This Loaded Cauliflower Bake is a delicious, low-carb alternative to traditional loaded potato casseroles. Packed with creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and tender cauliflower, it’s a flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. The rich combination of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and bacon gives this dish its indulgent, “loaded” flavor, while cauliflower keeps it light and nutritious. This bake is sure to become a family favorite, offering the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness with a satisfying crunch.
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 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 slices applewood smoked bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower
- Cook the Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).Fill a sizable pot with water, adding a pinch of salt, and heat it until it reaches a rolling boil. Introduce the cauliflower florets and let them simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, cooking until they are tender yet still firm. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
- Sauté the Garlic: In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat until melted. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for approximately one minute, or until it releases a delicious aroma.
- Create the Roux: Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
- Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to break up any lumps, and cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Cream Cheese and Cheddar: Stir in the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Sauté the Garlic: In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat until melted. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for approximately one minute, or until it releases a delicious aroma.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
- Combine Cauliflower and Sauce: Place the cooked cauliflower florets in a large baking dish. Drizzle the cheese sauce over the cauliflower, making sure each floret is thoroughly covered.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top, followed by the crumbled bacon.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions.
Conclusion:
This Loaded Cauliflower Bake is a flavorful, satisfying side dish that gives you all the indulgent flavors of a loaded baked potato but with fewer carbs. With its creamy cheese sauce, smoky bacon, and the fresh crunch of green onions, it’s a dish that both cauliflower lovers and skeptics will enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a healthier option for your weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for a holiday meal, this casserole is sure to deliver.
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 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 slices applewood smoked bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower
- Cook the Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Fill a sizable pot with water, adding a pinch of salt, and heat it until it reaches a rolling boil. Introduce the cauliflower florets and let them simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, cooking until they are tender yet still firm. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
- Sauté the Garlic: In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat until melted. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for approximately one minute, or until it releases a delicious aroma.
- Create the Roux: Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
- Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to break up any lumps, and cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Cream Cheese and Cheddar: Stir in the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Sauté the Garlic: In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat until melted. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for approximately one minute, or until it releases a delicious aroma.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
- Combine Cauliflower and Sauce: Place the cooked cauliflower florets in a large baking dish. Drizzle the cheese sauce over the cauliflower, making sure each floret is thoroughly covered.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top, followed by the crumbled bacon.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions.