Fully Loaded Smashed Cauliflower

• Meat

  • 6 slices Bacon, cooked and crumbled

• Produce

  • 2 lb Cauliflower florets
  • 1/3 cup Garlic-pepper french fried onions
  • 4 Green onions

• Baking & Spices

  • 1 0.4] oz package Buttermilk ranch dressing mix, dry

• Dairy

  • 4 tbsp Butter
  • 2 1/2 cup Colby jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup Sour cream
  • 8 oz Whipped cream cheese

• Other

  • ¼ tsp black pepper [more or less to taste]

Found on melissassouthernstylekitchen.com

Description

Ingredients

• 2 lb cauliflower florets, steamed [See Cooks notes]
• 8 oz whipped cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• 4 Tbsp butter, melted
• 1 [0.4] oz package dry buttermilk ranch dressing mix
• ¼ tsp black pepper [more or less to taste]
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 6-8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2½ cup shredded Colby-Jack cheese, divided
• ⅓ cup crushed garlic-pepper french fried onions, optional [i.e. Fresh Gourmet]

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 2 quart baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside. Steam the cauliflower for 8-10 minutes until tender. Drain well.
• Place into a medium-size mixing bowl. Use a fork to chunky smash the steamed cauliflower. Add the whipped cream cheese, sour cream, melted butter, dry buttermilk ranch, black pepper, Parmesan cheese, bacon crumbles, green onions, and 1½ cup of shredded cheese.
• Mix until fully combined.
• Pour into the baking dish. [Tip: Reserve 3 Tbsp bacon crumbles and green onions for the top]
• Sprinkle the top with 1 cup of shredded Colby-Jack cheese and a few bacon crumbles. Top with french fried onions, if desired.
• Bake for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
• Garnish with reserved sliced green onions.
• Serve immediately.