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–+ servings

Baked cauliflower Recipe

Indulge in this rich and creamy Cheesy Cauliflower Bake, where tender cauliflower meets crispy bacon and velvety cheese sauce. A perfect gluten-free side dish for weeknights, it offers all the comfort of mac and cheese without the pasta.
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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Baked cauliflower Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 head of cauliflower chopped into florets (approximately 5 cups)
  • 2 slices of bacon chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • ¼ cup yellow onion diced
  • 1 cup almond milk or milk of choice
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or tapioca flour for a gluten-free option
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons chopped chives

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large, deep skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate, reserving the bacon grease in the skillet.
  • Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • Add olive oil to the reserved bacon grease in the skillet. Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3–5 minutes until the onion becomes tender and translucent.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until smooth. Gradually pour this mixture into the skillet. Bring it to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally, until small bubbles form around the edges.
  • Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, and salt. Continue whisking until the cheese sauce is smooth and creamy.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in the cooked cauliflower, ensuring every floret is evenly coated in the cheese sauce.
  • Transfer the cheesy cauliflower mixture to an 8x8-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the cooked bacon over the top.
  • Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped chives, and serve warm.

Notes

  • For a lighter option, you can use reduced-fat cheese and milk.
  • This dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.