Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

[nverland]

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
active: 20 mins total: 1 hr Servings: 8

Ingredients

3 slices bacon
1 head cauliflower (about 2 pounds), cut into bite-size pieces
½ teaspoon ground pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
1 ¼ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
⅔ cup sour cream
4 scallions, sliced, divided

Directions

Step 1 - Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Step 2 - Place bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat; cook until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate and let cool. (Reserve the drippings in the pan.)
Step 3 - Combine cauliflower, pepper, salt and the bacon drippings in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Roast, stirring twice, until tender, about 35 minutes.
Step 4 - Meanwhile, combine 1 cup cheese, sour cream and half the scallions in a small bowl. When the cauliflower is tender, stir the cheese mixture into the cauliflower in the pan. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup cheese. Bake until hot, 5 to 7 minutes more.
Step 5 - Chop the cooled bacon. Sprinkle the hot casserole with the bacon and the remaining scallions.