LOADED Roasted CAULIFLOWER CASSEROLE
2 lbs. (about 1 small ~ or about 6 cups) cauliflower, cut into small pieces
1 TB extra-virgin olive oil………………….…………..............2 TB butter, cut into small cubes
2 TB all-purpose flour……………………..…………...............1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup mozzarella or Italian blend cheese, shredded……….1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt………………................1 tsp. Kosher salt
3-4 green onions, thinly sliced…………………..............……1 TB fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup orange-white cheese blend, shredded
4-6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled……...............………1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
1/2 to 1 tsp. Kosher salt………………………...........………..1 tsp. black pepper
NOTE: It's best to use full-fat sour cream or yogurt and mayonnaise, because they break down and "melt" during baking ~ the casserole will be runnier if you use light or non-fat.
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Preheat oven to 400. Line a large baking sheet with foil and spritz with non-stick spray. Put the cauliflower on the baking sheet ~ drizzle with oil and 1 tsp. salt. Roast cauliflower florets about 20-25 minutes until tender and somewhat browned (I flip them over about halfway through). ** Lower oven to 375.
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, smoked paprika, extra salt and pepper. Add the cauliflower, half of the green onions, half of each cheese, half of the parsley and half of the bacon. (It may look too thick now, but the sour cream & mayonnaise thin out while it's baking.) Mix well, and put into a 2-qt casserole dish that has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray. Sprinkle top with rest of grated cheeses, green onions, butter cubes and bacon.
At this point, you can refrigerate until ready to bake, if desired. Take out of the refrigerator about 10 minutes before baking ** Bake 20-25 minutes until bubbly. Remove from oven ~ sprinkle with rest of the parsley and allow to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Serves 2-4 as main dish ~ about 6 as side dish
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TIP: I put the bacon in a pyrex pan, with paper towels on bottom and pressed down on top. Microwave on HIGH for 1 minute longer than the number of slices of bacon.