Loaded Cauliflower Bake

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 55 mins

Total: 70 mins

Servings: 8 servings

This cauliflower bake is a rich and delicious casserole that will be an instant hit at dinner. The combination of ingredients is similar in flavor to a loaded potato casserole, but it is much lower in carbohydrates. The casserole is also a refreshing twist on cauliflower, adding big bold flavor, color, and texture to the mild vegetable. It’ll even win over cauliflower skeptics.

The cauliflower is roasted first to keep it from adding too much moisture to the dish. If you choose to steam the cauliflower, make sure you drain it thoroughly and squeeze it gently to remove the excess moisture.

Loaded cauliflower bake is an excellent choice for a Sunday dinner, holiday feast, or to take to a potluck event.

Ingredients

• 3 to 4 pounds cauliflower florets (about 1 1/2 to 2 heads)

• 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil

• Kosher salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups milk

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (8 ounces), divided

• 8 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled, divided

• 4 green onions, thinly sliced

• 3 tablespoons sour cream

• Sliced green onion tops or chopped fresh parsley, optional, for garnish

Steps to Make It

1. Gather the ingredients and preheat the oven to 375 F.

   

2. Toss the cauliflower florets with the olive oil and spread them out on a large rimmed baking sheet. If necessary, use two baking sheets. Sprinkle the cauliflower lightly with kosher salt and black pepper. Roast the cauliflower in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until it is tender and lightly browned.

   

3. Prepare the cheese sauce. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes.

   

4. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic and add a dash of salt and pepper. Continue to cook, constantly stirring, for 2 minutes longer.

   

5. Gradually whisk the milk into the butter and flour roux mixture. Continue to cook, constantly whisking, until thickened.

   

6. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese and a few tablespoons of the crumbled bacon for the topping; set aside.

   

7. Add the remaining cheese, bacon, and the green onions to the cheese sauce and continue to cook until the cheese is melted. Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly for about 10 minutes.

   

8. Stir the sour cream into the sauce mixture and fold in the cauliflower. Taste and adjust the seasonings.

   

9. Turn the mixture into a lightly greased 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved cheese and bacon over the top. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

   

10. Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with sliced green onion tops or parsley, if desired.

    

11. Serve and enjoy!

    

Recipe Variation

• To lower the carbs more, omit the flour and replace the milk with 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream.