Loaded Cauliflower Bites Recipe (keto, low carb) - Delicious Little Bites (2024)

Loaded Cauliflower Bites, smothered in cheese and bacon, are a low-carb alternative to loaded potato skins or french fries, yet taste equally delicious. This flavorful appetizer has only 4 grams of net carbs per serving making it a great option for those following a keto diet, as well.

Loaded Cauliflower Bites Recipe (keto, low carb) - Delicious Little Bites (1)

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I crave carbs. I really do. I’m constantly trying to come up with new recipes where I can satisfy that craving without having quite as much guilt.

One of my favorite appetizers when we eat out is loaded potato skins. Since we don’t eat out very much lately, I like to recreate the foods that I would normally only eat at restaurants, at home.

It did not take long at all for me to decide that these Loaded Cauliflower Bites had to happen!

Depending on the type of diet you follow, this is either a healthy recipe, a guilty pleasure, or both. With only 4 grams of net carbs per serving, this recipe is low-carb, suitable for those following a keto diet, and naturally gluten free.

If you enjoy eating these Loaded Cauliflower Bites and would like to try recreating another restaurant-style appetizer, check out this recipe for Buffalo Cauliflower Bites. You may also be interested in trying Loaded Bacon Ranch Cauliflower Salad, which is a lighter version of this recipe.

Why This Recipe Works

Loaded Cauliflower Bites have significantly less carbohydrates than loaded potato skins or loaded french fries. They are the perfect stand in for those following a low carb or keto diet.

This easy-to-make recipe can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even a main dish.

You can adjust the amount of toppings to suite you own tastes.

How to Make Loaded Cauliflower Bites

Ingredients

Loaded Cauliflower Bites Recipe (keto, low carb) - Delicious Little Bites (2)

  • Olive Oil
  • Cauliflower: cut into bite-size florets. Using fresh cauliflower will give you the best flavor.
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Cheddar Cheese: shredded from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses contain starch which can make them grainy when they melt.
  • Bacon: cooked and crumbled.
  • Green Onions or Chives: sliced or minced.

You can serve these cauliflower bites with sour cream or Ranch dressing, if desired.

The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.

Prep!

If you don’t have left over bacon to use, you will need to cook and crumble that first and set it aside.

Chop your cauliflower into bite size pieces, dice the green onion, and shred the cheese.

Chef’s Tip: it is highly recommended to shred the cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded bagged cheese. Bagged shredded cheese contains a starch which leaves a graininess when it melts and adds to the carbohydrate count.

Preheat your oven to 425°F.

Chef’s Tip: to make clean up easier, you can line the bottom of a baking sheet with aluminum foil or a Silpat mat.

Create!

Loaded Cauliflower Bites Recipe (keto, low carb) - Delicious Little Bites (3)

Spread the cauliflower out onto a baking sheet. Toss with the olive oil and sprinkle on the salt and pepper.

Loaded Cauliflower Bites Recipe (keto, low carb) - Delicious Little Bites (4)

Roast for about 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway, or until fork tender.

Chef’s Tip: you can steam the cauliflower until fork tender, if preferred, but you will still need to use the oven for the next step.

Loaded Cauliflower Bites Recipe (keto, low carb) - Delicious Little Bites (5)

Next, push all the cauliflower into a pile and cover with as much of cheddar cheese and bacon as you’d like. Return to the oven for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Present!

Loaded Cauliflower Bites Recipe (keto, low carb) - Delicious Little Bites (6)

Top with sliced green onions or chives.

Serve with sour cream or Ranch dressing, if desired.

Chef’s Tip: if you are following a strict keto diet, make sure that if you decide to use Ranch dressing, that it is keto-approved.

Tips & Techniques

  • It is highly recommended to shred the cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded bagged cheese.
  • Line the bottom of your baking sheet with aluminum foil or a Silpat matto make cleaning up much easier.
  • You can steam the cauliflower until fork tender, rather than roasting, if you prefer. You will still need to use the oven for the second half of the recipe.
  • If you are following a strict keto diet, make sure that if you decide to use Ranch dressing, it is keto-approved.
  • Use a fork. These Loaded Cauliflower Bites come close to loaded potato skins in a lot of ways, but are not quite what I would call “finger food” unless you don’t mind getting a little messy.

FAQ’s

How Many Calories Are In Loaded Cauliflower?

In one serving (or 1/4th of the recipe) of this recipe for Loaded Cauliflower Bites, there are 263 calories. This is without any Ranch dressing or changes to the recipe.

How Many Carbohydrates Are In Loaded Cauliflower?

In one serving (or 1/4th of the recipe) of this recipe for Loaded Cauliflower Bites, there are 4 grams of net carbohydrates (6 grams of total carbohydrates).

