10/14/2022
Rich, creamy, and loaded with irresistible bacon and cheese, this easy Cauliflower Au Gratin with Bacon is the perfect dish to serve at cozy gatherings, holiday potlucks, or even a weeknight meal.
INGREDIENTS
•1 large head cauliflower cut into florets, about 5 cups
•2 Tbsp. Extra-virgin olive oil
•Himalayan salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
•10 slices sugar-free bacon, cooked and chopped
•3 Tbsp. grass-fed butter
•2 cloves garlic, crushed
•2 Tbsp. flour gluten-free
•1 1/2 cups 1 or 2% milk, for a thicker sauce use light whipping cream
•1 cup cheese gruyere, asiago, sharp cheddar or a combination
•1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated, divided
•1/4 tsp. dried thyme
•1/2 tsp. nutmeg
•1/3 cup Panko bread crumbs gluten-free, optional or you can use ground Pork rinds
INSTRUCTIONS
•Preheat oven to 425F.
•Add cauliflower florets to a 9x13 inch baking dish along with extra-virgin olive oil, Himalayan salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste.
•Toss to combine and spread cauliflower out in the dish. Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes.
•In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crispy and browned. Set aside on a paper towel. When cool, chop.
•While cauliflower is baking, add butter and crushed garlic to a large skillet or saucepan. Sauté over medium heat for 1 minute.
•Sprinkle flour into the pan and whisk for 1-2 minutes, or until it begins to form a paste.
•Reduce heat to medium-low. •Pour in room-temperature milk, a little at a time, whisking well after each addition. Wait to add the next amount until the sauce has thickened.
•Once all of the milk is added, turn off the heat and mix in gruyere cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, pinch of salt, thyme, nutmeg, and chopped bacon. Reserving a few pieces of bacon for garnish.
•Pour sauce over baked cauliflower and toss to combine.
•Mix together remaining Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs in a small bowl. Sprinkle over cauliflower.
•Reduce oven temperature to 400F. and return cauliflower dish to oven for 20-25 minutes.
•For an extra crispy topping, broil casserole for 2-3 minutes under a high broil.
•Remove from oven.
•Sprinkle with more cheese, bacon crumbles, and fresh parsley.
•ENJOY!