Loaded Cauliflower Bake

5 from 4 votes

Loaded Cauliflower Bake is a cheesy, veggie-centered dinner idea that I can even get my kids to eat! You can use this cauliflower casserole as your main meal, or as a side dish if you have trouble getting your kiddos to eat their veggies plain.

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Total Time40

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cauliflower casserole, cauliflower side dish, cheesy cauliflower bake, loaded cauliflower casserole

Servings:

Calories: 193kcal

Author: Jill

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

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a 13x9in. baking dish.
Boil cauliflower florets in salted boiling water for about 3 minutes.
Drain all water from the cauliflower and dump into prepared dish.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat and cook garlic until fragrant (1 minute).
Add flour and stir for 2 minutes.
Add milk 1/2 cup at a time and bring to a simmer.
Add cream cheese and whisk to combine.
Remove from heat and add 1 cup of the sharp cheddar; stir until melted.
Season with salt and pepper.
Pour cheese sauce over cauliflower and stir to evenly coat.
Set aside 1 tablespoon each of cooked bacon and green onions, then stir the rest into the cauliflower.
Top with remaining cheese, bacon and green onions.
Bake for about 30 minutes, or until cheese is melted completely.

Nutrition