Cauliflower bacon cheese bake
This creamy cauliflower casserole includes plenty of bacon and cheese for a hearty meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
 | 3 cups of fresh cauliflower, chopped into florets. |
 | 1/2 cup of grated cheese, such as cheddar, gruyère, mozzarella, or emmental cheese. |
 | 1/2 cup of plain mozzarella chopped into pieces. |
 | 2 cups of bacon chopped into small pieces, or pancetta |
 | 1 cup of plain heavy cream or crème fraiche |
Spices and flavoring ingredients:
 | 1 teaspoon of crushed garlic powder or flakes |
 | 1 teaspoon of fresh or dried parsley |
 | 1 teaspoon of onion powder |
 | 1 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg |
 | Pinch of salt and pepper |
How to make this cauliflower bacon cheese bake
- Chop the bacon into small slices and the cauliflower into small florets.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F).
- Combine the cauliflower and bacon in a large casserole dish, then add the spices and cream (without the cheese).
- Mix lightly to coat everything evenly with the seasoning.
- Bake for about 35 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and top with cheese.
- Return to the oven and cook for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
- Serve warm.
The traditional French recipe for a cheesy casserole uses potatoes, but if you are looking for a version that is lighter, this cauliflower bacon cheese casserole is sure to hit the spot.
The key is to not add the cheese too early. I like to let the cauliflower and bacon cook in the creamy sauce and herbs, and then about 10 minutes before the end, add the cheese.
This way the cauliflower and bacon is already cooked, and it avoids the cheese overcooking and becoming burnt.
Once you add the cheese, just stick it back in the oven for around 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and turns a gooey golden color.
Cooking tips
- If using frozen cauliflower, let them defrost for 30 minutes in advance.
- Add the cheese at the 1/2 way point of the cooking process so that the cheese does not burn.
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Cauliflower bacon cheese bake
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups of chopped cauliflower florets
- 2 cups of chopped bacon or pancetta
- 1/2 cup of shredded cheese eg. cheddar, gruyere, emmental, etc.
- 1/2 cup of chopped mozzarella (approx 125 g)
- 1 cup of heavy cream or crème fraiche
Spices
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of grated nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried parsley
- pinch of salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop the bacon into small slices and the cauliflower into small florets.
- Preheat the oven to 360°F (180°C).
- In a large casserole dish, add the cauliflower and bacon and add the all the spices on top, along with the cream. (Do not add the cheese.)
- Lightly mix so that the spices cover the cauliflower florets and bacon.
- Place the casserole in the oven for about 35 minutes.
- Take the tray carefully out of the oven, and add in the cheese on top.
- Place the casserole dish back in the oven and cook for another 10 minutes or until the cheese looks melted.
- Serve while warm.
Nutrition
Please note: We are not certified nutritionists and these estimates written and produced for entertainment purposes only.
What to serve with it?
This delicious creamy cauliflower bacon cheese casserole can be served by itself, but you can also serve it with a side dish like this spinach caesar salad or a homemade mushroom soup.
You can also serve it with an appetizer like roasted tomatoes with garlic and parsley or this light gizzard salad.
How to store it?
You can easily prepare this creamy cauliflower bacon cheese casserole in advance, and even keep it overnight in the fridge. Keep it in airtight glass containers in the fridge, and take it the next day for a packed lunch.
I wouldn’t recommend freezing it however, as the cheese may not do well in the freezer.
