Bacon Cheddar Cauliflower Bake
- Serves
- 4 servings
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Cost
- $16.50
- Nutrition
- 620 cal · 42g protein
- comfort-food
- kid-favorite
🍳 3 pans · Picky-eater safe bet: cheese · kept by 1 family
Bacon Cheddar Cauliflower Bake is a weeknight dinner that serves 4 and is on the table in about 40 minutes, for around $17 in groceries. You'll need 3 pans, and the 13 ingredients below are everyday supermarket items. Cooking for a picky eater? Plain cheese works on its own for the one who won't try the rest. Add it to your week and the whole grocery list lands in your Instacart cart in one tap.
Goes with: Warm pita and hummus (5 min)
Contains: Dairy— based on the ingredients; brands vary, so check labels.
Cookware you'll need
Set these out before you start — it saves hunting through drawers mid-recipe.
- 12-inch nonstick skilletDon't have one? Amazon →
- 9x13 baking dishDon't have one? Amazon →
- 12-inch locking tongsDon't have one? Amazon →
- Balloon whiskDon't have one? Amazon →
- ColanderDon't have one? Amazon →
- Box graterDon't have one? Amazon →
Our kitchen essentials list · As an Amazon Associate, DinnerDrop earns from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 head cauliflower
- 6 oz cheddar cheese
- 6 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 package spring mix greens
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Steps
- Heat the oven to 425°F. Cut the bacon into 1-inch pieces and cook in a large skillet over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes until crisp. Scoop onto a paper towel and pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the fat.
- Meanwhile, cut the cauliflower into small bite-size florets. Steam them in a covered pot with an inch of water for 5 minutes until just tender, then drain well and pat dry.
- Grate the cheddar. In the skillet with the bacon fat, warm the milk over medium-low, then whisk in the cream cheese until smooth. Add the cheddar a handful at a time, then the mustard, garlic powder, paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a few grinds of pepper.
- Fold the cauliflower and most of the bacon into the sauce. Pour into a 9x13 baking dish, scatter the rest of the bacon on top, and bake 12 to 15 minutes until bubbling and browned at the edges.
- Toss the spring mix with the oil, vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Serve the cauliflower bake hot with the salad alongside.
- Picky eaters can have the plain cauliflower, bacon and cheese, with the salad on the side.
- Make ahead: cook the bacon and cut the cauliflower up to 2 days ahead and keep both in the fridge, or assemble the bake, cover and chill up to 1 day (add 5 minutes to the bake).
On the side: Warm pita and hummus (5 min)
1 package pita bread, 1 container hummus
- Warm the pitas in a dry skillet or the oven for 1 to 2 minutes, cut into wedges and serve with the hummus.
Nutrition per serving
- Protein
- 42 g
- Carbohydrates
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
- Sugar
- 3 g
- Fat
- 46 g
- Saturated fat
- 21 g
- Sodium
- 1,120 mg
Estimated from the ingredients and amounts in this recipe; brands and portions vary. Not medical or dietary advice.
Photo: DinnerDrop