Embark on a flavorful journey with this loaded mashed cauliflower bake recipe. This dish is a healthier alternative to the classic loaded potato, with cauliflower taking center stage. Topped with crispy bacon and melted cheese, this dish is comfort food elevated. The creaminess of the mashed cauliflower coupled with the savory bacon and cheese makes this a dish you'll keep coming back to.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are staples in the average home. However, the one ingredient you might need to pick up at the supermarket is the cauliflower florets. While some people might have a head of cauliflower at home, this recipe requires the florets specifically. Additionally, if you don't usually cook with buttermilk, you may need to add this to your shopping list. It adds a tangy richness to the dish that regular milk can't provide.
Ingredients for the Loaded Mashed Cauliflower Bake
Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory element to the dish and a crisp texture against the soft cauliflower.
Cauliflower florets: The star of the dish, cauliflower is a great low-carb alternative to potatoes.
Garlic: Gives the dish a subtle, aromatic depth of flavor.
Buttermilk: Adds a tangy richness to the mashed cauliflower.
Butter: Brings a creamy, indulgent taste to the mashed cauliflower.
Kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of all the ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity to the dish.
Chives: Gives a fresh, oniony flavor that complements both the cauliflower and bacon.
Reduced fat cheddar: Adds a gooey, cheesy element that's both flavorful and comforting.
One reader, Laural Guerrero says:
This loaded mashed cauliflower bake recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The creamy texture and the crispy bacon on top make it a real comfort food. It's a healthier alternative to traditional mashed potatoes and it's so delicious, even my kids love it!
Techniques Required for Making Loaded Mashed Cauliflower Bake
How to cook bacon: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it is crisp. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain. Once drained, crumble the bacon and set it aside.
How to boil cauliflower: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and garlic to the boiling water and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is soft. Once cooked, drain the cauliflower and garlic and return them to the pot.
How to preheat the oven: Before starting the baking process, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to blend cauliflower: Add the buttermilk, butter, salt, and pepper to the cooked cauliflower and garlic. Use a hand blender or a regular blender to purée the mixture until smooth.
How to assemble the casserole: Mix in 1 tablespoon of the chives with the puréed cauliflower and transfer the mixture to individual casseroles or one larger casserole dish. Top the cauliflower with cheddar and crumbled bacon.
How to bake the casserole: Place the assembled casserole(s) in the preheated oven and bake for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. Once baked, top the casserole with the remaining chives before serving.
How To Make Loaded Mashed Cauliflower Bake
This mashed cauliflower is loaded with bacon bits, garlic, butter, cheese, and milk, and yet it’s a low-carb and low-calorie dish that’s totally indulgent.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4slicesbacon,center cut
- 24ozcauliflower florets
- 3clovesgarlic,crushed
- ⅓cup1% buttermilk
- 1tbspbutter,whipped
- ¾tspkosher salt
- fresh black pepper,to taste
- 2tbspfresh chives,minced, divided
- ¼cupreduced fat cheddar,shredded
Instructions
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Cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp; set aside on a paper towel then crumble.
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Fill a large pot with water, bring to a boil and add cauliflower and garlic. Boil for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the cauliflower is soft. Drain, and return to the pot.
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Add the buttermilk, butter, salt and pepper to the cauliflower and purée with a hand blender. A regular blender would work fine as well.
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Mix in 1 tablespoon of the chives and transfer to 4 individual casseroles (¾ cups each) or one 8×8-inch casserole dish and top with cheddar and crumbled bacon.
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Bake in the oven for about 5 minutes or until the cheese melts, then top with remaining chives.
