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Baked Cauliflower with Cheese Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 24 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Baked Cauliflower with Cheese Casserole is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Tender cauliflower florets are drenched in a rich sauce made from heavy cream, cream cheese, Gruyere, and garlic, then topped with crisp bacon and shredded cheddar before baking to golden perfection. Finished with fresh chives for a hint of brightness, this casserole offers a delicious blend of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 2 small heads Cauliflower (cut into florets)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 3 tablespoons Finely chopped chives

Dairy

  • 2 tablespoons Butter
  • 2 cups Heavy Cream
  • 4 ounces Cream cheese (softened)
  • 2 cups Shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese

Meat

  • 6 slices Cooked Bacon (crumbled)

Seasoning

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
  2. Boil Cauliflower: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the cauliflower florets and boil for about 5 minutes until slightly softened but still firm. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking in the oven.
  3. Prepare Cheese Sauce: Heat a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Melt the butter, then add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Stir in the softened cream cheese and shredded Gruyere cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted and combined.
  5. Season and Thicken: Add salt and pepper to taste. Continue stirring the sauce over medium heat for about 10 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency that will coat the cauliflower nicely.
  6. Assemble Casserole: Grease a casserole dish and spread the cooked cauliflower evenly in the dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower, making sure all pieces are well coated. Sprinkle the crumbled cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  7. Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from burning and bake it in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the cauliflower is fork-tender and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the foil and let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Garnish with finely chopped chives before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Notes

  • Boiling the cauliflower before baking ensures it is tender without overcooking during baking.
  • If you prefer a thicker topping, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown slightly.
  • For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon or substitute with crispy sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika seasoning.
  • Gruyere cheese can be substituted with Swiss cheese or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
  • This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add additional baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/baked-cauliflower-with-cheese-casserole-recipe/