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Cauliflower and Bacon Gratin

This rich and creamy gratin combines tender cauliflower with crispy bacon, topped with a gooey cheese sauce. A perfect comfort food for weeknights or family gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Vegetable Base
  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
Bacon
  • 6 strips bacon, chopped
Creamy Sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or more, if you're feeling cheeky
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard optional, but adds zing
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Toss in the cauliflower florets and cook for about 5 minutes, then drain well.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and place on paper towels.
Making the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the cheddar cheese. Cook until the cheese melts.
Combining Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower and bacon, then pour the sauce over and gently stir until coated.
Baking
  1. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, sprinkle remaining cheeses on top, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Serving
  1. Let the gratin sit for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For vegetarian options, substitute bacon with sautéed mushrooms. Feel free to mix in different cheeses for variation.