Description
This loaded cauliflower casserole is a creamy, cheesy dish that’s packed with flavor! Cauliflower is steamed to tender perfection and combined with sharp cheddar, cream cheese, sour cream, crispy bacon, and green onions for a satisfying side dish or light main course. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cleaned and trimmed into florets
- 1 cup chicken stock (for steaming the cauliflower)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (reserve ¼ cup for topping)
- 4 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Steam the cauliflower florets using the chicken stock. You can steam the cauliflower in a large pot or use a steamer basket. Steam for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cauliflower is very tender.
- Once the cauliflower is tender, drain the excess liquid and place it in a large mixing bowl.
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Mash the Cauliflower:
- Using a potato masher or fork, mash the cauliflower until smooth and creamy. You can also use an immersion blender if you prefer a smoother texture.
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Add Creamy Ingredients:
- To the mashed cauliflower, add the minced garlic, sour cream, and cream cheese. Stir until everything is combined and creamy.
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Add Cheese and Bacon:
- Mix in 1¼ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese (reserve the remaining ¼ cup for topping) and most of the crumbled bacon, leaving a little for garnish.
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Season:
- Season the mixture with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
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Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mashed cauliflower mixture into a greased 9×9-inch or similar-sized baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top and sprinkle the rest of the crumbled bacon over the cheese.
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Bake:
- Place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish and Serve:
- Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with the thinly sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
- You can make this dish ahead of time by assembling it and refrigerating it before baking. Simply bake it when ready to serve.
- If you prefer, you can add a handful of grated Parmesan cheese to the topping for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (including steaming and baking)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American