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Cheesy cauliflower bake served warm with bubbling cheese and bacon
Isaac blogger

Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

This cheesy cauliflower bake is a cozy, creamy side dish made with tender cauliflower, a smooth cheese sauce, and crispy bacon. It delivers classic comfort-food flavor in a simple baked casserole that works for weeknights, holidays, or meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories:
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 head cauliflower, cut into small florets (about 5 cups)
  • 2 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ cup diced yellow onion
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup almond milk or whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or tapioca flour
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons chopped chives

Method
 

  1. Before You Begin:
  2. Prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.
  3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
  4. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat in a single layer for 5–7 minutes until crisp. Transfer bacon to a plate, leaving drippings in the skillet.
  5. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add cauliflower and cook 4–6 minutes until just tender but still firm. Drain very well to remove excess moisture before adding to the sauce.
  6. Add olive oil to the skillet with bacon drippings. Sauté onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes until softened.
  7. Whisk milk and flour until smooth. Add to the skillet and cook 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  8. Reduce heat and stir in cheddar, Parmesan, and salt until melted and smooth.
  9. Add drained cauliflower and gently stir to coat evenly.
  10. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle bacon on top.
  11. Bake 18–22 minutes, until bubbling around the edges, lightly golden on top, and heated through.
  12. Remove from oven, sprinkle with chives, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Cook until heated through and properly set in texture.
  • Adjust heat as needed to prevent over-browning or scorching.
  • Cooking times may vary depending on equipment and ingredient temperature.
  • Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in an airtight container.
    Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
    Reheat gently until heated through and steaming before serving.
    Discard if odor, texture, or appearance changes.
    Cooking times may vary depending on equipment and ingredient temperature.