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Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

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A creamy, cheesy cauliflower casserole loaded with bacon, caramelized onions, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, perfect for a comforting dinner or potluck.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head cauliflower (about 6 cups florets)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup whole or 2% milk (or almond/oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional but recommended)
  • Handful fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Chop cauliflower into bite-sized florets (about 6 cups). Boil salted water and cook cauliflower for 5-7 minutes until tender but still firm. Drain well and set aside.
  3. Cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble. Leave about 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the pan.
  4. Add chopped onion to the skillet with bacon fat and cook over low-medium heat for 10-12 minutes until golden and caramelized. Add minced garlic in the last minute and stir.
  5. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1-2 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
  6. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened (3-4 minutes), then remove from heat.
  7. Stir in softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream, shredded cheddar, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and nutmeg. Mix until creamy.
  8. In a large bowl, combine cooked cauliflower, caramelized onions and garlic, crumbled bacon, and cheese sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly.
  9. Transfer mixture to prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Optionally broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

If sauce is too thick before mixing, add a splash more milk; if too thin, cook longer to thicken. Avoid overcooking cauliflower to prevent mushiness. Use freshly grated cheese for best melt and texture. Rest casserole 5 minutes before serving to set sauce. For dairy-free, use dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream, and milk alternatives. For gluten-free, substitute flour and breadcrumbs accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: cauliflower casserole, comfort food, cheesy casserole, loaded cauliflower, easy dinner, bacon casserole, vegetable casserole

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/loaded-cauliflower-casserole-recipe-easy-comfort-food-for-dinner/