Description
This Baked Cauliflower with Cheese Casserole is a comforting and cheesy side dish featuring tender cauliflower florets smothered in a rich Gruyere and cream cheese sauce, topped with crispy bacon and cheddar cheese, and baked to perfection. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, it combines creamy, savory, and slightly smoky flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 small heads Cauliflower (cut into florets)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 3 tablespoons Finely chopped chives
Dairy
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 4 ounces Cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups Shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
Meat
- 6 slices Cooked Bacon (crumbled)
Other
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Boil the cauliflower: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and boil for about 5 minutes until slightly softened. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the cheese sauce base: Heat a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream and simmer: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Incorporate cheeses and seasonings: Stir in the cream cheese and shredded Gruyere until fully melted and combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Thicken the sauce: Continue stirring over medium heat for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine cauliflower and sauce: Place the boiled cauliflower into a greased casserole dish, then pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the crumbled cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cauliflower is fork-tender and the cheese has melted.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with finely chopped chives, and serve warm.
Notes
- Boiling the cauliflower before baking helps it cook evenly and stay tender.
- Gruyere cheese provides a nutty flavor that balances well with the sharpness of cheddar.
- Substitute bacon with vegetarian bacon or omit for a vegetarian version.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to facilitate smooth melting into the sauce.
- Feel free to add breadcrumbs on top before baking for an extra crunchy topping.
