Description

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

Units Scale

1 head cauliflower, chopped into florets (about 5 cups)
2 slices bacon, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 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
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoon chives, chopped

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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