Description

This Loaded Cauliflower Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting side dish perfect for family dinners or holiday meals. Cauliflower is roasted to tender crisp perfection, then combined with a rich blend of cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, garlic, and a cheesy medley. Topped with crunchy bacon and fresh green onions, this casserole is packed with flavor and texture that will please any crowd.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

1 head of cauliflower (cut into bite-sized pieces, about 10 cups)
1 green onion (thinly sliced)
3 garlic cloves (minced)

Dairy

8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 cup monterey jack cheese (shredded)

Pantry & Seasonings

1 tablespoon oil (such as olive or vegetable oil)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing mix

Protein

⅓ cup cooked crumbled bacon

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Instructions

Roast the Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 400℉. Spread the cauliflower pieces on a large baking pan in a single layer. Drizzle with oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat the cauliflower evenly. Roast for 15 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender crisp.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture: While the cauliflower roasts, combine the shredded cheddar and monterey jack cheese in a small bowl. In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, dry ranch dressing mix, minced garlic, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese mixture until fully combined.
Assemble the Casserole: Spray a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. When the cauliflower is done roasting, transfer it to a large bowl and gently fold in the cream cheese mixture. Spread this evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top, then add the crumbled cooked bacon and thinly sliced green onion as toppings.
Bake to Finish: Return the casserole dish to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until heated through and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the casserole immediately, enjoying the creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish.

Notes

You can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
Ensure the bacon is fully cooked and crispy before adding as topping for the best texture.
This casserole can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.