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5.0 from 6 votes

Creamy Cauliflower Jalapeño Popper Casserole

Totally unconventional and wildly delicious, this Creamy Cauliflower Jalapeño Popper Casserole is an easy cheesy veggie gratin with a kick!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 180 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 head of cauliflower
  • 1-2 cloves of garlic minced
  • 2 TBSP  flour
  • 2 TBSP butter
  • 1.5 cup milk brought to room temp. or heated
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp paprika
  • 4 oz gouda cheese, grated
  • ⅓ cup chopped pickled jalapenos
  • 2-3 fresh jalapeños
TOP WITH...
  • grated cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup panko toasted with a little butter or oil
  • parsley or scallions to garnish (optional)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Cook the cauliflower florets in a pot of boiling water with a pinch of salt for about 4-5 minutes until tender yet still firm.
  3. Drain and rinse with cool water to help halt the cooking process. We want tender, al-dente cauliflower... no mushy wilted veggies here!
  4. While it chills, start your sauce.
  5. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat and add your minced garlic.
  6. Add flour, slowly, whisking constantly to create your roux.
  7. Pour warmed or room temperature milk into the butter mixture and whisk constantly until thickened. Add salt, paprika, fresh and pickled jalapeños.
  8. Remove from heat and grated Gouda cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese melts into the sauce.
  9. Pour the sauce over your cauliflower and toss to coat.
  10. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, and toasted panko crumbs.
  11. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees F for 20-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  12. Sprinkle with parsley or scallions if you'd like a colorful garnish and dive in while it's hot!

Notes

  • New to toasting panko? I love pre-toasting my breadcrumb toppings vs. letting them toast on top of an uncovered casserole because everything can easily overbrown that way. To make your topping perfectly golden, simply heat a skillet to medium-high heat and add your panko once hot. Toast until golden, stirring often and adding a teeny drizzle of oil if desired.
  • Nutrition Facts below are estimated using an online recipe nutrition calculator. Adjust as needed and enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Calories 180kcal (9%) Carbohydrates 14g (5%) Protein 10g (20%) Fat 10g (15%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Cholesterol 35mg (12%) Sodium 359mg (15%) Potassium 409mg (12%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 438IU (9%) Vitamin C 52mg (58%) Calcium 232mg (23%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 180

% Daily Value*

Calories 180kcal 9%
Carbohydrates 14g 5%
Protein 10g 20%
Fat 10g 15%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 35mg 12%
Sodium 359mg 15%
Potassium 409mg 9%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 6g 12%
Vitamin A 438IU 9%
Vitamin C 52mg 58%
Calcium 232mg 23%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.