Loaded Cauliflower Casserole is going to be your new favorite alternative to the traditional baked potato casserole. Whether you are looking to reduce your daily carb intake or just looking for a delicious alternative to the traditional potato casserole, this Loaded Cauliflower Casserole will not disappoint!
Made with fresh cauliflower florets, crispy crumbled bacon, creamy cheeses and green onions, you’ll be amazed at how good cauliflower can taste!
CAN FROZEN CAULIFLOWER BE USED IN THIS RECIPE?
Yes, frozen cauliflower can be used in this recipe and is a great option if you purchased cauliflower in bulk. Take note that you may need to defrost the cauliflower before roasting it or roast it for a longer period to ensure that it’s sufficiently tender before proceeding with the rest of the recipe directions.
CAN LOADED CAULIFLOWER CASSEROLE BE MADE AHEAD OF TIME?
Meal prepping is a great way to save time during the busy week. You can easily make this casserole ahead of time and wrap it with plastic wrap once cooled to either store in the fridge or in the freezer.
HOW LONG CAN LOADED CAULIFLOWER CASSEROLE BE KEPT IN THE FRIDGE OR FREEZER?
Given that the casserole has been stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap, it can be kept for 3-4 days in the refrigerator and easily stored in the freezer for 6 months or more.
When removing from the freezer, set it aside for 30 minutes or until sufficiently defrosted before heating up.
TIPS FOR MAKING A DELICIOUS LOADED CAULIFLOWER CASSEROLE
1- Make sure that the cauliflower has roasted sufficiently so that it’s tender enough to be pierced easily with a fork. It should no longer have a hard, crunchy texture.
2- Line your casserole dish with nonstick spray to make your cleaning easier.
Opt for full fat sour cream, cream cheese and cheese/dairy products. High fat products are healthier and taste much better.
3- Adding green onions will give your casserole extra flavor, but you can easily swap this out for fresh chives if you prefer.
4- Make sure that you season to taste. You don’t need to get fancy with expensive seasonings either…salt and pepper will do just fine!
LOADED CAULIFLOWER CASSEROLE
1- Preheat the oven to 400℉. Spread the cauliflower on a large baking pan in a single layer.Drizzle with oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Roast for 15 minutes or until tender crisp.
2-While cauliflower is cooking, combine cheddar cheese and Monterey jack cheese in a small bowl. In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch dressing mix, minced garlic, and 1 cup of the cheese mixture.
3- Spray 2 quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. When cauliflower is done, move to a large bowl and add in the cream cheese mixture.
4-Stir gently until combined and place in the casserole dish.
5-Sprinkle remaining cheese evenly over the cauliflower and top with the bacon and green onion.
Return to the hot oven for 20 minutes or until heated through.
6- Serve immediately.
Source : www.familyfreshmeals.com