Do you need a healthy side dish that takes just a few minutes to prepare, and one that the kids won’t turn down? By now, pretty much everyone has tried cauliflower rice. Left in its natural state, it’s not my favorite. It needs sprucing up with either lots of spices, or in this case, sour cream and cheddar cheese. Prep time is 6 minutes, it cooks in the microwave, and comes out perfect every time. Even my 14-year-old granddaughter, Annalise, said it was AWESOME, and that I need to give the “recipe” to her mom.
Many of us have strong feelings about cruciferous veggies – cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, kale, etc. We either love them as they are, or spend time adding ingredients to cover up the taste. That would be me. We know they’re good for us – rich in vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, and they contain plant-based compounds that may help to lower inflammation and reduce the risk of developing cancer. That’s great, but how do we make them so delicious your family won’t turn up their noses when you serve them with dinner?
The first time I tried substituting cauliflower rice for the real thing, I wasn’t a big fan. It doesn’t have the same neutral, grain taste as rice does. Instead, it has that strong, distinctive taste and the smell that cruciferous vegetables are famous for. After a few measurement adjustments, I was happy. Nothing says yummy like butter, sour cream, and cheese. If I have any leftover bacon crumbles, I’ll throw that in, and scallions (green onions) are a tasty add-in as well. This dish is so good, your kids will ask for seconds, like my grandchildren do.
Use either packaged frozen riced cauliflower found at the grocery store, or a food processor to rice fresh cauliflower florets.
Microwave 12 ounces of frozen (or fresh) riced cauliflower four minutes. Add butter and microwave for one more minute. Add cheese, sour cream, salt and pepper and serve. It’s that simple.
If you’re looking for a scrumptious way to top off steamed cauliflower or broccoli, just pour our keto cheese sauce on top and watch the veggies disappear.
Cooked cauliflower doesn’t store well, so don’t make this dish in advance or plan on leftovers. Adjust the ingredients for smaller amounts.
Cheesy Sour Cream Cauliflower Rice
Scrumptious low-carb/keto side dish using cauliflower rice, butter, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Similar in taste to stuffed baked potatoes, but only 2 net carbs per serving! The perfect comfort food when you only have a few minutes to spare.
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen riced cauliflower (Green Giant frozen organic riced cauliflower from Costco is great when you're in a hurry. )
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (I use extra sharp. )
- salt
- freshly grated pepper
Place 12 ounces frozen or fresh riced cauliflower in a casserole dish in microwave. Cook on high for 4 minutes. Do not add water.
Add butter and microwave for additional 1 minute. Add sour cream and cheddar cheese. Stir until mixed. Salt and pepper to taste.
8 servings
This is the best side dish! It couldn’t be easier to make, and as a rice lover I thought I’d miss the carbs but I don’t at all. Delicious!
I’m so happy you loved this, Michelle! Thanks so much for visiting myketohome and I hope you find more you love!
This sounds delish but I’m a rare breed who does not use or want a microwave. How would you adjust this recipe?
Hi, Kathy, and thanks for a great question! Roasting the cauliflower rice is another option. Spray a sheet pan with non-stick cooking spray (like Pam, etc.) and roast in a 400 degree F oven for 10 minutes. Flip with spatula and roast another 10-15 minutes. Place in a bowl with the remaining ingredients and mix.
Making this tomorrow as a side looks delicious!!!
Hello, Dawn! This is the easiest side you’ll ever make. I really hope you enjoy it! Thanks for visiting us and stay well.
This dish was so easy and delicious I could not believe if. I already shared it with my friends. Today I wanted comfort food and this was perfect. I started the day with the keto granola and yogurt for breakfast, your wrap recipe for lunch and cheesy cauliflower for dinner. Thank you for helping to plan my delicious meals.
Love It!!!! Don’t like to use the microwave for cooking so I did it stove top and it’s on point!!!!!!
Perfect solution, Yamiley! So glad you enjoyed the cauliflower rice dish!
Delicious!! I’m so glad I found your site. Every recipe I’ve made has been so good!
Hi, Jill! I’m glad you found the cauliflower rice delicious – it’s amazing what cheese and sour cream can do to just about any vegetable : D. Thanks for your kind comments and for the visit.
LOVE!! Perfect for my weight watchers plan! And my 7.5 month old loves it too!!
Hi, Lily! I’m so happy both you and your 7.5 month old baby loves our Cheesy Sour Cream Cauliflower Rice! Makes me smile to think about a baby enjoying it! Thank you for sharing.