Loaded Cauliflower "Mash" Bake

Submitted by M.Brink

"mashed potato substitue."

 

• Ready In: 35mins
• Ingredients: 8
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 4 slices center-cut bacon
• 6 cups cauliflower florets or 24 ounces cauliflower florets
• 3 crushed garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon whipped butter
• 3⁄4 teaspoon kosher salt
• fresh black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives, divided
• 1⁄4 cup shredded reduced fat Cheddar cheese

directions

1. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp; set aside on a paper towel then crumble.
2. Fill a large pot with water, bring to a boil and add cauliflower and garlic. Boil until the cauliflower is soft, about 15-20 minutes. Drain, and return to the pot.
3. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
4. Add the buttermilk, butter, salt and pepper to the cauliflower and purée with a hand blender. If you don't own a hand blender, a regular blender would work fine as well. Mix in 1 tbsp of the chives.
5. and transfer to 4 individual casseroles (3/4 cups each) or one 8 x 8 casserole dish and top with cheddar and crumbled bacon. Bake in the oven until the cheese melts, about 5 minutes then top with remaining chives.