Looking for a comforting yet simple dish to enjoy? Dive into the savory goodness of my Bacon Cauliflower Gratin! This recipe features butter-stirred cauliflower rice, crispy bacon, and a generous sprinkle of cheddar cheese, all baked to golden perfection. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
As a passionate home cook, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both simple to prepare and bursting with flavor! That’s why I crafted this Bacon Cauliflower Gratin—it’s a delightful twist on classic comfort food, blending the wholesome goodness of cauliflower rice with the savory richness of crispy bacon. My unique dish combines elements from my Bacon Risotto and Cheesy Cauliflower Rice recipes, resulting in a gratifyingly cheesy finish just like in my Japanese Chicken Gratin and Seafood Rice Bake that’ll have your taste buds singing with joy!
Perfect for anyone seeking a satisfying and effortless meal option, this hearty casserole promises to deliver a mouthwatering experience that’ll leave you craving more. So why wait? Let’s dive into the deliciousness and whip up this irresistible Cauliflower casserole for dinner tonight!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Cauliflower Rice– use fresh or frozen cauliflower rice. You can usually find frozen cauliflower rice in most supermarkets.
- Bacon – any type of regular smoked bacon.
- Onion – yellow or brown onion.
- Butter – salted or unsalted.
- Salt – sea salt preferred.
- Black Pepper – ground.
- Cheddar Cheese – use pre-shredded cheddar cheese or sharp cheese of your choice.
- Green Onion – finely chopped green onion scallions.
Bacon Substitutions
You can use Bacon Bits instead of bacon for a quicker preparation of this recipe.
Directions
☑ Before Getting Started
To ensure thorough cooking and even heat distribution, utilize a Large Skillet preparing the cauliflower rice.
Step 1 Add cauliflower rice and butter to a large skillet pan and cook under medium-high heat. Season with salt and black pepper and cook for 2 minutes and transfer contents to a baking dish.
🧂 Seasoning Pro Tip
Don’t be shy with seasoning. Taste and Adjust the Seasoning as needed to ensure the dish is well-balanced and flavorful.
Step 2 In the same frying pan, add bacon and diced onions and cook until onions are browned.
Step 3 Transfer contents to a baking dish followed by a generous sprinkle of cheddar cheese and bake for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
🌿 Garnishing Pro Tip
Top your dish with fresh chopped Green Onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
Recipe Variations
For different gratin options, try swapping cauliflower rice with a seafood mix for a Seafood Gratin Bake. This variation offer unique flavors while keeping the comforting essence of a gratin casserole dish.
Pairing Recommendations
To accompany this recipe, try serving it with a green salad dressed in Caesar Dressing or a Broccoli Caesar Salad. Alternatively, pair it with a comforting bowl of Creamy Chicken Soup. These dishes perfectly complement the casserole, adding freshness or warmth to the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to use frozen or fresh cauliflower rice?
When deciding between frozen or fresh cauliflower rice, both options yield the same taste. However, frozen cauliflower rice offers added convenience due to its extended shelf life of 30 months in the freezer. This allows you to store any unused cauliflower rice for future use, making it a practical choice for meal prep and storage.
Can I prepare this gratin ahead of time and bake it later?
Yes, you can prepare this gratin ahead of time and bake it later. Simply warm up the gratin mix before sprinkling the cheese on top, ensuring that it's evenly heated throughout.
Can I add extra vegetables to this recipe for more variety?
Yes, you can definitely add extra vegetables to this recipe for more variety. Some ideas to consider include diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, chopped spinach, or even grated zucchini. These additional vegetables will not only enhance the flavor and texture of the gratin but also provide added nutrients and color to the dish.
Storage Tips
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for 5-7 days.
Other Recipes You Might Like
- Baked Coconut Shrimp
- Baked Chicken Aioli
- Baked Soy Sauce Chicken
- Spicy Baked Chicken With Sriracha Mayo Dipping Sauce
Watch How To Make It
Bacon Cauliflower Gratin
Ingredients
- 3 Cups Cauliflower Rice
- 6 Slices Bacon
- 1/4 Cup Onion chopped
- 3 tbsp Butter
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 2 Stalk Green Onion
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Preheat oven to broil 500F.
- In a frying pan, melt butter over high heat. Once the butter is melted, stir in the cauliflower rice, sprinkle in salt and black pepper and cook for 2 minutes. Once 2 minutes have passed, evenly transfer cauliflower into baking dish.
- In the same frying pan, add chopped bacon on high heat and cook for 2 minutes. After 2 minutes, add in chopped onions and cook for 1-2 minutes or until onions start to slightly brown. Once done, use a slotted spoon/spatula to evenly transfer on top of cauliflower rice. Note - transfer the contents only and discard oils/juices.
- Next sprinkle cheddar cheese on top ensuring everything is covered. Transfer to oven (middle rack) and broil for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot!
Nutrition
*Values Based Per Serving
Oh, I figured it out! I had not scrolled over the right photo in order for the “Pin It” to pop up! I got it. Thank you, and sorry.
OK, lmk if you run into something else!
This recipe looks delicious, and I hope to try it soon. I tried pinning it to save for later, but I cannot find any way to do that. If I click on your Pinterest icon, it takes me to your Pinterest page. If I try doing it the “old fashioned way” of clicking on the photo and choosing the Pinterest Save option, it tells me I am not authorized to save that photo. So… can’t seem to pin it for later. Boo-hoo…. I’m crying….