. To me, it tastes a lot like loaded potatoes, minus all the carbs.

    Some recipes start by having you steam the cauliflower, but I love the richness that roasted cauliflower lends to the dish. Plus, you don’t have to deal with the excess water that comes from steamed cauliflower. This Keto Loaded Cauliflower recipe is super simple and so full of flavor.

    Give it a try, and I think you will be hooked.

    Photo of a keto quickstart guide with the description of the guide on the right.

    Ingredients for Making Keto Loaded Cauliflower Bake

    Overhead photo of a bowl of cauliflower, avocado oil, and chives, shredded cheese, bacon, and seasonings in prep bowls.
    • Cauliflower:  If you are short on time, you can use pre-cut cauliflower.
    • Oil:  I like avocado oil for its neutral flavor and high smoke point.
    • Seasonings: A blend of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper gives the perfect punch of flavor to low-carb loaded cauliflower. Garlic powder or onion powder would also be a good addition.
    • Cheese:  I used shredded cheddar cheese, but feel free to use what kind of cheese you prefer.
    • Bacon:  I like to cook a package of bacon on the weekend, so I have it ready to go for dishes like this.
    • Chives:  Because I grow chives, I always have them on hand. If you don’t have them and can’t find them, green onion is a good substitute.

    Tips, Tricks, and Variations

    • For a creamy addition, you can top each serving with a dollop of sour cream.
    • When shopping for cauliflower, pick bright heads that are firm and free of any brown spots. They should feel heavy for their weight.
    • To store cauliflower, wrap it in paper towels and cover it loosely with a plastic bag. This will keep them fresh for up to a week or more. If you will use it sooner, you can store the cauliflower in the packaging it came in.
    • To mix things up, you can make this recipe with broccoli instead of cauliflower.
    • Make this a low-carb keto sheet pan meal by adding shredded cooked chicken when you add the cheese. Heat until the cheese is melted and the chicken is warmed through.

    Serving Suggestions

    This recipe makes a great side for meats and casserole dishes! Some great options to consider include:

    • Keto Instant Pot Crack Chicken
    • Parmesan Crusted Steak
    • Keto Salisbury Steak
    • Keto Short Ribs

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can you use frozen cauliflower?


    Yes. I recommend tossing with the seasonings and then following the instructions on the package. Add the cheese and then bake until it melts.
    It is important to note that frozen cauliflower will be much softer than fresh.

    Can you make this ahead of time?


    This recipe is best when served fresh, but if you wish to roast the cauliflower a few hours ahead of time, you can. I recommend waiting to add the cheese until just before serving.

    When is cauliflower in season?


    Although you can find cauliflower in most grocery stores throughout the year, it is a cool-weather crop. It is best in fall and winter.

    Storage

    Store leftover keto cauliflower bake with bacon in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to two days. While it is likely safe to eat leftovers longer than this, they can tend to have an off-putting odor when stored for too long.

    How to Make Keto Loaded Cauliflower

    First, start by preheating your oven and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    Put the cauliflower florets into a large bowl and toss with oil, salt, paprika, and pepper.

    • Overhead photo of a bowl of cauliflower being tossed with seasonings and oil and small prep bowls with chives, shredded cheese, and bacon sitting next to it.
    • Sheet pan with roasted cauliflower topped with shredded cheddar ready to go into the oven to melt the cheese.

    Roast the cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet for 20 minutes and then top with the cheese.

    Cook until the cheese melts and the cauliflower is fork-tender, about 5 minutes longer.

    Top with the bacon and chives and serve immediately.

    More Low Carb Side Dishes, Soups, and Snacks to Try

    • Keto Bang Bang Cauliflower is a tasty side that never gets old!
    • For all of the flavors of the traditional without all of the carbs, give this Keto Potato Salad a try! You won’t believe how well cauliflower stands in for the real things.
    • Keto Cauliflower Soup is creamy, rich, and so satisfying!
    • If you like dipping, you won’t want to miss this Cauliflower Hummus.
    Overhead photo os a rustic bowl with Keto Loaded Cauliflower topped with bacon and chives sitting on a blue and white napkin.

    Subscribe and Get My Best Comfort Food Recipes!

      We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.
      Built with ConvertKit
      If you like this recipe don't forget to leave a 5 star rating and let me know how it went in the below comments, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see all my delicious recipes.
      Square overhead photo of a bowl of Keto Loaded Cauliflower garnished with chives.
      Print Recipe

      Keto Loaded Cauliflower

      Looking for an easy side that is full of flavor? You are going to love this Keto Loaded Cauliflower!
      Prep Time10 mins
      Cook Time25 mins
      Total Time35 mins
      Course: Side Dish
      Cuisine: American
      Keyword: Cauliflower
      Servings: 6
      Calories: 147.83kcal
      Author: Wendy Polisi
      As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified sales.

      Ingredients

      • 1 head of cauliflower
      • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
      • 1 teaspoon sea salt
      • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
      • ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
      • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
      • 4 strips of bacon cooked and crumbled
      • 2 tablespoons chopped chives

      Instructions

      • Preheat oven to 400° F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
      • Cut the cauliflower into florets and place in a large bowl. Toss with the oil, salt, paprika, and pepper.
      • Arrange in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
      • Cook for 20 minutes. Add the cheese and cook for 5 minutes longer.
      • Transfer to a serving platter and top with bacon and chives.

      Nutrition

      Calories: 147.83kcal | Carbohydrates: 5.15g | Protein: 6.58g | Fat: 11.86g | Saturated Fat: 4.84g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.91g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5.38g | Cholesterol: 20.41mg | Sodium: 534.39mg | Potassium: 311.05mg | Fiber: 1.99g | Sugar: 1.96g | Vitamin A: 273.74IU | Vitamin C: 46.77mg | Calcium: 158.59mg | Iron: 0.58mg
      « Keto Cheesecake
      Keto Parmesan Crusted Chicken »

      Reader Interactions

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      Primary Sidebar

      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • Pinterest
      • Twitter

      Welcome

      I'm Wendy and I'm here to show you just how delicious a low carb, gluten free and keto diet can be! You are just as likely to find me obsessing over all things cheesy as you are getting excited by a full produce drawer. I'm a mom to three, obsessive planner and roller coasters are my happy place. Let's dig deeper →

      Favorites

      Photo of a Keto Reuben Sandwich cut in half and stacked on a white cutting board.
      Square overhead photo of a saute pan with keto lemon chicken in it.
      Side photo of three pieces of air fryer chicken with no breading on a white background.
      Photo of a spoonful of Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole being pulled from the casserole dish.
      Horizontal image of Keto Truffles covered in pecans on a white background with other chocolate truffles behind it.
      Side photo of Keto Buffalo Chicken on a white plate drizzled with ranch dressing and garnished with parsley.

      More Posts from this Category

      Footer

      Privacy Policy

      Affiliate Disclosure

      Disclaimer

      Welcome to the Kicking Carbs website (“site“). Wendy Polisi is not a health professional and information on this blog, arising from this blog, or social media related to this blog is only her personal experience and opinions. You should always check with your health care provider before beginning any diet, health plan, or lifestyle change.

      Copyright © 2023 Kicking Carbs 2020