Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2

Bring a saucepan of water to a boil. Add cauliflower and cook until tender, but not overly soft, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain well and transfer cauliflower to a large bowl. Mash, using a potato masher, leaving some chunks.

Step 3

Reserve 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese and 1 tablespoon bacon bits. Mix remaining Cheddar cheese, remaining bacon bits, cream cheese, sour cream, green onions, butter, salt, and pepper into the mashed cauliflower in the bowl. Transfer mixture to an 8-inch square baking dish. Sprinkle reserved Cheddar cheese and bacon bits on top.

Step 4

Bake in the preheated oven until hot and bubbly, 30 to 35 minutes.