Slow Cooker Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

Cook Time: 155 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 serving olive oil cooking spray
• 1 link sweet apple chicken sausage (such as Trader Joe's), cut into 1/4-inch slices
• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
• (8 ounce) package cream cheese, cubed
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
• 6 ounces shredded pepper Jack cheese
• 4 slices bacon

Directions

1. Spray the inside of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
2. Spray a small skillet with cooking spray and add the sausage. Cook over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, until browned. Transfer the sausage to the prepared slow cooker.
3. To the slow cooker, add cauliflower, cream cheese, butter, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything to combine.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for about 2 hours, or until the cauliflower is fork-tender.
5. Stir in the shredded pepper Jack cheese and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
6. While the casserole is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the bacon for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until it becomes crispy and browned. Once done, drain the bacon on paper towels and crumble it once its cool enough to handle.
7. Once the casserole is ready, sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top and serve.

Cook's Notes

Feel free to substitute other flavors of chicken sausage if you prefer. Since slow cookers can vary in temperature, start checking the cauliflower for doneness around the 1.5-hour mark to prevent it from becoming too soft. If you have an Instant Pot, you can use the Saute function to brown the sausage directly in the pot, then switch to the Slow Cook function to finish the dish.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	323
Total Fat	26g
Saturated Fat	14g
Cholesterol	90mg
Sodium	858mg
Total Carbohydrate	10g
Dietary Fiber	4g
Total Sugars	4g
Protein	15g
Vitamin C	65mg
Calcium	205mg
Iron	1mg
Potassium	522mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

History of the Dish

The Slow Cooker Cauliflower Casserole is a modern take on traditional casseroles that combine vegetables and cheese, often cooked in the oven. Cauliflower, a vegetable native to the Mediterranean, has been a staple in European cooking for centuries. Its popularity grew in the United States in the 20th century as health trends shifted towards more vegetable-centric diets. The casserole itself is an American creation, often associated with the comfort food tradition of the Midwest. Slow cooking, a method that became widespread in the 1970s with the invention of the slow cooker, allows the flavors of the ingredients to meld together beautifully, making this dish a contemporary classic in many households.

Regional Variations

This dish draws influences from a variety of regions. The addition of pepper Jack cheese, a popular choice in Southwestern cuisine, adds a hint of spice and smokiness. The use of sausage, particularly sweet apple chicken sausage, brings a touch of sweetness, which complements the mild flavor of cauliflower. While casseroles are commonly enjoyed across the United States, the flavor profile of this dish particularly nods to Southern and Southwestern kitchens where spicy, cheesy dishes are loved. Additionally, the slow cooker method has made this casserole a favorite for busy cooks in the American heartland, where time-efficient recipes are cherished.

Distinction from Similar Dishes

Compared to traditional baked cauliflower casseroles, the Slow Cooker Cauliflower Casserole stands out due to its preparation in a slow cooker, which ensures the cauliflower is tender without being overcooked or mushy. Many baked versions rely on a heavy amount of cream or a bchamel sauce to bind the ingredients, but this version uses cream cheese, butter, and a hint of spice from the red pepper flakes, giving it a lighter yet flavorful profile. The addition of sausage and bacon also adds a savory richness that is less common in simpler cauliflower casseroles. The slow-cooked approach allows for the sausage and cheese to infuse the cauliflower with a deep, savory taste.

Where Its Served

The Slow Cooker Cauliflower Casserole is perfect for a variety of occasions. It is commonly served as a side dish at family gatherings, holiday dinners, and potlucks. Its rich, comforting nature makes it a favorite during cooler months, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas. The dish also works wonderfully for a casual weeknight dinner when paired with grilled meats or as a vegetarian main course. The ease of preparation makes it an excellent choice for busy hosts who need a dish that can be made ahead of time and left to cook throughout the day.

Fun Facts

• Cauliflower is part of the Brassica family, which also includes cabbage, broccoli, and kale, making it a highly nutritious vegetable.
• Despite its mild flavor, cauliflower can be used in a variety of cuisines, from Italian to Indian to American, showcasing its versatility in cooking.
• Using a slow cooker can reduce the need for constant monitoring, allowing home cooks to focus on other aspects of meal preparation or enjoy their day while the dish cooks to perfection.
• The addition of apple chicken sausage brings an unexpected sweetness to the casserole, setting it apart from more traditional savory-only casseroles.

Conclusion

The Slow Cooker Cauliflower Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that balances the mild flavor of cauliflower with savory sausage, creamy cheese, and a touch of spice. Whether youre making it for a holiday dinner or a simple weeknight meal, it is a crowd-pleaser that reflects both tradition and innovation in its ingredients and cooking method. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a modern classic, loved by many across different regions.

FAQ about Slow Cooker Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

Comments