If you love comforting dishes with a kick of southwestern flair, you are going to fall head over heels for this Green Chile Cauliflower Casserole Recipe. It’s a creamy, cheesy celebration of tender cauliflower rice mingling with spicy green chiles and a blend of Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheeses. This casserole balances rich textures with bright flavors, making it a perfect side or even a satisfying main for those cozy nights when you want something wholesome but full of personality. Trust me, this isn’t your average vegetable casserole — it’s a flavor-packed dish that surprises and delights bite after bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several small white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each holding different ingredients. There are two bowls with grated cheese, one with bright orange shredded cheese and another with pale yellow shredded cheese placed near the back. In front of those, there are two more white bowls; one contains chopped light green celery, and another has chopped white onions. A small white bowl in the center holds a stick of yellow butter. Next to it, another small white bowl is filled with chopped green pickles. To the right, a medium white bowl contains a dollop of white sour cream. Near the right edge, there is a clear glass measuring cup with milk and a large glass bowl filled with cooked white rice. A metal grater and a striped cloth are also visible. The surface beneath everything is white marbled. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Green Chile Cauliflower Casserole Recipe comes together with a handful of simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a unique role: the butter and cream build a luscious base, the cheeses add melty goodness and depth, while the green chiles bring that signature zing. Together, these ingredients create a dish that feels both homey and special.

Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté veggies to a tender, flavorful softness.
Chopped onion: Provides a gentle sweetness that complements the spicy chiles.
Chopped celery: Offers a subtle crunch and earthy brightness.
Cauliflower rice: The hearty, low-carb star that soaks up all the creamy goodness.
Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a mild creaminess.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Brings a bold, tangy flavor punch.
Canned green chiles: The soul of the recipe, giving it a gentle heat and vibrant character.
Sour cream (full fat): Adds a tangy creaminess that balances the spice.
Heavy cream: Creates a silky texture and rich mouthfeel.
Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors making every bite sing.
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth.
Granulated garlic: Provides a subtle savory note without overpowering the other flavors.

How to Make Green Chile Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Cauliflower

Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter or grease an 8×8 baking dish—it’s important so the casserole doesn’t stick and comes out looking beautiful. Next, prepare your cauliflower rice: if store-bought and frozen, follow the package directions for cooking (usually just a few minutes). For fresh cauliflower rice, steam it until just tender, around 3-4 minutes, then make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture using paper towels. This step guarantees your casserole will be creamy, not watery.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Create the Creamy Base

Heat butter in a medium sauté pan over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped celery and onion and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and release their sweetness. Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let it reduce by half—it will thicken into a silky, creamy sauce that will bring everything together.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in a Bowl

Grab a large mixing bowl and add your cauliflower rice, half of both Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheeses, drained green chiles, sour cream, the sautéed vegetable cream mixture, salt, black pepper, and granulated garlic. Stir everything well until it’s fully blended. This is where the creamy, spicy, cheesy magic happens.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Casserole

Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly across the surface for that golden, bubbly finish. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. When it comes out, it should be delightfully bubbly and have a gorgeous golden hue on top. Let it cool slightly before diving in.

How to Serve Green Chile Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a white plate on a white marbled surface with a mixture of soft, creamy food composed of melted yellow and white cheese with small bits of green vegetables throughout it. A fork lifted by a woman's hand holds a clump of this creamy mix, with cheese stretching from the plate to the fork. To the right on the plate, there is a dark brown cooked piece of meat with a slightly rough texture. The whole scene has a warm light shining from the back, creating a cozy feeling. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This casserole loves a simple garnish that brings fresh contrast. Consider sprinkling chopped fresh cilantro or green onions right before serving, which add a lively pop of color and a hint of freshness. A dollop of sour cream on the side also pairs wonderfully, tempering the spices and enhancing creaminess.

Side Dishes

The Green Chile Cauliflower Casserole Recipe stands strong as a side dish but pairs brilliantly with classic southwestern staples. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, carne asada, or even roasted vegetables for a balanced, hearty meal. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps to cut through the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling fancy? Serve individual portions of the casserole in small ramekins for elegant plating. You can even turn it into a layered bake by alternating spoonfuls with cooked diced potatoes or black beans for added texture. This dish also works great topped with crushed tortilla chips before baking for a crunchy finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Green Chile Cauliflower Casserole Recipe, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay delicious and safe to eat for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the next day just as good, if not better.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture might change slightly upon thawing, but the rich flavors remain intact.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm leftovers in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through. Reheating in the oven helps keep the top slightly crispy and the casserole creamy throughout.

FAQs

Can I use fresh green chiles instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh roasted green chiles can add an even brighter, smokier flavor to this casserole. Just be sure to roast, peel, and seed them before chopping and mixing in.

Is this casserole low-carb or keto-friendly?

Yes! Since cauliflower rice replaces traditional starches like potatoes or breadcrumbs, this recipe fits well into low-carb and keto diets, especially with the high-fat cheeses and cream.

Can I substitute the cheeses?

Definitely! You can swap Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar for other melty cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for a little extra spice. Just keep the overall cheese quantity similar for best results.

What if I don’t have celery on hand?

No problem! You can omit celery or substitute it with finely chopped bell pepper or even zucchini for a different but equally delicious crunch and color.

How spicy is this casserole?

The heat level is generally mild, thanks to the green chiles used here. If you want to amp up the spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use hotter chili varieties. For milder tastes, just stick with the canned green chiles as directed.

Final Thoughts

This Green Chile Cauliflower Casserole Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings together creamy textures, comforting cheese, and just the right amount of spice in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this casserole has a way of turning simple ingredients into something truly special. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dish to make again and again.

Green Chile Cauliflower Casserole Recipe