Loaded Cauliflower Bake

Ingredients

• 2 

  small heads cauliflower, cut into florets

• 2 tbsp. 

  butter

• 3 

  cloves garlic, minced

• 3 tbsp. 

  all-purpose flour

• 2 c. 

  whole milk

• 2 oz. 

  cream cheese, softened

• 1 1/2 c. 

  shredded cheddar, divided

• Kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 6 

  slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

• 1/4 c. 

  sliced green onions

Description

1. Step 1Preheat oven to 350°. In a large pot of salted boiling water, blanch cauliflower, 3 minutes. Drain and squeeze cauliflower of water.
2. Step 2Make cheese sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute, then add flour and stir until golden, 2 minutes. Add milk and bring to a low simmer, then add cream cheese, whisking until combined. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup cheddar until melted, then season with salt and pepper. 
3. Step 3In a 9”-x-13” dish, add drained cauliflower. Pour over cheese sauce and stir until combined. Stir in all but 1 tablespoon each cooked bacon and green onions until combined, then top with remaining cheddar, bacon, and green onions. 
4. Step 4Bake until cauliflower is tender and cheese is melty, 30 minutes.