Oh yes 😍—Caramelized Onion & Bacon Cauliflower Cheese Bake is savory, creamy, and indulgent without being too heavy. Perfect as a side or even a main with a salad. Here’s a detailed recipe:
Caramelized Onion & Bacon Cauliflower Cheese Bake
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 4–5 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 ½–2 cups grated cheese (cheddar works best, or mix with Gruyère)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven
- 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish (~9×13 inches).
- Cook the cauliflower
- Boil or steam florets for 5–7 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the bacon
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Caramelize the onions
- In the same skillet, add butter + olive oil.
- Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt.
- Cook slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, 15–20 minutes until deep golden brown.
- Make the cheese sauce
- In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, 1–1 ½ cups grated cheese, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat when melted and creamy.
- Assemble the bake
- In the greased dish, layer cauliflower, caramelized onions, and bacon.
- Pour cheese sauce over the top, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese and Parmesan on top.
- Bake
- 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve
- Garnish with chopped parsley. Delicious with roast meats, chicken, or on its own.
💡 Tips / Variations
- For extra crunch, top with breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter.
- Swap bacon for pancetta or smoked sausage.
- Make it lighter by using half milk and half vegetable stock, or a reduced-fat cheese.
- Add garlic (1–2 cloves minced) to the onions while caramelizing for extra flavor.
If you want, I can give a one-pan, super-easy shortcut version where the cauliflower, onions, bacon, and cheese sauce all go straight into the oven—less stirring, same flavor 😋.
Do you want me to give that version too?
