Old McDonald's Casserole

Time :45

Yield :8 servings

Recipe Background

Old McDonald had a... casserole? What sound does a casserole even make? Oh wait, we know this one: "mmm, mmm, mmm!" Old McDonald's Casserole takes the mild but refreshing flavor of cauliflower and pairs it with the succulent flavor of bacon (with plenty of crispy bacon pieces on top for extra meatiness) and tops it with a creamy, tangy cheese sauce. Then into the oven it goes to get nice and tender. Old McDonald's Casserole will be making your tastebuds sing. E-I-E-I-O!

Ingredients

6 slices bacon cut into 1/2-inch-thick pieces
2 medium heads cauliflower cut into bite-size florets
kosher salt to taste
black pepper to taste
6 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
2 cups cheddar shredded
2/3 cup sour cream
4 scallions white and light green parts only, thinly sliced

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Cook the bacon in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until brown and crispy, about 6-7 minutes.
Transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate and reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings.
Place the cauliflower florets in a 3-quart casserole dish.
Toss the florets with the reserved 2 tablespoons bacon drippings, the salt, and the pepper.
Roast until the florets are soft and begin to brown, about 30 minutes.
Mix the cream cheese and 1 cup of the cheddar in a medium bowl until well combined.
Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the cauliflower and sprinkle with the remaining cheddar.
Bake until the cauliflower is tender when poked with a knife and the cheddar is melted and bubbly, about 5-7 minutes.
Dollop the cauliflower with sour cream and sprinkle with the scallions and the bacon pieces.
Serve.