Cheddar bacon cauliflower mash bake
Cheddar Bacon Cauliflower Mash Bake is a comforting, lower-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, featuring a creamy cauliflower base mixed with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese. Baked until bubbly, it makes a delicious side dish for any meal.
Cook time 25 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
16 oz bacon6.50 cups cauliflower
3 garlic cloves
1/3 cup dried milk
1 tbsp salted butter
3/4 tsp salt
1 dash black pepper
2 tbsp chives
1/4 cup cheddar cheese
The Cheddar Bacon Cauliflower Mash Bake is a delicious and lower-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. This comforting dish features a savory blend of cauliflower, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese, making it a perfect side dish for any meal.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it's crispy. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
- Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
- Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- While the bacon is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the cauliflower florets to the boiling water and cook for about 10 minutes or until the cauliflower is fork-tender.
- Drain the cauliflower well and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Add minced garlic, dried milk powder, butter, salt, and black pepper to the cooked cauliflower.
- Using an immersion blender or a potato masher, mash the mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold most of the crumbled bacon (reserving some for topping) and chopped chives into the mashed cauliflower mixture.
- Transfer the cauliflower mash mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Add the remaining crumbled bacon on top of the cheese.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Garnish with additional chopped chives if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
This Cheddar Bacon Cauliflower Mash Bake is not only flavorful but also easy to prepare. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while still enjoying a rich and satisfying dish. Serve it as a side with your favorite main course or enjoy it on its own.
Cheddar bacon cauliflower mash bake FAQ:
Bake the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
The cauliflower is done when it is fork-tender, which usually takes about 10 minutes of boiling. Ensure it is soft enough to mash easily.
Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
You can substitute dried milk with an equal amount of regular milk or unsweetened almond milk. If using liquid, reduce the other liquids slightly if necessary.
You can substitute with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a dairy-free cheese option if you prefer a non-dairy version.
Cooking Tips:
- For a smoother mash, ensure the cauliflower is cooked until it is very tender before mashing it.
- Consider using a food processor or immersion blender to achieve a creamy texture.
- If you prefer a stronger cheese flavor, you can add more cheddar cheese or use a combination of cheeses such as Gruyère or Parmesan.
- For an extra crispy topping, broil the dish for a few minutes at the end of baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition Facts
4 ServingsCalories 710kcal
Protein 50g
Carbohydrates 22g
Fiber 3.58g
Sugar 13g
Fat 45g
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