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.

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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

• 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!

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

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.

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!

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

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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.