Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 large head Cauliflower (cut into bite‑size florets)
• 3 tablespoons Water (for steaming in microwave)
• 6 slices Bacon (cooked until crisp, then roughly chopped)
• 2 ounces Cream Cheese (room‑temperature for easy mixing)
• 3/4 cup Sour Cream (full‑fat)
• 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded; half for base, half for topping)
• 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded; half for base, half for topping)
• 2 teaspoons Brown Mustard (spicy grain mustard preferred)
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (optional, adjust to taste)
• 4 stalks Fresh Green Onions (chopped; half for base, half for topping)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Chives (chopped for garnish)
• to taste Salt
• to taste Black Pepper

Instructions

1. Steam the cauliflower

   Place 3–4 Tbsp water in the bottom of a microwave‑safe bowl, add the cauliflower florets, cover loosely with wet paper towels, and microwave on high 5–7 minutes until fork‑tender.

   Time: PT7M

2. Prepare herbs and bacon

   While the cauliflower steams, finely chop the fresh parsley, green onions (reserve half for topping), chives, and roughly chop the cooked bacon. Set aside the topping portions separately.

   Time: PT5M

3. Make the cheese base

   In a large mixing bowl combine room‑temperature cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, brown mustard, half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack, the chopped parsley, half of the green onions, and the chopped bacon. Mix until smooth.

   Time: PT5M

4. Combine cauliflower with base

   Add the hot steamed cauliflower (including any remaining steaming water) to the cheese mixture. Toss gently until the florets are evenly coated.

   Time: PT3M

5. Transfer to casserole dish

   Spread the mixture evenly in a 9×13‑inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, the reserved bacon pieces, and the remaining green onions (and optional chives/parsley) over the top.

   Time: PT3M

6. Bake covered

   Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.

   Time: PT20M

   Temperature: 375°F

7. Finish baking uncovered

   Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese on top is golden and bubbling.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 375°F

8. Optional broil for extra crisp

   If a deeper crust is desired, switch the oven to broil and cook 3 minutes, or until the top is crisp and browned to your liking.

   Time: PT3M

   Temperature: Broil

9. Rest and serve

   Allow the casserole to rest 2 minutes before serving so it sets slightly.

   Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

350

Protein

15 g

Carbohydrates

10 g

Fat

27 g

Fiber

4 g