Loaded Cauliflower "Mash" Bake

mashed potato substitue.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• 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.