Description
A creamy and smoky cauliflower cheese dish enhanced with crispy bacon, perfect as a comforting side or main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets (about 2 pounds)
- ½ teaspoon salt, for boiling water
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded smoked Gouda
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs, optional
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Boil salted water and cook cauliflower florets for 4–5 minutes until just softened. Drain and let steam-dry.
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, crumble, and reserve some for topping.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook for 1–2 minutes. Gradually add warm milk and heavy cream, stirring until thickened. Add spices and cheeses, stirring until melted.
- Combine drained cauliflower and most of the crumbled bacon in the baking dish. Pour cheese sauce over and stir gently to coat.
- Top with remaining cheddar, Parmesan, reserved bacon, and optional breadcrumbs.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbling and golden. Broil for 1–2 minutes for a deeper crust if desired.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley or chives, and serve warm.
Notes
- Ensure to drain the cauliflower well to keep the sauce thick.
- Adjust the seasoning of the cheese sauce to your taste.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg