Loaded Cauliflower Bake
If you've grown tired of mac and cheese or potatoes but still crave a satisfying side dish, we have the ideal solution for you. Enter the Loaded Cauliflower Bake, a magnificent casserole that seamlessly combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic macaroni and cheese with the irresistible toppings (cue the BACON) found in a twice-baked potato. This dish is sure to leave you longing for more.To ensure optimal cooking time and prevent an excessively lengthy stint in the oven, it is recommended to lightly cook the cauliflower beforehand. After approximately 30 minutes of baking, the tantalizing aroma and mouthwatering sight of the Loaded Cauliflower Bake will become unbearable to resist.
Ingredients
- 2 small heads cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 2 c. whole milk
- 2 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 c. shredded cheddar, divided
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 c. sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°. In a large pot of salted boiling water, blanch cauliflower, 3 minutes. Drain and squeeze cauliflower of water.
- Make cheese sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute, then add flour and stir until golden, 2 minutes. Add milk and bring to a low simmer, then add cream cheese, whisking until combined. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup cheddar until melted, then season with salt and pepper.
- In a 9”-x-13” dish, add drained cauliflower. Pour over cheese sauce and stir until combined. Stir in all but 1 tablespoon each cooked bacon and green onions until combined, then top with remaining cheddar, bacon, and green onions.
- Bake until cauliflower is tender and cheese is melty, 30 minutes.
Nutrition
Calories: 295kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 12gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 57mgSodium: 439mgPotassium: 372mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gCalcium: 243mgIron: 1mg
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