Nutrition
- Calories: 236.15kcal
- Fat: 17.88g
- Saturated Fat: 7.62g
- Trans Fat: 0.25g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.62g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.17g
- Carbohydrates: 11.18g
- Fiber: 3.67g
- Sugar: 4.60g
- Protein: 9.88g
- Cholesterol: 36.00mg
- Sodium: 548.28mg
- Calcium: 127.81mg
- Potassium: 626.88mg
- Iron: 0.99mg
- Vitamin A: 55.49µg
- Vitamin C: 83.76mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Your Loaded Mashed Cauliflower Bake
When puréeing the cauliflower and garlic with the buttermilk, butter, salt, and pepper, ensure you achieve a smooth and creamy texture. This will give your dish a more pleasant mouthfeel. If you're using a hand blender, move it around in the pot to ensure all the cauliflower is puréed. If you're using a regular blender, you might need to do this in batches to avoid overfilling. Always remember to start on a low speed and gradually increase to prevent splattering.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that can be made in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup.
Batch cooking: Make a large batch of the cauliflower mash and freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals later on.
Kitchen organization: Keep your kitchen well-organized to easily locate ingredients and utensils while cooking.
Time-saving tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors and immersion blenders to speed up food preparation.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid unnecessary steps and save time on decision-making.
Substitute Ingredients For Loaded Mashed Cauliflower Bake Recipe
bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative to traditional bacon and can provide a similar smoky flavor to the dish.
1% buttermilk - Substitute with plain Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can add creaminess and tanginess to the dish, similar to buttermilk.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can provide a healthier fat option and add a subtle fruity flavor to the dish.
reduced fat cheddar - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor while being a dairy-free alternative.
Presenting Your Loaded Mashed Cauliflower Bake
Elevate the plating: When presenting the loaded mashed cauliflower bake, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use edible flowers or microgreens to add a pop of color and sophistication to the dish.
Incorporate texture: Add a crispy element to the dish to provide contrast and depth of flavor. Consider topping the loaded mashed cauliflower bake with a delicate parmesan crisp or a sprinkle of toasted almond slivers for a delightful crunch.
Highlight the bacon: Showcase the bacon as a star ingredient by arranging the crumbled bacon on top of the loaded mashed cauliflower bake in an artful manner. This will draw attention to the smoky, savory flavor of the bacon and add a gourmet touch to the dish.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Choose individual porcelain ramekins or ceramic baking dishes to present the loaded mashed cauliflower bake. The use of high-quality serving ware will elevate the dining experience and impress the discerning palates of the culinary professionals.
Garnish with finesse: Sprinkle the dish with a fine dusting of smoked paprika or a drizzle of truffle oil to impart a touch of luxury and elevate the overall flavor profile. This attention to detail will demonstrate a commitment to culinary excellence.
Essential Tools for Making a Delicious Cauliflower Bake
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's perfect for quickly and efficiently processing the cauliflower for the loaded mashed cauliflower bake recipe.
Skillet: A skillet, also known as a frying pan, is a flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning ingredients. It's essential for cooking the bacon until crisp for the loaded mashed cauliflower bake recipe.
Large pot: A large pot is used for boiling or steaming ingredients. It's necessary for boiling the cauliflower and garlic until the cauliflower is soft for the loaded mashed cauliflower bake recipe.
Hand blender: A hand blender, also known as an immersion blender, is a handheld kitchen tool used for blending and pureeing ingredients directly in the pot or container. It's ideal for puréeing the cauliflower and creating a smooth texture for the loaded mashed cauliflower bake recipe.
Oven: An oven is a kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food. It's essential for baking the loaded mashed cauliflower bake until the cheese melts and the dish is heated through.
Casserole dish: A casserole dish is a deep, oven-safe dish used for baking and serving savory or sweet dishes. It's used to bake and serve the loaded mashed cauliflower bake.
Paper towel: A paper towel is an absorbent paper used for drying and draining cooked ingredients. It's used to drain and absorb excess grease from the cooked bacon for the loaded mashed cauliflower bake recipe.
Storing and Freezing Your Loaded Mashed Cauliflower Bake
Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for loaded mashed cauliflower bake:
- Let the casserole cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the dish soggy.
