Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Creamy Baked Cauliflower with Crispy Bacon and Cheddar The Ultimate Comfort Dish

  • Author: Chef Mia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x
  • Method: Side Dish
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This creamy baked cauliflower is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender cauliflower florets enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce, topped with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar. Perfect as a hearty side dish or a satisfying main course.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the dish
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and blanch for 3-4 minutes, until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
  3. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
  4. Gradually whisk in the milk, and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and comes to a gentle simmer, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar, all of the Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  6. Add the drained cauliflower to the saucepan and gently toss to coat with the sauce.
  7. Transfer the cauliflower mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar and the crumbled bacon.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Garnish with chopped chives before serving. Serve hot.

Notes

For a lower-carb version, you can skip the flour and thicken the sauce with a little cornstarch slurry instead. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. This dish can be assembled ahead and refrigerated; increase baking time by 10 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Fat: 29 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Protein: 17 g

Find it online: https://exorecipes.com/creamy-baked-cauliflower-bacon-cheddar/