Servings: 8

2 small heads cauliflower, cut into florets 2 small heads cauliflower, cut into florets
2 tbsp. butter 2 tbsp. butter
3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp. all-purpose flour 3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
2 c. whole milk 2 c. whole milk
2 oz. cream cheese, softened 2 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 c. shredded cheddar, divided 1 ½ c. shredded cheddar, divided
Kosher salt Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper Freshly ground black pepper
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/4 c. sliced green onions ¼ c. sliced green onions

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large pot of salted boiling water, blanch cauliflower, 3 minutes. Drain and squeeze cauliflower of water.
Step 2
Make cheese sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute, then add flour and stir until golden, 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.
Step 3
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.
Step 4
Bake until cauliflower is tender and cheese is melty, 30 minutes.