Cauliflower and Bacon Gratin

Cauliflower and Bacon Gratin is a creamy, cheesy dish that pairs tender cauliflower with crispy bacon.

Cauliflower and Bacon Gratin Introduction

This Cauliflower and Bacon Gratin is simple and comforting for weeknights or holidays.
If you like rich gratins, try a similar potato version like cheesy caramelized onion and bacon potato gratin for another cozy side.

Why make this Cauliflower and Bacon Gratin

Make this Cauliflower and Bacon Gratin because it is easy and hits big on flavor.
It mixes creamy cheese sauce, nutmeg, and bacon for a warm, satisfying side.

How to make Cauliflower and Bacon Gratin

To make Cauliflower and Bacon Gratin, you cook bacon, blanch cauliflower, make a cheese sauce, then bake.
This method keeps the cauliflower tender and the top crisp; for more bacon ideas, see a simple sandwich pairing like bacon and mushroom sandwich.

Ingredients : Cauliflower and Bacon Gratin

• 10 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped
• 8 cups cauliflower, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 6 Tbsp. flour
• 3 Tbsp. butter
• 4 cups 1% milk (for a thicker sauce, use light whipping cream)
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese (e.g., Tillamook’s Extra Sharp), plus a little more for topping
• 1 tsp. nutmeg
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Directions : Cauliflower and Bacon Gratin

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Drain and set aside on a paper towel.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cauliflower and cook for 3 minutes. Drain well.
4. In the same pot, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly until blended. Gradually add the milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
5. Remove from heat, and stir in the cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
6. Add the cauliflower and bacon to the cheese sauce, tossing to combine. Transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and additional cheese.
7. Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

How to serve Cauliflower and Bacon Gratin

Serve Cauliflower and Bacon Gratin hot from the oven as a side or a main with simple greens.
You can also pair it with breakfast items or toast; try it with a runny egg dish like bacon and runny egg on tiger bread for a hearty meal.

How to store Cauliflower and Bacon Gratin

Let the Cauliflower and Bacon Gratin cool to room temperature before storing.

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to make Cauliflower and Bacon Gratin

• Cook bacon until very crispy so it stays crunchy in the bake.
• Dry the cauliflower well after boiling to avoid a watery sauce.
• Use sharp cheddar for a bold cheese flavor.
• Toast the breadcrumbs in butter for a crunchier top.

Variation for Cauliflower and Bacon Gratin

• Add cooked ham or shredded rotisserie chicken for more protein.
• Mix in 1 cup of cooked mushrooms for earthier flavor.
• Swap half the cheddar for Gruyère for a nutty note.

FAQs about Cauliflower and Bacon Gratin

• Q: Can I make this Cauliflower and Bacon Gratin ahead of time?
  A: Yes. Assemble and cover, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

• Q: Can I use a different cheese in the Cauliflower and Bacon Gratin?
  A: Yes. Try Gruyère, Swiss, or a mix of cheeses for different tastes.

• Q: What pan size for Cauliflower and Bacon Gratin?
  A: Use a 9×13-inch baking dish to fit the recipe evenly.

• Q: Where can I buy good cheddar for this Cauliflower and Bacon Gratin?
  A: Buy it here.

Cauliflower and Bacon Gratin

A creamy, cheesy dish pairing tender cauliflower with crispy bacon, perfect for weeknights or holidays.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 10 slices bacon, cooked and chopped Cook until crispy
• 8 cups cauliflower, cut into bite-sized pieces Blanch before adding to sauce
• 6 Tbsp flour For thickening sauce
• 3 Tbsp butter For making sauce
• 4 cups 1% milk Use light whipping cream for a thicker sauce
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, plus a little more for topping Use a quality sharp cheddar
• 1 tsp nutmeg Enhances the flavor
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 3/4 cup breadcrumbs For topping
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Drain and set aside on a paper towel.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cauliflower and cook for 3 minutes. Drain well.

Sauce Preparation

• In the same pot, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly until blended.
• Gradually add the milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
• Remove from heat, and stir in the cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Combining and Baking

• Add the cauliflower and bacon to the cheese sauce, tossing to combine.
• Transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and additional cheese.
• Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Serving

• Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Let the gratin cool before storing. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Keyword Cauliflower Gratin, Cheesy Bacon Dish, Comfort Food, Holiday Recipe, side dish