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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes » Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

    Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

    Published: Mar 17, 2023 · Modified: Mar 24, 2023 by Sherri · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

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    spoonful of baked cheesy cauliflower florets topped with bacon and green onions.

    This cheesy cauliflower bake is made with tender cauliflower florets smothered in a creamy sauce loaded with bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions, baked and ready to serve this delicious recipe in 30 minutes!

    Baked cheesy cauliflower casserole in large white baking dish.

    Table of contents

    • Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
    • Ingredients/shopping list
    • Variations/ Substitutions
    • How to Make this Cauliflower Cheese Bake
    • Tips
    • FAQ’s

    Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

    I am a firm believer that this loaded cauliflower casserole is the perfect side dish that can do no wrong! It’s quick and easy to make, it’s creamy, cheesy, and filled with crispy bacon and green onions, and has all the flavors of a loaded baked potato, right down to the ranch dressing!

    Of course, we’re using low-carb keto friendly cauliflower instead, but thanks to the delicious flavors of this comfort food, even the kids forget they’re actually eating vegetables!

    I serve this classic side dish along with any weeknight main dish and it’s always a favorite to add to an Easter and Thanksgiving dinner.

    Truth be told, I could eat a plate of this loaded cauliflower bake all on its own and be completely happy!

    Close up of spoon in cheesy cauliflower casserole.

    Ingredients/shopping list

    Several bowls with ingredients for Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole - Cauliflower, Cheese, Cream Cheese, Olive Oil, Seasoning Mix, Ranch, Milk, Bacon, Green Onion.
    • Cauliflower florets: This recipe makes enough to serve 6 people using about 8 cups of florets, which is about 2 medium heads. Cut to even size to ensure even baking.
    • Olive oil: To soften the cauliflower, we’re baking it first. The olive oil helps with keeping it moist and also helps the seasoning to stick.
    • Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to give the cauliflower a bit of flavor while it bakes.
    • Cream cheese: Bring it to room temperature ahead of time so it’s soft enough to get creamy.
    • Ranch dressing: Gives the cream sauce a bit of extra flavor and tang.
    • Whole milk: Used to thin out the cream cheese and ranch sauce while still keeping it rich and creamy. You can use low-fat even heavy cream if preferred.
    • Cheddar cheese: I recommend using freshly grated cheddar that you’ve shredded yourself.
    • Bacon: You can bake the bacon in the oven while you prep, or make things a bit easier by using precooked bacon and just tossing it in as is.
    • Green onions: Keep some for garnish as well.

    Variations/ Substitutions

    1. You can use frozen cauliflower and steam it according to the package directions. In this case, skip the baking and just add it directly to the mixture.
    2. Sour cream can be used in place of ranch dressing.
    3. Instead of cheddar (or in addition to it) use a different kind of cheese. Other options could be Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack, all the Jacks!
    4. For a crispy topping, feel free to sprinkle with Panko breadcrumbs or regular bread crumbs along with the top layer of cheese. It’s a great textural element. Even a little parmesan cheese added too would be wonderful.
    5. Add a teaspoon of dry mustard for added flavor. This is especially great if you’re swapping the ranch for sour cream.

    How to Make this Cauliflower Cheese Bake

    This recipe will come together in no time! I use large cauliflower florets, but if you cut yours even smaller, or use cauliflower rice instead, your bake time will be even less!

    Uncooked cauliflower florets on baking sheet with seasonings sprinkled over.
    Baked Cauliflower florets on baking sheet.

    Step 1: Arrange the cauliflower florets on a large rimmed parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer not overlapping. Drizzle with oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and toss to coat.

    Step 2: Bake the cauliflower florets in a preheated 400° F oven for 15 minutes until tender with a bite (al dente). Keep the oven on!

    Large white bowl of cream cheese, ranch, and milk mixed together.

    Step 3: In a large bowl, stir the cream cheese, ranch dressing, and milk. Mix well.

    Large bowl of ingredients - cauliflower florets, cheese, bacon and green onion.

    Step 4: Add the roasted cauliflower back to the cheese sauce in the same bowl, along with 1 cup of shredded cheese, bacon, and green onion.

    Large bowl including Cauliflower, bacon, green onions and cheese mixed with cream cheese mix.

    Once again, mix well until everything is coated and evenly distributed.

    Cauliflower mixture in a baking dish topped with shredded cheddar cheese.

    Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the cauliflower.

    Step 7: Bake for 15 minutes until the cheese has melted and everything is heated through. Serve your cauliflower casserole immediately garnished with some extra green onions. Enjoy!

