Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

Creamy cauliflower bake is ready in under 30 minutes to serve as a flavorful side dish.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Total Time 25

Servings

Calories 560kcal

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F / 200 degrees C.
Cut bacon into bits. Heat a non-stick skillet and cook for 2 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine half of the bacon bits, sour cream, cream cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, pepper, salt, half a cup of cheddar cheese, and half a cup of Monterey Jack cheese. Add the cauliflower and stir.
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spoon cauliflower into it and top with remaining bacon. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack.
Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, until the cheese melts.
Remove and garnish with parsley, then serve.

For an extra layer of flavor, cook the bacon until it's crispy. This enhances the bacon's texture and taste.
Experiment with different cheese blends. Combining sharp cheddar with a Pepper Jack or Gouda can create complex and rich flavors.
Adjust the herbs — using fresh instead of dried can elevate the flavor of the dish. You can also choose a different herb blend like Herbs de Provence.
If you love garlic, consider using fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder. Sauté it briefly in butter before incorporating it into the casserole for a robust garlic flavor.
To highlight the cauliflower's natural sweetness, roast it instead of steaming it. This adds a caramelized flavor and brings out the best in the vegetable.
Bring the cream cheese and sour cream to room temperature before blending them into the mixture. This helps achieve a smoother and more even consistency throughout the casserole.
Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. This is a time-saving option, especially if you're planning to serve it for a gathering or dinner party.
Storage - keep in an airtight container inside the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.