Loaded Cauliflower Bake Recipe

close up of loaded cauliflower bake in a blue and white casserole dish with a spoon.

5 from 4 votes

This loaded cauliflower bake recipe is super cheesy, creamy, and delicious! Like a loaded baked potato, it's filled with cheese, bacon, and sour cream. Make this cheesy cauliflower casserole for an easy side dish that everyone will love!

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

Prep Time20

Cook Time20

Total Time40

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Author: Becky Hardin

Equipment

9x13 Baking Pan

Ingredients

1 head of cauliflower about 6 cups, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons unsalted butter ¼ stick
1 tablespoon minced garlic
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
4 ounces cream cheese ½ block
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
1½ cups shredded Monterey jack cheese divided
5 slices bacon cooked and diced
⅔ cup sour cream
1 tablespoon diced chives

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F and spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Prepare the cauliflower. In a large saucepan, add 1 ½-2 inches of water over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chopped cauliflower into a steamer basket and add it to the pan. Cover with a lid and cook the cauliflower for 5 minutes. Lift the steamer from the pan and drain well. Set aside.
1 head of cauliflower
In a separate saucepan, make a roux. Melt the butter, add the garlic, and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in the flour to make a paste, followed by the milk. Cook until it begins to thicken.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 cups whole milk
To the roux, add the cream cheese, stirring to combine as it melts. Turn off the stove. Stir in the salt and pepper and add 1 cup each of cheddar and Monterey jack cheese. Stir until the cheese melts.
4 ounces cream cheese, 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, 1½ cups shredded Monterey jack cheese
Place the steamed cauliflower in the prepared casserole dish and pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower.
Add dollops of sour cream over the cauliflower.
⅔ cup sour cream
Sprinkle the top of the casserole with the cooked bacon and remaining cheese.
5 slices bacon
Place in the oven and bake until bubbly and lightly browned, about 10-15 minutes.
Remove and garnish with chives. Serve immediately.
1 tablespoon diced chives

Video

Notes

Variations:

Make It A Main: Add chicken to this loaded cauliflower bake to add more protein to this meal.

Vegetarian: It's easy to make this a vegetarian-friendly recipe. Just skip the bacon and you're good to go!

Spicy: Add diced chiles and use pepper jack cheese for a spicier cauliflower casserole.

Add Broccoli: The more veggies the better! Try adding half the cauliflower, and the same amount of broccoli.

Add Potatoes: If you're not worried about carbs, add in some potatoes for a heartier dish. Boil potatoes, chop into bite-sized cubes, and add into the casserole dish before baking.

Nutrition