Description
Comfort meets nutrition in this hearty Loaded Cauliflower Casserole, blending creamy textures with bold flavors. Cheese, bacon, and green onions elevate this classic dish, promising a delightful meal that satisfies both taste buds and hunger.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables:
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
Dairy and Protein:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 1/4 cup chopped chives or green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to a precise 375°F and coating a spacious rectangular baking vessel with a delicate layer of cooking lubricant.
- Transform raw cauliflower clusters into tender morsels through a gentle steaming or boiling process, ensuring complete drainage and thorough moisture removal using absorbent toweling.
- Craft a luxurious creamy amalgamation by whisking together tangy sour cream, rich cream cheese, velvety heavy cream, aromatic garlic powder, mineral-rich salt, and pungent pepper until achieving a harmonious, silken consistency.
- Gently introduce the perfectly cooked cauliflower into the decadent cream mixture, meticulously enrobing each floret with the sumptuous sauce.
- Elegantly transfer the saturated cauliflower ensemble into the prepared baking dish, creating an even landscape of culinary potential.
- Embellish the surface with a generous cascade of sharp cheddar cheese and crisp, fragmented bacon pieces, promising a textural symphony.
- Nestle the creation into the preheated oven, allowing the ingredients to meld and transform for 20-25 minutes until the cheese reaches a molten, effervescent state.
- Conclude the culinary journey by adorning the golden masterpiece with finely chopped chives or verdant green onions, adding a fresh, aromatic flourish before presenting to eager diners.
Notes
- Ensure cauliflower is thoroughly dried after steaming to prevent watery casserole and maintain creamy texture.
- Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon or plant-based bacon alternatives to reduce fat and accommodate different dietary preferences.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream for a lighter version without compromising rich, comforting flavor.
- Fresh garlic minced instead of garlic powder can elevate the depth of taste and provide a more robust aromatic profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg