Cook's Country Creamy Cauliflower Casserole with Bacon and Cheddar

By Booper-2

Ingredients

• Ingredients
• 8 slices bacon, chopped, cooked until crisp, and cooled
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Salt
• 2 large cauliflower heads, trimmed and cut into 1-inch florets (about 8 cups)
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Details

Servings 6
Adapted from chefscatalog.com

Preparation

Step 1

Roughly chopped cauliflower acts as a casserole "filler," much like rice or pasta, while the large florets add texture. Serves 6 to 8

1. Mix bacon, 1/2 cup cheese, and parsley in small bowl. Set aside for topping.

2. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees F. Bring 4 quarts water to boil in large pot. Add 1 tablespoon salt and cauliflower and cook until tender, about 7 minutes. Drain and rinse cauliflower with cold water. Transfer half of cauliflower to cutting board and roughly chop. (Topping and cauliflower may be refrigerated separately for up to 1 day.)

3. Melt cream cheese in now-empty pot over low heat. Stir in heavy cream and remaining 2-1/2 cups cheese and cook until cheese starts to melt, about 3 minutes. Off heat, stir in sour cream, cauliflower, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Transfer mixture to 2-quart baking dish, sprinkle with topping, and bake until browned and bubbly, about 15 minutes. Serve.