Loaded Cauliflower Mash

There are some people who will talk to you about cauliflower mash and they will say, "It's just like mashed potatoes, only healthier!  Your family won't even know the difference!"  I'm sorry, but these people are liars.  These foods are clearly different.  Now, at first glance they might think it's mashed potatoes (my husband did), but the taste will definitely clue them in to the truth.  That being said, this loaded cauliflower mash is just plain GOOD!  It is not mashed potatoes, but it is really tasty in its own right and it's a fun, different way to eat cauliflower.  So don't go into this thinking it will squelch that mashed potato craving.  But do go into this thinking it's makes cauliflower your kids' new favorite veggie.  Plus, bacon.  Am I right?

Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Number of Servings: 4-6
Time to Prepare: 40 minutes

• 3 slices bacon
• 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets (about 6 cups or 24 oz florets)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup buttermilk
• 1 Tbsp butter
• 3/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4-1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3 Tbsp thinly sliced green onion, divided
• 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar Jack cheese

Cook bacon in a skillet until crisp.  Drain and crumble, then set aside.

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil.  Add cauliflower and garlic and cook until the cauliflower is tender, 15-20 minutes.  Drain and return to the pot.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Add the buttermilk, butter, salt, and pepper to the cauliflower and puree with a hand blender (or use a regular blender if that's what you have).  Stir in half the green onion.

Scoop into a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish.  Top with crumbled bacon and shredded cheese.  Bake for 5 minutes, until the cheese has melted.  Remove and top with remaining green onion.

Source: slightly adapted from Skinny Taste
Produce Used: Cauliflower, garlic, green onion