This keto pepperoni pizza cauliflower casserole is one of those recipes that sounds questionable on paper – but completely wins people over once they try it.
It’s cheesy, filling, and surprisingly comforting, even for people who swear they don’t like cauliflower. Seriously – just read the comments below and see for yourself. It’s also easy and economical, making it the perfect low carb dinner or side dish.
If you’ve ever made my “better than potatoes” cheesy cauliflower mash and thought, YES, then you already understand the appeal here. This recipe starts with a creamy cauliflower base and leans into that comfort-food territory, then adds pepperoni and mozzarella for a very pizza-adjacent situation.
The pepperoni is what makes it work. It adds a salty, slightly tangy bite that cuts through the richness and keeps the whole thing from tasting flat. Once everything is blended, spread into a casserole dish, and baked with more mozzarella and pepperoni on top, it stops feeling like a “cauliflower recipe” and starts feeling like something you actually want to eat.
This is also one of those dishes that tends to win over cauliflower skeptics — including kids (and my husband) who normally won’t touch the stuff. It’s creamy, cheesy, and familiar enough that the vegetable part fades into the background. If you want to push it further into pizza territory, you can add a thin layer of pizza sauce under the cheese, but it’s optional. It holds up just fine without it, and I prefer it that way to be honest.
This recipe reheats well, makes great leftovers, and works as either a main dish or a side, depending on how you use it.
If you’re looking for a keto cauliflower casserole that doesn’t feel like compromise and dieting sadness – this is the one. Pinky promise.
Cauliflower Casserole Tips & FAQ
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes. Frozen cauliflower works just fine here — just make sure it’s fully cooked and very well drained before blending. Excess water will make the casserole looser than intended.
Does this really taste like pizza?
It’s not pretending to be a slice of New York pizza — but the pepperoni and mozzarella give it a familiar, pizza-adjacent flavor that most people find very satisfying. If you want to lean harder into that flavor, you can add a thin layer of low carb pizza sauce under the cheese.
What if I don’t like pepperoni?
You can reduce the amount or swap it for cooked sausage, bacon, or even chopped ham. That said, the pepperoni adds a salty, slightly tangy note that balances the richness, so the flavor will change if you remove it completely.
How do I keep the casserole from being watery?
The key is moisture control. Drain the cauliflower thoroughly after cooking, and don’t skip blending it while it’s still warm — that helps excess steam escape before baking.
Is this a main dish or a side?
It can be either. Served on its own, it works as a simple keto meal. Paired with protein (like chicken or meatballs), it makes a great low carb side dish.
Does it reheat well?
Yes — this casserole reheats very well and often tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
More Keto Cauliflower Casserole Recipes
Cheesy Green Chicken Enchilada Cauliflower Casserole
Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole
Keto Chicken Pesto Cauliflower Casserole
75 Best Keto Cauliflower Casseroles
Keto Pepperoni Pizza Cauliflower Casserole
- Total Time: 46 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Diabetic
Description
This keto pepperoni pizza cauliflower casserole is creamy, cheesy, and surprisingly satisfying — even for people who claim they don’t like cauliflower. A smooth cauliflower base is blended with cheese and pepperoni, then baked with mozzarella and more pepperoni on top for an easy low carb dish that works as a main or a side. It reheats well and is great for meal prep. Low carb, gluten free, nut free, egg free.
Ingredients
For the Puree
- 4 cups cauliflower florets
- 2 tablespoons Heavy Cream
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- 8 slices pepperoni
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
For the Casserole
- 12 slices pepperoni
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
For the Puree
- Clean and trim the cauliflower, breaking it into medium sized pieces.
- Place in a microwave safe bowl with cream and butter.
- Microwave, uncovered, on high for 10 minutes.
- Stir to coat cauliflower with cream/butter mixture.
- Microwave for another six minutes on high (or until tender.)
- Remove from the microwave and put into a high speed blender or food processor along with the 8 slices of pepperoni and 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese.
- Puree until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- You can adjust the cream and butter to your preference for consistency.
For the Casserole
- Spread the cauliflower puree into an 8 x 8 oven proof casserole dish.
- Cover with 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, and layer with pepperoni.
- Bake at 375 degrees (F) for about 20 minutes.
- Alternatively you could microwave this for 5 minutes.
- Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 36 minutes
- Category: keto main dish
- Method: microwave
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3/4 cup
- Calories: 207
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 5g net
- Protein: 10g
Sharon says
Thank you so much for the recipe! Do you think it would freeze/reheat well? I am about to try out some “once a month” cooking and need the low carb options for myself as well.
Thank you so much!!
Mellissa Sevigny says
Hi Sharon – it reheats great from the fridge but I’ve never tried freezing it. If you do, I hope that you’ll report back and let us know how it worked! In theory I don’t see why it wouldn’t freeze well – enjoy!
Sharon says
It freezes perfectly! I make a bulk batch and freeze in freezer/micro containers. I have been taking them to work the last couple weeks and it has been heaven!
Angela Decker says
After it has been frozen, how long do you reheat it? Are you reheating it in the microwave or the oven?
Kathy says
Thanks! A friend made a tasty cauliflower gratin with gruyere cheese, and your recipe reminded me of that. I’ll be making it for dinner tonight!
Mellissa Sevigny says
Thanks Kathy, hope you like it!
Janet says
Made this for dinner last night. My husband says it is his favorite cauliflower dish now! Thanks so much Mellissa!
Mellissa Sevigny says
Thanks Janet! I’m so glad it was a hit with your husband especially! Still trying to get mine on board with it! ha ha!
Amanda says
Made this tonight, after being a follower and fellow low carber since Feb of 2012. Absolutely tasty! I say it every time I post – but thank you so much for making it easier to stay on the low carb wagon!
Mellissa Sevigny says
Thanks so much Amanda, and I never get sick of hearing it!!!! ;)
Alswife says
If anyone was apprehensive about trying this recipe please don’t be-it’s so delicious and I’m so very grateful for it. Thank you Melissa!
Mellissa Sevigny says
You’re so welcome!! I STILL love this recipe and make it whenever I’m need of comfort food! Thanks for taking the time to let me know you enjoyed it!
Tracey Young says
I tried this for dinner this evening and it was awesome! Thank you!
Mellissa Sevigny says
Thanks Tracey, so glad you enjoyed it! Still one of my favorites too!!!
Jennie says
This looks great but I live alone – do you think it can be frozen in portions?
Janette says
It freezes great for me!!
Charissa says
Just prepared this, going to pop it in the oven in about an hour but I can’t wait :D It looks great (although my oven dish is a bit too big… really need to get a not-tiny-but-not-huge pan at some point).
Wonder what my guests will think of it :)
Mellissa Sevigny says
Hope it’s a hit with everyone Charissa!!!
Taylor says
OMG! Just found your site today and made this tonight. It was so easy and delicious! I turned it into a more weight watchers friendly version, using FF half & half, light butter, and low fat cheese. Did one side with turkey pepperoni and the other side with caramelized onions. I ate two pieces for 9 points plus. So filling and so delish. So glad I found your site! Gonna do the Jalapeño one next !
Mellissa Sevigny says
So glad you liked it Taylor, and welcome to IBIH!!!! Love the caramelized onions idea!
Anita Breeze says
Your cauliflower recipes are life changing for me as I follow my Ketogenic diet! Every time I stumble across something amazing, it’s from this blog! Thanks for another good one.