Get ready to transform the humble cauliflower into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone at your dinner table begging for seconds! This Creamy Cauliflower Casserole with Bacon and Cheddar is not just another side dish – it's a culinary revelation that turns ordinary vegetables into an irresistible, cheesy sensation. Imagine tender cauliflower florets smothered in a rich, creamy sauce, topped with crispy bacon and melted sharp cheddar, creating a dish so delicious it'll make even the most dedicated vegetable skeptics come back for more.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Wash the cauliflower head thoroughly and cut into uniform bite-sized florets, ensuring they are roughly similar in size for even cooking.
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, blanch the cauliflower florets for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Immediately drain and transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process, then drain again and pat dry with paper towels.
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Remove from pan, drain on paper towels, and crumble into small pieces once cooled.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
- Gently fold the blanched cauliflower florets into the creamy mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Transfer the cauliflower mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish or light main course, garnishing with additional chopped chives or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Blanching is key: Don't skip the blanching step! This technique ensures your cauliflower is perfectly tender-crisp and helps it absorb the creamy sauce more effectively.
- Bacon matters: Use high-quality bacon and cook it until it's extra crispy. The crunch and smoky flavor will elevate the entire dish.
- Cheese selection: Opt for a sharp cheddar for maximum flavor impact. The sharper the cheese, the more depth your casserole will have.
- Even coating is crucial: When mixing the cauliflower with the creamy sauce, take your time to ensure every floret is evenly coated.
- Let it rest: Allowing the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking helps it set and makes serving much easier.
- Optional upgrades: Consider adding a sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch, or mix in some chopped chives for a fresh flavor boost.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 70mg
