Prepare to transform the humble cauliflower into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! This Cauliflower Gratin with Bacon is not just another side dish – it's a creamy, crispy, and utterly irresistible culinary experience that elevates vegetables from boring to extraordinary. With a perfect balance of rich cheese, smoky bacon, and tender cauliflower, this recipe proves that healthy eating can be absolutely delicious and decadent.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or gruyere)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Wash the cauliflower and cut it into evenly sized florets, ensuring they are roughly the same size for uniform cooking. Pat the florets dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, then crumble into small pieces once cooled.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Arrange the cauliflower florets in the prepared baking dish in a single, even layer. Pour the cream and cheese mixture over the cauliflower, ensuring all florets are coated.
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over the cauliflower, distributing it throughout the dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the gratin.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender when pierced with a fork and the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the gratin rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot as a side dish, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Tips
- Pat the cauliflower florets completely dry before cooking to ensure they roast beautifully and don't become watery.
- Use high-quality cheese like aged cheddar or gruyere for maximum flavor depth. The cheese is a key player in this dish!
- For extra crispiness, broil the gratin for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Choose thick-cut bacon for more substantial, crispy bacon pieces that add great texture.
- If you want to make this dish ahead, you can prepare it up to the baking stage and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use milk with a bit of cornstarch to thicken.
- Always let the gratin rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and make serving easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 85mg
