Go Back
+ servings
Bacon on cauliflower casserole.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded casserole with cauliflower, cheddar cheese and dill in creamy sauce.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 5
Calories: 433kcal
Author: Ilona

Ingredients

  • 1 cauliflower whole head
  • 8 bacon slices
  • 1 tsp. salt divided
  • 4 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 cups milk
  • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp. mustard powder
  • 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese shredded, divided
  • 1/3 cup dill fresh, chopped

Instructions

  • Cut cauliflower into florets, place in a large pot. Pour water, just to cover all cauliflower florets. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, keep remaining salt for the sauce.
  • Start cooking on medium-high heat, once it starts to boil, lower the heat and cook for 10 minutes.
  • In the meantime, heat large frying pan, add bacon slices, cook for 3-5 minutes on each side. Remove bacon from the pan and cut into small pieces, set aside.
  • Drain cauliflower when it's done cooking.
  • Keep 4 tablespoons of bacon dripping on the large frying pan, discard the rest. Add flour to the frying pan, cook for 1-2 minutes on low-medium heat, mixing all the time.
  • Whisk in the milk, add 1/2 teaspoon salt, garlic powder and mustard powder. Cook on low heat, mixing often until thickens for about 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove the sauce from heat, add 1 cup of cheddar cheese and dill, mix it.
  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Place cauliflower florets in the deep baking pan, pour sauce. Top it with remaining cheddar cheese and bacon.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.

Video

Notes

  • I recommend adding fresh dill, it makes the casserole very delicious.
  • Try not to boil cauliflower too long, we don't want a very soft vegetable, 10 minutes of boiling is sufficient. The cauliflower will still be baking in the oven, so it will become softer.
  • Remove the sauce from heat before adding cheddar cheese, this will prevent the cheese to curdle. We want a smooth, silky sauce.
  • You can also use butter instead of bacon dripping.
  • What to serve it with? Loaded cauliflower casserole is a great addition to any meal, it can be served for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas with Paprika Slow Cooker Chicken or Homemade Garlic mashed Potatoes.

Nutrition

Calories: 433kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 915mg | Potassium: 644mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 792IU | Vitamin C: 58mg | Calcium: 414mg | Iron: 2mg