This post may contain affiliate links learn more

This Cheesy Cauliflower Bake is a creamy, savory side dish that combines tender cauliflower florets, crispy bacon, and a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food, whether you’re looking for a low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes or simply a delicious way to enjoy more vegetables. The combination of cheddar and parmesan cheeses provides a depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the subtle sweetness of cauliflower. The crispy bacon and fresh chives sprinkled on top add the perfect finishing touch. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

US Customary (Metric available):

1 head cauliflower, chopped into florets (about 5 cups)

2 slices bacon, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ cup yellow onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
2 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or tapioca flour for gluten-free)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoon chives, chopped

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and set aside an 8×8-inch baking dish.
Cook the Bacon:
In a large, deep skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, setting it aside on a plate lined with paper towels. Reserve the bacon grease in the skillet.

Boil the Cauliflower:
While the bacon cooks, bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the chopped cauliflower florets and cook for about 5 minutes until they are just tender. Drain the cauliflower and set it aside.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, add the olive oil. Then, sauté the diced yellow onion and minced garlic for 3-5 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the almond milk (or milk of choice) and all-purpose flour (or tapioca flour for a gluten-free option) until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the onions and garlic, bringing it to a low boil. Stir frequently until the edges of the mixture start to bubble.
Next, add the shredded cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, and salt. Continue to whisk until the cheese sauce is smooth and well combined.

Combine the Cauliflower:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked cauliflower florets, making sure they are well coated with the cheese sauce.
Assemble and Bake:
Pour the cheesy cauliflower mixture into the prepared 8×8-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the cooked bacon evenly on top of the cauliflower. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the chopped chives over the top for a fresh finish. Serve warm and enjoy!

Cooking Tips

Cauliflower Tenderness: Boil the cauliflower for no longer than 5 minutes to ensure it’s tender but still firm enough to hold up during baking.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a little heat.
Crispier Topping: For extra texture, sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs on top before baking to get a crunchy topping.

Cheese Variations: Feel free to swap out cheddar and parmesan for other cheeses you love, like Gruyère or mozzarella, for a different flavor profile.

Nutritional Benefits

Cauliflower is a great low-carb, high-fiber vegetable that is rich in vitamins C, K, and B6. It also provides antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. The almond milk option keeps the dish dairy-light, and using tapioca flour makes it a gluten-free dish. Cheddar and parmesan provide calcium and protein, while bacon adds flavor and a satisfying savory touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Low-Carb Comfort: A delicious alternative to heavier, carb-laden side dishes.

Versatile: Pairs well with roasted meats, chicken, or can be served as a standalone dish.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dish a day ahead and bake it just before serving.
Crowd Pleaser: The combination of cheese, bacon, and cauliflower makes it a hit for both kids and adults.

Dietary Information

Gluten-Free: Use tapioca flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly: With only cauliflower, bacon, and cheese as the main ingredients, this dish is suitable for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon for a meat-free version that still delivers rich, cheesy flavors.

Why This Recipe Works

The use of two cheeses, cheddar and parmesan, gives the dish a strong, savory flavor. The bacon adds a crispy, salty component that complements the creamy cheese sauce. The cauliflower, which is boiled until just tender, absorbs the flavors without becoming too soft. This balance of textures and flavors makes this dish irresistibly good. The chives add a touch of color and freshness, rounding out the dish beautifully.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Cauliflower Bake is an ideal comfort food that you can feel good about eating. Whether you’re looking for a flavorful low-carb side dish or a new way to enjoy cauliflower, this recipe hits all the right notes. It’s easy to make, rich with cheese, and full of crispy bacon goodness. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or any time you want to indulge in a satisfying, cheesy dish. Give it a try—you’ll be coming back for seconds!

Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 35 mins

Print Recipe

Description

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and set aside an 8×8-inch baking dish.

Cook the Bacon:
In a large, deep skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, setting it aside on a plate lined with paper towels. Reserve the bacon grease in the skillet.
Boil the Cauliflower:
While the bacon cooks, bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the chopped cauliflower florets and cook for about 5 minutes until they are just tender. Drain the cauliflower and set it aside.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, add the olive oil. Then, sauté the diced yellow onion and minced garlic for 3-5 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the almond milk (or milk of choice) and all-purpose flour (or tapioca flour for a gluten-free option) until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the onions and garlic, bringing it to a low boil. Stir frequently until the edges of the mixture start to bubble.
Next, add the shredded cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, and salt. Continue to whisk until the cheese sauce is smooth and well combined.
Combine the Cauliflower:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked cauliflower florets, making sure they are well coated with the cheese sauce.
Assemble and Bake:
Pour the cheesy cauliflower mixture into the prepared 8×8-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the cooked bacon evenly on top of the cauliflower. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Garnish and Serve:
Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the chopped chives over the top for a fresh finish. Serve warm and enjoy!

Prep Time: 5
Cook Time: 30

Pin5