Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole is a healthier, gluten-free recipe with tender cauliflower, bacon, and cheese. It's a family favorite alternative to loaded baked potatoes

Are you ready for some good ol' fill your belly cheesy yummy comfort food?

Yes, I am telling you that this Loaded Cauliflower Casserole is straight up comfort food. Scouts honor ✋

This recipe came to be because it has been SO damn cold here in the PNW. 

Like teeth chattering, finger numbing, makes your nose run, COLLLLLLLD!! 

Every morning I take Hawk out to do his business I am crunching through the grass. Frozen grass! Bbrrrrrrr

What is funny is that if it would snow here it would actually be warmer! Weird right? It took me a hot second to understand that concept. I mean, coming from So Cal, this girl was just used to if it is 95 it is hot and, if it is 65, it is cold. 

Simple, plain, easy.

Then I moved to Western Washington and would hear things like "It is too cold to snow". 😯

That has this beach girl completely baffled. #blondmoment

Then I had someone sit down and explain it to me and I was like "Oooooooh I get it now". 

OK, I am a little slow, but I get there.

Anywho, let's get back to this fantabulous cheesiness 👆

But, when it is uber cold like this, my body screams for comfort food which in the past meant something cheesy, creamy, and carb loaded.

So this is kinda what happens when a healthy side of cauliflower meets mac and cheese and they have a delicious baby. A baby that, after one bite, you want to hide in the corner with and not share with a single soul, EVAH!

I have images of the seagulls from Finding Nemo in my head right now 😂

But, once you give this a taste, you will 100% understand what I am saying.

This recipe is perfect for 4 people if you share but, if you want a meatless meal kinda dealio, I would double it sans bacon.

😲 Did I just say to leave the bacon out???

Is bacon really meat though? I mean, I think of it more like a seasoning. It just brings more flavahhhh 😆 #kiddingnotkidding

Yes, by all means, leave out the bacon if you want a complete veggie version BUT maybe add more veggies like tomatoes, avocado, or spice it up with some jalapeno?

Me? I was just going for a potato skin + mac and cheese kind of thing and I hit that nail right on the head.

Honestly though? I am kind of obsessed with cauliflower right now and Kevin is all onboard with that, so I have been crankin' out a ton of ways to serve it.

So, keep an eye out for my next recipe 😉

Yield: 4 to 6 servingsAuthor: Bobbi Hass-Burleson

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

This casserole is the best of all worlds. Think potato skin + mac and cheese + cauliflower = a dish your whole family will go crazy for.

prep time: 10 MINScook time: 38 MINStotal time: 48 mins

ingredients:

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
• Kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons flour (you can substitute gluten-free flour)
• 1 cup milk 
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped
• 3 green onions, chopped
• Fresh cracked black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Chives, chopped (optional)

instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook cauliflower until tender, 7 minutes. 
3. Drain well.
4. In a large saucepot, over medium heat, melt butter. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. 
5. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1 to  2 minutes. 
6. Add milk and bring to a low simmer, then 1 1/2 cups of the cheese and the onion powder, whisking until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add drained cauliflower and all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon to the pot and stir until combined. 
8. Top with remaining cheese and bacon.
9. Bake for 30 minutes until the cheese is nice and bubbly.
10. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

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If you like this recipe, you might also enjoy these.

Shrimp and Bacon Cauliflower Fried Rice

Cauliflower Au Gratin

Garlic Herb Cauliflower Rice

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