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In recent years, cauliflower has surged in popularity as a versatile, healthy substitute for a variety of dishes. Among the myriad of recipes that showcase this unique vegetable, the Cheesy Cauliflower Bliss Casserole stands out as a crowd-pleaser. This delectable dish combines the rich creaminess of cheeses with the lightness of cauliflower, making it an ideal option for both health-conscious eaters and cheese lovers alike. With its comforting flavors and satisfying texture, this casserole has gained a loyal following, particularly among those seeking to incorporate more vegetables into their diets without sacrificing indulgence.

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole with Cheese

Discover the delightful Cheesy Cauliflower Bliss Casserole, a perfect blend of creamy cheeses and nutritious cauliflower. This versatile dish offers a satisfying comfort food experience without compromising your health goals. Ideal for family dinners or potlucks, it's a hit with both health-conscious eaters and cheese lovers. Learn how to create this tasty casserole with easy-to-follow instructions and enjoy a deliciously creamy texture combined with a crunchy topping. Elevate your meals with this crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients
  

1 large head of cauliflower, chopped into bite-sized florets

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 cup sour cream, at room temperature

1/2 cup green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)

1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled into small pieces

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika for added depth

1 cup panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt to taste

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.

    Boil Cauliflower: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the cauliflower florets and let them cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until fork-tender. Once cooked, drain the cauliflower and set aside.

      Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until completely smooth. Then, stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika, mixing until thoroughly combined.

        Incorporate Cheeses and Bacon: Gently fold in the freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions to the cheese mixture. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning by adding salt as needed.

          Combine Cauliflower and Cheese Mixture: Carefully add the cooked cauliflower florets into the cheese mixture, using a spatula to gently fold until all the florets are covered in the cheesy goodness.

            Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined cauliflower and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Use the spatula to spread it evenly across the dish.

              Prepare Topping: In a small mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil, stirring until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Generously sprinkle this mixture over the cauliflower and cheese layer in the baking dish.

                Bake: Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

                  Serve: After baking, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with the remaining sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy this delightful cheesy cauliflower dish!

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 6 servings