Description
A creamy and cheesy loaded cauliflower casserole that is a delightful side dish or main course.
Ingredients
- 2 large heads cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets (about 8 cups)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 4–5 minutes, until just tender but not mushy. Drain thoroughly and let the cauliflower sit for a few minutes to release excess moisture. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel if needed.
- In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese.
- Add the drained cauliflower to the bowl and gently toss until the florets are evenly coated with the creamy cheese mixture. Fold in about half of the crumbled bacon and half of the sliced green onions.
- Transfer the cauliflower mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges. For a more golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining crispy bacon and green onions over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon.
- Feel free to add other toppings like jalapeños or additional cheese.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg