Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
User Reviews
4.4
Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
Description
The recipe begins by steaming cauliflower until tender yet firm. Meanwhile, most of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses are blended with softened cream cheese and heavy cream to form a rich, creamy base. Chopped green onions, crumbled cooked bacon, and grated garlic are stirred in, tinting the mixture with smoky, sharp, and fresh elements.
The cooked cauliflower is drained thoroughly and combined with the cheese mixture. After adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper, the mixture is transferred to a casserole dish, topped with remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Covered with foil, it bakes at 350°F to heat through, then the foil is removed to brown and bubble the top to a golden finish.
Serving the dish warm, this casserole offers a hearty side that balances vegetable texture with melted cheeses and bacon’s crispness. It's a suitable accompaniment to various main courses or enjoyed as a savory dish on its own.
Optionally, mashing the cauliflower slightly after mixing with the cheese can create a smoother, finer texture preferred by some.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds cauliflower florets
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese shredded, divided, sharp
- 8 ounces Monterey jack cheese shredded, divided
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups green onions sliced (2 bunches)
- 6 lices Bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 clove garlic grated
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Steam cauliflower florets in a large pot filled with 1-inch of water until tender, about 5 minutes.
- While cauliflower steams, cream together 3/4 of the cheddar cheese, 3/4 of the Monterey Jack, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Stir in sliced green onions, chopped bacon, and garlic. Set aside.
- Drain any liquid from steamed cauliflower and add the cauliflower to the cheese mixture. Stir cauliflower and cheese mixture together until completely combined.
- Taste for seasoning, and add salt and pepper as necessary.
- Pour cauliflower into a 2-quart casserole dish and sprinkle on remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Cover dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue to bake until cheese is brown and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and serve warm.
Notes
- To achieve a smoother texture, mash the cauliflower lightly after combining it with the cheese mixture using a potato masher.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 446 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 446kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 9g | 3% |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
| Fat | 37g | 57% |
| Saturated Fat | 21g | 105% |
| Cholesterol | 107mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 568mg | 24% |
| Potassium | 519mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 1179IU | 24% |
| Vitamin C | 58mg | 64% |
| Calcium | 487mg | 49% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
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