- For storing in the fridge: Transfer the cooled casserole to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- For freezing: Portion the cooled casserole into individual servings or freeze the entire dish. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place in freezer-safe containers. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- If freezing the entire casserole, it's best to use a disposable aluminum baking dish. Assemble the casserole as directed but do not bake. Wrap tightly and freeze.
- To reheat refrigerated casserole: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
- To reheat frozen casserole: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, bake covered for 1 hour, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- For a pre-assembled unbaked casserole, bake from frozen covered at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour, then uncover and bake 30-35 minutes more, until hot and bubbly.
How To Reheat Leftover Loaded Mashed Cauliflower Bake
The best way to reheat leftover loaded mashed cauliflower bake is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the desired portion in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with foil to prevent the top from burning and to keep the moisture in. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Another option is to use the microwave. Place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. This will help prevent the mashed cauliflower from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until heated to your liking.
If you have an air fryer, you can also use it to reheat your loaded mashed cauliflower bake. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the desired portion in the basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and the top is slightly crispy.
For a quick and easy method, you can reheat the mashed cauliflower on the stovetop. Place the desired portion in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently and add a splash of milk or cream if needed to maintain the creamy consistency. Heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to stir the loaded mashed cauliflower bake well after reheating to distribute the heat evenly and to ensure that the bacon, cheese, and chives are well-incorporated.
Interesting Trivia About Loaded Mashed Cauliflower Bake
Cauliflower bake is a low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes and is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
Is Making This Cauliflower Bake at Home Cost-Effective?
This loaded mashed cauliflower bake recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Cauliflower is an affordable and versatile vegetable, and the addition of bacon and cheddar provides a rich flavor without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$12. Overall, I would rate this recipe a solid 8. The use of cauliflower as a substitute for potatoes makes it a healthier option, and the combination of flavors is sure to please the whole family.
Is This Cauliflower Bake Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This loaded mashed cauliflower bake recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional loaded mashed potatoes. Here's why:
- Cauliflower is a low-carb, nutrient-dense vegetable that provides fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants.
- The recipe uses minimal butter and reduced-fat cheddar cheese, which helps keep the saturated fat content in check.
- Buttermilk is a lower-fat alternative to heavy cream, and it adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture to the mashed cauliflower.
- Bacon is used sparingly as a garnish, providing flavor without overwhelming the dish with unhealthy fats.
However, there are a few ways to make this recipe even healthier:
- Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon to reduce the saturated fat content further.
- Increase the amount of cauliflower and reduce the cheese and bacon toppings to make the dish lower in calories and fat.
- Add more garlic or other herbs and spices to boost flavor without relying on excessive amounts of salt or fat.
- Use a non-dairy milk alternative, such as unsweetened almond milk, to make the recipe suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy sensitivities.
- Incorporate other vegetables, such as roasted garlic or sautéed spinach, to increase the nutrient density of the dish.
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Cauliflower Bake
This loaded mashed cauliflower bake recipe is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. The combination of creamy cauliflower, savory bacon, and tangy cheddar creates a rich and satisfying dish. The use of buttermilk adds a subtle tanginess, while the garlic and chives provide depth of flavor. The dish is easy to prepare and can be served as a side or a main course. It's a healthier alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, making it a great option for those looking to lighten up their meals without sacrificing taste. Overall, this recipe is a winner for anyone seeking a delicious and nutritious comfort food option.
Enhance Your Loaded Mashed Cauliflower Bake Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Loaded Mashed Cauliflower Bake
Appetizers and Desserts to Complement Your Loaded Mashed Cauliflower Bake
Why trust this Loaded Mashed Cauliflower Bake Recipe:
This loaded mashed cauliflower bake recipe is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. The use of cauliflower provides a low-carb option, while the addition of buttermilk and butter ensures a creamy and rich texture. The inclusion of bacon and cheddar adds a savory and indulgent flavor, making it a satisfying dish for any occasion. With the combination of fresh chives and garlic, this recipe promises a burst of aromatic and flavorful elements. Trust in this recipe for a delightful and wholesome dining experience.
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