Cheesy Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
This creamy, cheesy cauliflower casserole is loaded with cheese, bacon, chives, and cauliflower - tossed in an indulging creamy sauce. The perfect side dish for any holiday or occassion!
Servings 8 servings (1/2 cup)
Calories 264kcal
Ingredients
- 2 small heads of cauliflower chopped into small florets
- 6 slices bacon chopped
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onion yellow or white
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic 3-4 cloves
Cheddar Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or thickener of choice *See notes below
- 2 cups almond milk or milk of choice
- 1/4 cup cream cheese cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup half and half or more milk
- 1/2 cup 2% plain greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt more or less, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper more or less, to taste
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 9x13" baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place a large pot of salted water over high heat and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the cauliflower florets and blanch for 3-4 minutes. Drain the cauliflower and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels (to absorb some water). Set aside.
- Chop the bacon into small pieces and add them to a large saucepan set over medium heat. Once the bacon has started to sizzle, cover with a lid, and cook until golden (or preferred doneness). Don't overcook as bacon will continue cooking in the oven.Remove from heat and transfer bacon bits with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels. Set aside.
- If using butter, wipe the saucepan clean of any leftover bacon grease and add 1 tablespoon to the pan.If using bacon grease, discard all but 1 tablespoon to fry.Return the saucepan to medium heat. Add the chopped onion and saute for 3-4 minutes or until caramelized. Add the minced garlic, stir, and cook 1 minute.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the additional 2 tablespoons of butter to melt. Once melted, sprinkle with flour and whisk until a paste forms. Allow the flour to cook 1 minute.
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking as you pour to fully combined. Pour in the half and half, whisk. Bring to a low simmer for 2-3 minutes before adding the cream cheese. Continue whisking until all of the cream cheese has melted.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the greek yogurt, 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese, and half the bacon. Season the sauce with salt and pepper - to taste.
- Transfer the cauliflower to the prepared baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce overtop and gently stir to combine. Top with remaining cheddar cheese and bacon.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cauliflower is fork-tender. Garnish with salt, pepper, and freshly chopped chives.
Notes
Add chicken to make this a complete meal!
Keto-friendly option: you can either omit the flour entirely, allow the milk to cook down a little more or use a little less milk and a bit more cream cheese and cheddar cheese for a thicker sauce. Another option is guar gum or xanthan gum.
Gluten-free option: use the GF version of all-purpose flour or cornstarch as a thickener.
Freshly shredded cheese will always melt better and more easily than prepackaged.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 264kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 695mg | Potassium: 296mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 563IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 319mg | Iron: 1mg