Loaded Cauliflower Bake

Adapted from delish.com recipe

INGREDIENTS

2 small heads cauliflower, cut into florets

2 tbsp. butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 tbsp. all-purpose flour

2 c. whole milk

2 oz. cream cheese, softened

1 1/2 c. shredded cheddar, divided

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

1/4 c. sliced green onions

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large pot of salted boiling water, blanch cauliflower, 3 minutes. Drain and squeeze cauliflower of water.
Make cheese sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Mix1 TB cornstarch into 1 tbs of cold water, stir well until it resembles milk. Stir until golden, allowing to thicken, 2 minutes. Add milk and bring to a low simmer, then add cream cheese, whisking until combined. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup cheddar until melted, then season with salt and pepper.
In a 9”-x-13” dish, add drained cauliflower. Pour over cheese sauce and stir until combined. Stir in all but 1 tablespoon each cooked bacon and green onions until combined, then top with remaining cheddar, bacon, and green onions.
Bake until cauliflower is tender and cheese is melty, 30 minutes.