Ultimate Cauliflower Cheese With Bacon: A Creamy, Delicious Comfort Food Recipe

Cauliflower cheese is a classic comfort food that has been loved for generations. When you add crispy bacon into the mix, it elevates the dish to new levels of deliciousness! This ultimate cauliflower cheese with bacon is perfect as a side dish or a hearty main course. 🥦🧀🥓

In this article, we will take a closer look at how to make this creamy and indulgent dish, highlighting the ingredients, preparation steps, and some tips to customize it to your taste.

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Ingredients

Before you get started, let’s take a look at the ingredients you will need to create this ultimate cauliflower cheese with bacon. The recipe is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients.

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Key Ingredients

Preparation Steps

Now that we have gathered all the ingredients, let’s dive into the preparation steps for the ultimate cauliflower cheese with bacon.

Step 1: Prepping the Cauliflower

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming up, you will want to wash and cut the cauliflower into small florets. This will help them cook more evenly.

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Step 2: Cooking the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it's crispy. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain excess grease. Reserve a tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet for the next step.

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Step 3: Creating the Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden.

Next, slowly add the milk while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Once thickened, add in the cheddar cheese, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and creamy.

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Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower florets and the creamy cheese sauce. Stir well to ensure the florets are fully coated in the delicious cheese mixture.

Crumble the crispy bacon and fold it into the mixture. You can save some bacon for topping later.

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Step 5: Baking

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. For extra crunch, sprinkle some additional cheese and bacon on top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.

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Step 6: Serving

Once baked, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and decadent dish as a side or a satisfying main!

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Customization Options

While the traditional combination of cauliflower, cheese, and bacon is utterly divine, you can easily customize this dish to suit your palate. Here are some ideas:

• Add Vegetables: Spinach, broccoli, or carrots can add flavor and nutrients.
• Use Different Cheeses: Try a mix of cheeses such as gouda, mozzarella, or blue cheese for a different taste.
• Spice It Up: Add some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch.

Tips for the Perfect Cauliflower Cheese

1. Cook Cauliflower Al Dente: To avoid mushy cauliflower, steam or blanch it until it's just tender but still holds its shape.

2. Quality Cheese Matters: Use a good quality cheddar cheese for maximum flavor and creaminess.

3. Don't Rush the Sauce: Take your time to make the cheese sauce; it will pay off in taste!

4. Bake Until Golden: The longer you bake, the more flavorful the top will be. Aim for a crispy and golden finish.

5. Pair with Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken or a hearty salad to balance out the meal.

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Enjoy this ultimate cauliflower cheese with bacon as a comforting treat that is sure to please everyone at the dinner table! This dish not only satisfies your cravings but also packs in a good serving of vegetables, making it a delicious and nutritious option. 🍽️