Recently I posted the low carb Pepperoni Pizza Cauliflower Casserole, which has been wildly popular here on IBIH. I still make it often, because it’s easy and sooo satisfying! Since that combination worked so well, I thought why not incorporate another of my favorite flavor profiles into it, and give it a Mexican twist?
So I experimented, and created this low carb cheesy chipotle version. It was a raging success! Even Mr. Hungry, a sworn hater of all things cauliflower, asked for a second bite of this one when he tasted it. I think the secret was the chipotle’s that I added to the puree – it really masks the cauliflower flavor and gives it a lovely smokiness.
I was going to call it “Nacho Mama’s Cauliflower Casserole” but stupid SEO is always ruining my fun, and stifling my creative genius when it comes to post titles. First world food blogger problems.
Originally I made it pretty with the tomatoes and sour cream as seen above. But then it got cold when I was taking the photos, and so I piled some more cheese and salsa onto it and threw it in the oven to reheat. I forgot about it, and it was in there for about half an hour before I remembered and took it out. That’s when this happened…
[pinterest text=”Cheesy Chipotle Cauliflower Casserole (low carb and gluten free) – ibreatheimhungry.com” layout=”horizontal” image=”https://www.ibreatheimhungry.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/chipotlecauli2small-700×866.jpg”]
Oh man, it was soooo good! The cheese turned all crispy around the edges, and the cauliflower puree absorbed more of the green salsa and chipotle flavors, and it all just got super concentrated and cheesy. Om nom nom….
It’s hard to say if I liked this one better than the pepperoni pizza – that’s like choosing between cheesecake and ice cream, they’re both delicious in a different way. If you enjoy Mexican flavors though, I’m pretty sure you’ll agree that this one is a winner on every front!
[pinterest text=”Cheesy Chipotle Cauliflower Casserole (low carb and gluten free) – ibreatheimhungry.com” layout=”horizontal” image=”https://www.ibreatheimhungry.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/chipotlecauli1small-680×950.jpg”]
PrintCheesy Chipotle Cauliflower Casserole (Low Carb and Gluten Free)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A low carb and gluten free cauliflower casserole recipe with a Mexican twist!
Ingredients
For the puree:
- 1 head of cauliflower
- 2 Tbsp heavy cream
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 Tbsp (or more) chopped chipotles in adobo sauce (canned)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
For the casserole:
- 1/2 cup salsa verde
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped raw tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped pickled jalapenos (optional)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
For the puree:
- Clean and trim the cauliflower, breaking it into medium sized pieces. Place in a microwave safe bowl with 2 Tbsp of cream and 1 Tbsp of butter. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 10 minutes. Stir to coat cauliflower with cream/butter mixture. Microwave for another six – eight minutes on high (or until cauliflower is tender). Remove from the microwave and put into a high speed blender or food processor along with the cheese, chipotles, and garlic powder. Puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
For the casserole:
- Spread the puree in an 8 x 8 casserole dish. Spread on the sour cream, then the salsa verde. Sprinkle the chopped tomatoes and jalapenos on top. Cover with the shredded cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 30 – 40 minutes at 375 degrees (F), or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Approx nutrition info. per serving: 335 calories, 26g fat, 6g net carbs, 14g protein
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 inch square
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Jan W says
Am I missing the baking temperature?
Mellissa Sevigny says
Thanks for catching that Jan! I updated the recipe – it’s 375 degrees (F)!
Claudia says
What do you do if you don’t have a microwave? Any toaster oven options? Thanks!
Mellissa Sevigny says
You can steam the cauli and then bake the casserole in a toaster oven I guess – whatever melts the cheese will work!
Janet says
Love the alternative name! I am saving the recipe under Nacho Mama’s Cauliflower Casserole. Cauliflower exacerbates my gout, but I think a little discomfort is worth it in this case!
Kathleen says
This looks delicious and I, like Mr. Hungry, am not big on cauliflower. I will def give this one a try!
P.S. Nacho Mama’s is a Magazine Street restaurant in New Orleans!
racermmom says
at what temp do you cook the casserole?
Mellissa Sevigny says
375 F sorry about that!
Jess says
Why no meat? Should be easy enough to brown up some taco meat and throw it on top, right?
Mellissa Sevigny says
Absolutely Jess – this can easily be a main dish. I was thinking it would be nice to serve it with some fajita style chicken or beef with some onions and peppers. But taco meat would also work awesome. Or chorizo – YUM! :)
Buttoni says
This is right up my alley, Mellissa. Can’t wait to try this out!
Mellissa Sevigny says
Thanks, hope you like it! :)
Danielle Doty says
I am a bit chipotle obsessed (it pretty much goes in everything I make) so this is right up my alley!! Thanks for the amazing recipe!
Mellissa Sevigny says
If you love chipotle then I think you’ll love this dish Danielle! I’m a huge fan of chipotle already, but the combination of chipotle and cauliflower is downright magical!!!!
Danielle says
YUMM!!! Made this tonight!!! Soo good! Hubby says his favorite cauliflower purée ever!
Mellissa Sevigny says
So glad Danielle, thanks for letting me know! :)
Becca from ItsYummi.com says
This is low carb food love at its best! That CHEESE!! :)
Candace from Cabot says
Oh my goodness…I’m making this as soon as possible! You don’t have to be following a low-carb or gluten free diet to love this recipe!