    Cheesy cauliflower casserole in white baking dish.

    Tips

    • Feel free to double the recipe to make a second batch of this cheesy cauliflower bake if you need more.
    • Use a block of cream cheese, not the spreadable kind. The tubs of cream cheese have a higher water content which could alter the consistency.
    • Pre-shredded packaged cheese will work, but the melted creaminess of grating it fresh yourself is unmatched.
    • Turn this into a meal with more protein using shredded chicken, diced ham, or ground sausage. This a great dinner idea for anyone following a keto diet or who loves a yummy casserole.

    FAQ’s

    Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

    Certainly. Assemble it in the prepared baking dish but instead of baking it, you’ll cover it with plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. If baking straight out of the fridge, add a few extra minutes of baking time just to make sure it’s completely warmed through.

    How to store leftovers?


    Keep it stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

    Can I freeze cauliflower casserole?


    Yes! That’s one of my favorite things about casseroles. If you make an extra casserole, you can freeze it for later or fill the freezer of your friend or neighbor.
    Once it has completely cooled, cover it the dish with plastic wrap first and then wrap in a tight layer of aluminum foil as well. Freeze for up to 1 month. You can either thaw in the fridge overnight or bake from frozen by placing in a cold oven then preheating.

    Best way to reheat leftover cauliflower casserole?


    Reheat a large portion of this cauliflower casserole in the oven until warmed through. If it’s just a single serving or two, you can reheat it in the microwave.

    If you like this recipe, please leave us a comment and rate the recipe below. You can also find us on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and TikTok!

    Cheesy cauliflower casserole with two spoons in white casserole dish.

    Cheesy Cauliflower

    This cheesy cauliflower bake is made with tender cauliflower florets smothered in a creamy sauce loaded with bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions, baked and ready to serve this delicious recipe in 30 minutes!
    5 from 1 vote
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    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 35 minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes
    Servings: 8 servings
    Calories: 452kcal
    Author: Sherri Hagymas

    Ingredients

    • 8 cups cauliflower cut into florets (2 medium heads)
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
    • ½ cup ranch dressing
    • ⅓ cup whole milk
    • 2 ½ cups cheddar cheese shredded
    • 1 cup bacon cooked and diced
    • ¼ cup sliced green onion plus more for garnish

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 400° F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Add the cauliflower florets to the sheet and drizzle with the olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder and toss to coat.
      8 cups cauliflower, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is slightly softened but still al dente.
    • In a large bowl, add the stir cream cheese, ranch dressing, and milk and mix well. A mixer is great for this! Add the cauliflower back, 1 cup of shredded cheese, bacon crumbles, and green onion and mix well.
      8 ounces cream cheese, ½ cup ranch dressing, ⅓ cup whole milk, 1 cup bacon, ¼ cup sliced green onion, 2 ½ cups cheddar cheese
    • Pour the mixture to a greased 9×13” baking dish and top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
      2 ½ cups cheddar cheese
    • Bake for 15 minutes until the cheese has melted
    • Serve immediately and garnish with additional green onions if desired.

    Notes

    Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
    Use frozen cauliflower or fresh cauliflower florets and just steam it first according to the package directions and skip the baking steps.
    Swap the ranch dressing for sour cream.
    Swap for a different kind of cheese like Monterey jack, Colby jack, or Pepper jack!
    Sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs if desired.
    Add a teaspoon of dry mustard
    Use low fat milk if desired.
    Bake bacon in the oven or use precooked bacon.
    I use large florets of cauliflower.  Feel free to cut them into smaller florets or use cauliflower rice if desired. Adjust the cooking time if so.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 452kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 988mg | Potassium: 484mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 544IU | Vitamin C: 48mg | Calcium: 333mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutritional Disclosure

    Nutritional facts are estimates and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Nutritional values are calculated via a third party. Changing ingredients, amounts or cooking technique will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.

    Tried this recipe?Mention @ToSimplyInspire or tag #ToSimplyInspire!

    Sharing of this recipe to social media is both encouraged and appreciated. Please share the direct link back to the recipe. Copy/Pasting and/or screenshots of the recipe to any social media is strictly prohibited. Content and photographs are copyright protected

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    Filed Under: Holiday Recipes, Recipes, Side Dishes

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    Comments

    1. Maria

      March 26, 2023 at 9:21 am

      Thankyou and god bless you happy spring time

      Reply

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    Sherri Hagymas leaning on a counter with a white coffee mug

    Hi there! I’m Sherri I love creating a variety of easy recipes that anyone can make and enjoy! From healthy to comforting, I hope you find something that inspires you!.

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