Description
Hearty loaded cauliflower casserole brings comfort and cheesy goodness to dinner tables across America. Creamy textures and rich flavors combine, inviting you to savor each delightful bite of this satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head cauliflower (chopped into florets)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup bacon (cooked, crumbled)
- 1/4 cup green onions (chopped)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) and lightly coat a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook cauliflower florets in boiling water or steam until they reach a tender consistency, approximately 8-10 minutes. Thoroughly drain excess moisture.
- Create a creamy base by whisking sour cream, cream cheese, heavy cream, and seasonings in a spacious mixing bowl until the texture becomes uniform and velvety.
- Incorporate the drained cauliflower into the creamy mixture, gently folding in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and chopped green onions.
- Carefully transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
- Elegantly sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon across the surface of the casserole.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with the reserved green onions before serving the warm, comforting casserole.
Notes
- Use fresh cauliflower for the best texture and flavor, ensuring it’s not overcooked to maintain a slight crispness.
- Drain cauliflower thoroughly to prevent excess moisture that could make the casserole watery.
- For a lighter version, substitute full-fat dairy with low-fat alternatives or Greek yogurt.
- Consider adding extra herbs like thyme or rosemary for a more complex flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg