
Yields:
8 serving(s)
Prep Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
Cal/Serv:
295
Craving the creaminess of mac & cheese and the cheesy, bacon-packed goodness of a loaded baked potato? This loaded cauliflower bake is the low-carb side that will satisfy both needs at once. This casserole combines the creamy, cheesiness of classic macaroni and cheese with all the incredible fix-ins (hint: bacon) of a loaded baked potato. The result is a hearty cauliflower side that even the pickiest of eaters won’t be able to say no to. Serve it at your holiday dinner to shake up the classic sides, or any fall dinner to add an extra dose of comfort to your plate.
Tip: You definitely want to cook the cauliflower a little first so that it doesn't take forever in the oven. Blanch it for around 3 minutes before draining it of any excess water—then you’re ready to get baking!
Made this amazing baked side? Let us know how it went in the comments below!
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Ingredients
- 2
small heads cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 Tbsp.
butter
- 3
cloves garlic, minced
- 3 Tbsp.
all-purpose flour
- 2 cups
whole milk
- 2 oz.
cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups
shredded cheddar, divided
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
- 6
slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup
sliced green onions
Directions
- Step 1Preheat oven to 350°. In a large pot of salted boiling water, blanch cauliflower, 3 minutes. Drain and squeeze cauliflower of water.
- Step 2Make cheese sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute, then add flour and stir until golden, 2 minutes. Add milk and bring to a low simmer, then add cream cheese, whisking until combined. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup cheddar until melted, then season with salt and pepper.
- Step 3 In a 9”-x-13” dish, add drained cauliflower. Pour over cheese sauce and stir until combined. Stir in all but 1 tablespoon each cooked bacon and green onions until combined, then top with remaining cheddar, bacon, and green onions.
- Step 4 Bake until cauliflower is tender and cheese is melty, 30 minutes.
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