Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole is a cheesy, comforting side dish that turns simple cauliflower into something special. It’s an easy addition to holiday dinners, family meals, or weeknight suppers!

Okay, confession time. I LOVE vegetables. Like, genuinely love them. That came in REALLY handy during the eight years I was pescatarian! And one of my all-time favorite veggies? Cauliflower. Especially cauliflower with cheese.

Now, I am super aware that cheese is not a vegetable. I KNOW. But it makes veggies so much tastier, and who am I to argue with science? (Is that science? We’ll go with science!) 😆

This casserole earned its spot in our regular rotation because EVERYONE could eat it, even back when I was fish-based. We just left the bacon off my side of the pan, and the whole table was happy. One dish, no separate cooking, no fuss. That’s my kind of dinner math.

But here’s the plot twist. My doctor told me I have to eat real meat again, so now I am ALL OVER that bacon. Tra le, tra la! 🥓

So whether you’re feeding a bacon-loving crowd, a mixed table, or just yourself and a fork, this cheesy cauliflower casserole with bacon delivers. It’s golden, bubbly and so comforting, and it’s made with simple pantry staples you probably already have.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

• It’s ridiculously easy. Steam, stir, toss, bake. That’s it.
• Only 8 simple ingredients. No fancy grocery store scavenger hunt required.
• Fresh or frozen works. Two bags of frozen cauliflower make it a budget-friendly side dish any night of the week.
• It’s naturally low carb. It’s keto friendly, too, and still pure comfort food.
• It’s perfect for the holidays. It bakes in just 20 minutes, so it slides into the oven while the turkey or ham rests.
• Everyone can eat it. Skip the bacon on half the pan for a meatless option. Sparkle Without the Splurge AND everybody’s happy!

Recipe Details

• Servings: 6–8
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Down time: 5 minutes (let it rest so the sauce sets)
• Total time: 40 minutes
• Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

You Will Need the Following Items to Make This Recipe

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small bowl
• Spoon
• Large bowl
• Medium baking dish

Ingredients

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets (or 2 – 12 oz bags frozen, steamed until tender)
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
• ½ cup bacon pieces
• Chopped parsley to garnish

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Grease a medium baking dish.

Cut the cauliflower into florets (if using fresh) and steam until fork tender. Drain well.

Stir the mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, salt and pepper together in a small bowl. Set aside.

Add the cauliflower, half the cheese and half the bacon to a large bowl. Pour the wet mixture over the top and toss gently to coat.

Dump it all into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Top with the remaining cheese and bacon pieces.

Bake for 20 minutes, until golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve.

Tara’s Tips

• Drain, drain, DRAIN. Watery cauliflower makes a watery casserole. After steaming, let the florets sit in a colander for a few minutes, or pat them dry.
• Make it a split pan. Feeding a mixed table? Sprinkle bacon on just half the casserole for a meatless option. I did this for years, and nobody felt left out.
• Shred your own cheese. Freshly shredded sharp cheddar melts creamier than the bagged stuff.
• A steamer basket is your friend. It makes quick work of fresh florets.
• Short on oven space? It bakes in just 20 minutes at 425, so pop it in while your holiday turkey or ham rests.
• Want extra golden edges? Slide it under the broiler for the last minute or two, and watch it like a hawk!
• Don’t freeze it. Mayo and sour cream sauces tend to separate when thawed. This one’s a fridge-only keeper.

What to Serve with Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

This cheesy side dish plays nicely with just about any main:

• Holiday ham, roast turkey, or prime rib
• Pork chops, grilled chicken, or steak
• A big Sunday supper spread

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm the whole dish in a 350-degree oven, covered with foil, until heated through. I don’t recommend freezing, because the creamy sauce can separate.

Yield: 8

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole with Bacon

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An easy cheesy cauliflower side dish that pairs with chicken, pork chops, steak or holiday ham!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets (or 2 - 12 oz bags frozen, steamed until tender
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
• ½ cup bacon pieces
• Chopped parsley to garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Grease a medium baking dish.
2. Cut (if using fresh) and steam the cauliflower.
3. Stir the mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic and seasonings together in a small bowl. Set aside.
4. Add the cauliflower, half the cheese and half the bacon to a large bowl and pour the wet mixture over it and gently toss to coat.
5. Dump it all into the prepared baking dish, spread into an even layer and top with the remaining cheese and bacon pieces.
6. Bake for 20 minutes, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 477Total Fat: 42gSaturated Fat: 17gUnsaturated Fat: 24gCholesterol: 91mgSodium: 934mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 3gSugar: 2gProtein: 22g

A Little Cheese Makes Everything Better

Some recipes earn their place on the table because they’re fancy. This one earned its spot because it brought everybody together, from my fish-only years right up to my bacon-loving present. 🥓

Cheesy, creamy, golden and bubbly, it’s comfort food that makes you feel like you did something good for yourself. (You ate cauliflower! It counts!)

I hope this cheesy cauliflower casserole with bacon finds a happy home at your table this holiday season and beyond!