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Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

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4.4 from 13 reviews

This Loaded Cauliflower Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting side dish perfect for gatherings or family dinners. It features tender steamed cauliflower mixed with cream cheese, sour cream, sharp cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheeses, enhanced with garlic and onion powders, and topped with crispy bacon and fresh chives for added texture and flavor.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 2 lbs cauliflower florets, cut in bite-size pieces
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives (reserve 1 tablespoon for topping)

Dairy

  • 1 box (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
  • 1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, finely shredded

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Others

  • 6 slices crispy cooked bacon, coarsely chopped

Instructions

  1. Steam the cauliflower: Steam the cauliflower florets until they are fork-tender, which should take about 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly in a colander to remove excess water.
  2. Preheat and prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
  3. Make the cheese mixture: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix these ingredients until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
  4. Combine cauliflower and bacon: Gently fold the steamed cauliflower, half of the chopped bacon, and most of the chopped chives into the cheese mixture. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to your taste.
  5. Assemble the casserole: Spoon the cauliflower and cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining chopped bacon on top.
  6. Bake the casserole: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
  7. Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the reserved fresh chives on top for a fresh pop of flavor and color. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Ensure the cauliflower is well-drained after steaming to avoid a watery casserole.
  • For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • To make this dish vegetarian, omit the bacon and increase cheese quantity or add sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
  • Use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream for a lighter version of this casserole.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://monicarecipes.com/loaded-cauliflower-casserole-recipe/