This Cheesy Loaded Cauliflower Casserole is a creamy, cheesy delight! It’s packed with yummy flavors from broccoli, cheese, and crispy bacon bits, making it a hearty side dish.
You might find yourself sneaking extra servings just because of the cheesy goodness! I love it paired with grilled chicken or as a tasty snack on its own. Perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: This is the star ingredient! A large head of cauliflower works best for this recipe. If you’re looking for variety, you can use broccoli or a mix of both for a colorful dish.
Bacon: While bacon adds great flavor, you can substitute it with turkey bacon or even crispy chickpeas for a vegetarian option. I’ve tried both, and they work surprisingly well!
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings the cheese flavor. If you can’t find sharp cheddar, try medium cheddar or a cheese blend. Personally, I love using a mix, including Monterey Jack!
Sour Cream and Mayonnaise: These give creaminess to the dish. Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream, and you can skip the mayo if you prefer to keep it lighter. Alternatively, use vegan mayo for a dairy-free option.
Green Onions: Use both the white and green parts. If you don’t have green onions, chives can be a nice substitute for a similar flavor. Fresh herbs easily brighten this dish!
What’s the Best Way to Prepare Cauliflower for Casserole?
Preparing cauliflower correctly is vital for a well-textured casserole. Start by cutting the cauliflower into even-sized florets so they’ll cook evenly. Here’s how to do it:
- Boil water with a generous amount of salt. This helps season the cauliflower.
- Add the cauliflower florets and cook them for just 5-7 minutes. You want them tender but still firm—avoid overcooking!
- Drain well and let them cool a bit to ensure the casserole doesn’t become watery.
This step makes your casserole creamy without being mushy. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Cheesy Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the baking dish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole will take approximately 15 minutes of prep time and about 25 minutes of baking time. So, you can have it ready in about 40 minutes! Perfect for a cozy dinner or as a side dish at your next gathering.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, grease a medium-sized baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Cauliflower:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add the cauliflower florets. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they are just tender but not mushy. Drain them well and set them aside to cool slightly.
3. Make the Creamy Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Add the cooked cauliflower florets to the creamy mixture, along with half of the shredded cheddar cheese, the white parts of the green onions, and most of the crumbled bacon (save some bacon for topping later). Gently fold everything together until the cauliflower is nicely coated.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the cauliflower mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure it cooks well.
6. Add Cheese and Bacon Topping:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over the top of the casserole for a deliciously cheesy finish.
7. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the top is slightly golden.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, garnish the casserole with the green parts of the sliced green onions for a pop of color. Serve it hot, either as a comforting side dish or a light main—enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen cauliflower! Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before mixing it into the casserole to prevent excess moisture from making it watery.
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
You can lighten it up by using reduced-fat sour cream and mayonnaise. Additionally, consider reducing the amount of cheese or using low-fat cheese to cut down on calories without sacrificing too much flavor.
Can I Prepare This Casserole in Advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as it might require a few extra minutes if baked cold from the fridge.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If it seems dry, you could add a splash of cream or milk when reheating!
