Loaded Cauliflower Bake Recipe

close up of loaded cauliflower bake in a blue and white casserole dish with a spoon.

5 from 4 votes

This loaded cauliflower bake recipe is super cheesy, creamy, and delicious! Like a loaded baked potato, it's filled with cheese, bacon, and sour cream. Make this cheesy cauliflower casserole for an easy side dish that everyone will love!

Prep Time20

Cook Time20

Total Time40

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Difficulty: Easy

Servings:

Author: Becky Hardin

Equipment

9x13 Baking Pan

Ingredients

1 head of cauliflower about 6 cups, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons unsalted butter ¼ stick
1 tablespoon minced garlic
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
4 ounces cream cheese ½ block
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
1½ cups shredded Monterey jack cheese divided
5 slices bacon cooked and diced
⅔ cup sour cream
1 tablespoon diced chives

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F and spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Prepare the cauliflower. In a large saucepan, add 1 ½-2 inches of water over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chopped cauliflower into a steamer basket and add it to the pan. Cover with a lid and cook the cauliflower for 5 minutes. Lift the steamer from the pan and drain well. Set aside.
1 head of cauliflower
In a separate saucepan, make a roux. Melt the butter, add the garlic, and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in the flour to make a paste, followed by the milk. Cook until it begins to thicken.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 cups whole milk
To the roux, add the cream cheese, stirring to combine as it melts. Turn off the stove. Stir in the salt and pepper and add 1 cup each of cheddar and Monterey jack cheese. Stir until the cheese melts.
4 ounces cream cheese, 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, 1½ cups shredded Monterey jack cheese
Place the steamed cauliflower in the prepared casserole dish and pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower.
Add dollops of sour cream over the cauliflower.
⅔ cup sour cream
Sprinkle the top of the casserole with the cooked bacon and remaining cheese.
5 slices bacon
Place in the oven and bake until bubbly and lightly browned, about 10-15 minutes.
Remove and garnish with chives. Serve immediately.
1 tablespoon diced chives

Video

Notes

Variations:

Make It A Main: Add chicken to this loaded cauliflower bake to add more protein to this meal.

Vegetarian: It's easy to make this a vegetarian-friendly recipe. Just skip the bacon and you're good to go!

Spicy: Add diced chiles and use pepper jack cheese for a spicier cauliflower casserole.

Add Broccoli: The more veggies the better! Try adding half the cauliflower, and the same amount of broccoli.

Add Potatoes: If you're not worried about carbs, add in some potatoes for a heartier dish. Boil potatoes, chop into bite-sized cubes, and add into the casserole dish before baking.

Nutrition