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Cauliflower and Bacon Gratin

This Cauliflower and Bacon Gratin is a comforting yet elegant dish featuring tender cauliflower enveloped in a creamy sauce, topped with crispy bacon and gooey cheese, perfect for busy nights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Vegetables
  • 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
Meat
  • 4 slices of bacon, chopped
Dairy
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or your favorite cheese)
Condiments
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Topping
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs optional for an extra crunchy topping

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for about 5 minutes until they’re slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon, leaving the grease in the pan.
Sauce Preparation
  1. In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the heavy cream, scraping up any bacon bits. Stir in the Dijon mustard and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for about 2 minutes.
  2. Add the cooked cauliflower and half of the shredded Gruyère cheese to the skillet, stirring until the cauliflower is well-coated.
Baking
  1. Pour the mixture into an oven-safe baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs if desired.
  2. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is bubbling and golden brown.
  3. Just before serving, sprinkle the crispy bacon bits on top.

Notes

If you can’t find Gruyère, substitute it with cheddar or mozzarella. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can prepare this dish ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, adding extra baking time if needed.