Loaded Cauliflower Bake

This tastes like classic macaroni and cheese but instead of noodles, there’s cauliflower. And lots of BACON. You definitely want to cook the cauliflower a little first so that it doesn’t take forever in the oven. After about 30 minutes, you won’t be able to stand it any longer. 

YIELDS:8 
SERVINGSPREP TIME:0 
HOURS 15 MIN
STOTAL TIME:1 HOUR 0 MINS

INGREDIENTS

2 

small heads cauliflower, cut into florets
2 tbsp.  butter

3  cloves garlic, minced

3 tbsp.  all-purpose flour

2 c.  whole milk

2 oz.  cream cheese, softened

c1 1/2 c. 

shredded cheddar, divided

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper6 

slices bacon, cooked and crumbled1/4 c. 

sliced green onionsGET INGREDIENTS Powered by Chicory 

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large pot of salted boiling water, blanch cauliflower, 3 minutes. Drain and squeeze cauliflower of water.
2. Make cheese sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute, then add flour and stir until golden, 2 minutes. Add milk and bring to a low simmer, then add cream cheese, whisking until combined. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup cheddar until melted, then season with salt and pepper. 
3. In a 9”-x-13” dish, add drained cauliflower. Pour over cheese sauce and stir until combined. Stir in all but 1 tablespoon each cooked bacon and green onions until combined, then top with remaining cheddar, bacon, and green onions. 
4. Bake until cauliflower is tender and cheese is melty, 30 minutes.