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Creamy Baked Cauliflower with Crispy Bacon and Cheddar

A deliciously easy dish combining creamy cauliflower, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar, perfect for busy weeknights or dinner parties.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 large head cauliflower, chopped into florets
  • 4 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese plus extra for topping
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
  • Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large pot of boiling salted water, add the cauliflower florets and cook until fork-tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Drain the cauliflower and pour it into a large mixing bowl.
  4. Add in the heavy cream, garlic powder, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and half the crumbled bacon. Mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Pour the cauliflower mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it evenly and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and bacon on top.
Baking
  1. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
  2. Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving.
  3. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives and serve warm.

Notes

Sauce may look lumpy, which adds charm. For a healthier version, use low-fat cheese or replace half the cream with Greek yogurt. For a vegetarian twist, skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.