Loaded Cauliflower Bake
Ingredients
- 2 small heads cauliflower
cut into florets
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 3 Tablespoons all purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 ounces cream cheese
softened
- 1 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar
divided
- salt and pepper to taste
- 6 slices applewood smoked bacon
cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a 13x9in. baking dish.
- 2
Boil cauliflower florets in salted boiling water for about 3 minutes.
- 3
Drain all water from the cauliflower and dump into prepared dish.
- 4
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat and cook garlic until fragrant (1 minute).
- 5
Add flour and stir for 2 minutes.
- 6
Add milk 1/2 cup at a time and bring to a simmer.
- 7
Add cream cheese and whisk to combine.
- 8
Remove from heat and add 1 cup of the sharp cheddar; stir until melted.
- 9
Season with salt and pepper.
- 10
Pour cheese sauce over cauliflower and stir to evenly coat.
- 11
Set aside 1 tablespoon each of cooked bacon and green onions, then stir the rest into the cauliflower.
- 12
Top with remaining cheese, bacon and green onions.
- 13
Bake for about 30 minutes, or until cheese is melted completely.
Loaded Cauliflower Bake
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About this Recipe
Looking for a comforting side dish that feels incredibly indulgent yet secretly packs in the vegetables? This Loaded Cauliflower Bake transforms simple florets into a rich, savory experience, bringing all the irresistible flavors of a loaded baked potato into an easy, creamy casserole.
This bake is a masterclass in flavor, designed to satisfy those comfort food cravings. The secret lies in a decadent cheese sauce, where the rich creaminess of softened cream cheese blends with the sharp, savory notes of shredded cheddar, all uplifted by a hint of aromatic garlic. This combination creates a velvety texture that perfectly coats every tender piece of cauliflower.
When you dive into this dish, you can expect a symphony of textures and tastes. Each forkful delivers fork-tender cauliflower enveloped in that luscious, cheesy sauce. The crisp, smoky bits of applewood smoked bacon add a delightful crunch and deep umami, while the fresh green onions provide a bright, zesty finish, cutting through the richness.
This recipe is surprisingly straightforward, requiring minimal active time in the kitchen before baking to golden perfection. It's a naturally lower-carb option compared to traditional potato bakes, making it a fantastic choice for a balanced, satisfying meal.
Feel free to customize this Loaded Cauliflower Bake to your taste. You could swap the sharp cheddar for a milder Monterey Jack or a Colby blend if you prefer. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the cheese sauce. While applewood smoked bacon offers distinct flavor, any cooked and crumbled bacon will work wonderfully. You can also adjust the amount of garlic to suit your preference.
This Loaded Cauliflower Bake makes an outstanding side dish for almost any occasion, from a simple weeknight family dinner to a festive holiday gathering. Serve it warm straight from the oven, perhaps alongside roast chicken, grilled steak, or juicy pork chops, for the ultimate comfort food experience.