Cheesy Cauliflower & Bacon Casserole
This Cheesy Cauliflower & Bacon Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish—crispy bacon, tender cauliflower, and a rich, cheesy sauce baked until golden and bubbly. It’s indulgent yet balanced, making it a perfect side dish for holidays or a hearty main for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets (about 6 cups)
- 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled (reserve 1 tbsp bacon fat)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or mix with mozzarella for extra creaminess
- ½ cup cream cheese softened
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk for a lighter version
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tsp smoked paprika optional, for depth
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish
- Optional Topping:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tbsp melted butter for crunch
- Extra cheese for an extra-golden topping
- Substitutions:
- Use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon alternatives for a lighter or meat-free version.
- Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a protein boost.
- Try Gruyère or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar for a different cheesy flavor.
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook cauliflower: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cauliflower florets and cook for 5 minutes until just tender (not mushy). Drain well and pat dry with a towel to avoid excess water.
- Cook bacon: In a skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove and crumble, reserving 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet for flavor.
- Make creamy sauce: In the skillet with bacon fat, add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream. Cook on low heat, whisking until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Assemble casserole: In a large bowl, combine cauliflower, half of the crumbled bacon, 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, and the creamy sauce. Mix until evenly coated.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar cheese, bacon, and optional breadcrumbs. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish & serve: Sprinkle with fresh chives or parsley before serving. The casserole should smell smoky and cheesy, with a lightly crisp topping and tender cauliflower inside.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!