More Low Carb Cauliflower Recipes to Try

Loaded Mashed Cauliflower

Loaded Mashed Cauliflower is a lightened up alternative to loaded mashed potatoes. It’s lower in calories and carbohydrates but definitely not lacking in flavor. Cheddar cheese, bacon, and sour cream make this cauliflower recipe anything but boring!

Get The Recipe

Loaded Cauliflower Bites Recipe (keto, low carb) - Delicious Little Bites (7)

Cheesy Cauliflower Grits

Cheesy Cauliflower Grits are rich, creamy, buttery, and of course, cheesy. This low carb and keto-friendly grits alternative is equally as flavorful as traditional grits but with only 5 net carbs per serving.

Get The Recipe

Loaded Cauliflower Bites Recipe (keto, low carb) - Delicious Little Bites (8)

Cauliflower Au Gratin

Keto Cauliflower Au Gratin is just as creamy and flavorful as Au Gratin Potatoes but with only 7 net carbs per serving. This low carb, gluten free side dish is the perfect comfort food to pair with all of your favorite meals.

Get The Recipe

Loaded Cauliflower Bites Recipe (keto, low carb) - Delicious Little Bites (9)

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Loaded Cauliflower Bites Recipe (keto, low carb) - Delicious Little Bites (10)

Loaded Cauliflower Bites Recipe (keto, low carb) - Delicious Little Bites (11)

Print

Loaded Cauliflower Bites

Loaded Cauliflower Bites, smothered in cheese and bacon, are a low-carb alternative to loaded potato skins or french fries, yet taste equally delicious. This flavorful appetizer has only 4 grams of net carbs per serving making it a great option for those following a keto diet, as well.

Course Appetizers, Main Dish, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Gluten Free, Low Carb

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 263kcal

Author Lauren Harris

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 head cauliflower (cut into bite size pieces)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese * shredded)
  • 4 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
  • 2 green onions (or chives, sliced thin, optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F.

  • Add the cauliflower pieces to a medium bowl with the olive oil and toss to coat.

    1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 1 head cauliflower

  • Spread the cauliflower out onto a baking sheet and season with the salt and pepper.

    1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper

  • Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until fork tender.

  • Remove the baking sheet from the oven and push all of the cauliflower into a pile in the center.

  • Cover the cauliflower with the cheddar cheese and bacon.

    1 cup cheddar cheese, 4 slices bacon

  • Return the cauliflower to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 or until the cheese is melted.

  • Remove from the oven and top with sliced green onions or chives.

    2 green onions

  • Serve with a side of Ranch dressing or sour cream, if desired.

Notes

Tips & Techniques

  • It is highly recommended to shred the cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded bagged cheese.
  • Line the bottom of your baking sheet with aluminum foil or a Silpat matto make cleaning up much easier.
  • You can steam the cauliflower until fork tender, rather than roasting, if you prefer. You will still need to use the oven for the second half of the recipe.
  • If you are following a strict keto diet, make sure that if you decide to use Ranch dressing, it is keto-approved.
  • Use a fork. These Loaded Cauliflower Bites come close to loaded potato skins in a lot of ways, but are not quite what I would call "finger food" unless you don't mind getting a little messy.

** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 263kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 1049mg | Potassium: 386mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 345IU | Vitamin C: 49.3mg | Calcium: 230mg | Iron: 0.8mg

This recipe was originally published on March 12, 2016. The images and text were updated in January 2022 to include techniques, tips, and FAQ’s.

Loaded Cauliflower Bites Recipe (keto, low carb) - Delicious Little Bites (2024)

FAQs

How many carbs are in cauliflower Keto? ›

Cauliflower has a similar nutrition profile to broccoli. It's also a great cruciferous veggie to choose when you're on keto, says Dixon, as it has 1.5 grams of net carbs per half a cup.

Is cauliflower loaded with carbs? ›

One cup (107 g) of raw cauliflower contains 5 g of carbs, 2g of which are fiber. It's also high in vitamin K and provides 57% of the DV for vitamin C.

Is cauliflower low keto? ›

Is Cauliflower Keto? Cauliflower is the ultimate low carb vegetable — and yes, cauliflower is keto! One cup of florets has 5.3 grams of net carbs. You can replace so many starchy foods with cauliflower, especially potatoes, rice and savory baked goods.

Is Gobi keto-friendly? ›

Aloo gobi is an Indian vegetarian Keto recipe that is traditionally made with cauliflower, potatoes, and lots of spices. In order to make the dish more Keto-friendly, you'll just be using cauliflower and not potatoes. The dish always includes turmeric and a blend of other Indian spices.

References

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