Ultimate Creamy Cauliflower Bacon Gratin: A Savory Comfort Food Delight
Prepare to fall in love with a dish that effortlessly combines comfort, flavor, and elegance: the Cauliflower Bacon Gratin. This recipe delivers a harmonious blend of tender, creamy cauliflower, perfectly salty bacon, and a rich, cheesy sauce that bakes into a golden, bubbling masterpiece. It’s a truly delicious and savory combination that satisfies on every level, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive side dish for entertaining.
This particular recipe draws its inspiration from the renowned cookbook ‘Around my French Table’ by Dorie Greenspan, a culinary treasure known for its delightful French-inspired dishes. While rooted in Greenspan’s classic approach, I’ve made a few minor adaptations to bring out the best in its flavors and simplify the process for home cooks. The result? A gratin so incredibly delicious, it has quickly become a beloved staple in our kitchen, and one we absolutely guarantee you’ll want to make again and again!
Why This Cauliflower Bacon Gratin Will Become Your New Favorite
There’s something uniquely satisfying about a perfectly executed gratin, and this cauliflower and bacon version is no exception. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a culinary experience. The cauliflower, often underestimated, transforms into a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth delight when baked in a luscious sauce. The crisp, savory bacon bits provide a textural contrast and a burst of umami that elevates the entire dish. Then there’s the cheese – a golden, bubbly crust that promises cheesy goodness in every spoonful.
Beyond its incredible taste, this gratin offers versatility. Serve it as a hearty vegetarian main course (simply omit the bacon or replace with smoked paprika for a similar flavor profile) or as a spectacular accompaniment to roasted chicken, beef, or fish. It’s also an excellent way to introduce more vegetables into your diet in a way that feels indulgent rather than restrictive. The preparation, while requiring a few steps, is straightforward, and many components can be prepared in advance, making it a fantastic option for meal planning or entertaining guests without last-minute stress.
A Nod to Dorie Greenspan: The Inspiration Behind This Gratin
Dorie Greenspan is a culinary icon, celebrated for her precise, yet approachable recipes that bring the joy of French cooking into home kitchens worldwide. Her book ‘Around My French Table’ is filled with comforting, flavorful dishes that often become instant classics. This gratin is a testament to her philosophy – simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. My adaptations aimed to enhance certain flavors and streamline the cooking process slightly, ensuring that the essence of Dorie’s original vision shines through while making it even more accessible for busy cooks. It truly is a recipe that captures the spirit of delicious, unpretentious French home cooking.
Essential Tips for a Perfect Cauliflower Bacon Gratin
Even the simplest recipes benefit from a few expert tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your Cauliflower Bacon Gratin turns out perfectly every time, achieving that ideal balance of tender cauliflower, crispy bacon, and creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Achieving Perfect Cauliflower Doneness: The key to a great gratin is cauliflower that is tender but not mushy. While a cooking time is provided, remember that all ovens and stovetops vary. To check for doneness, carefully stab a floret with a fork. The fork should slide in and out with minimal resistance. If it feels too firm, continue cooking for a few more minutes and re-check. Overcooked cauliflower can become watery and detract from the gratin’s texture, so always trust your fork over the clock!
- Ensuring Even Sauce Distribution: After pouring the rich cream and cheese sauce over the cauliflower and bacon in your baking dish, don’t just leave it. Gently move the baking dish back and forth, or use a spoon to carefully spread the sauce, ensuring it seeps down between all the cauliflower florets. This step is crucial for achieving that consistent creamy texture throughout the entire gratin, rather than having dry spots.
- The Golden-Brown Crust Secret: The hallmark of a superb gratin is its beautifully golden-brown, bubbly top. After the initial 25 minutes of baking, check your casserole. If it hasn’t achieved that desirable golden hue, resist the urge to bake it longer, as this can overcook the cauliflower. Instead, place it under a preheated grill (broiler) for a few minutes. Keep a very close eye on it, as the grill can brown things quickly, turning it from golden to burnt in moments. This quick blast of heat will create that perfect crust without compromising the creamy texture underneath.
Preparation: Smart Steps for a Stress-Free Meal
One of the best ways to enjoy cooking is to minimize last-minute rushing. This Cauliflower Bacon Gratin recipe allows for several components to be prepared in advance, making mealtime smoother and more enjoyable. These simple steps can be done earlier in the day or even the night before:
- Prepping the Cauliflower Florets: Start by washing your cauliflower thoroughly. Then, carefully cut the head into individual florets, aiming for pieces of roughly equal size to ensure even cooking. Place these florets in a pan and cover them with a layer of cold water. Store the pan in the refrigerator. Keeping the florets in water helps them stay fresh and prevents discoloration, so they’re ready for boiling when you are.
- Frying and Storing Bacon: Fry the bacon strips in a dry frying pan until they reach your desired level of crispness. Once cooked, transfer the bacon onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. Once cooled, break the bacon into smaller pieces if desired, and store it in an airtight container or bowl in the refrigerator. This ensures the bacon remains crispy and flavorful until you’re ready to add it to your gratin.
- Grating and Keeping Cheese Fresh: Grating cheese can be a bit messy, so doing it ahead of time is a smart move. Grate the required amount of your chosen cheese (such as Gruyere or Emmentaler, which offer robust flavor). Place the grated cheese in an airtight container or a sealed bag and store it in the refrigerator. This keeps the cheese fresh and ready to sprinkle over your gratin for that ultimate cheesy topping.
The Full Cauliflower Bacon Gratin Recipe Details
📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
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Equipment
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A conventional oven is used. When using a convection oven (with air fan) decrease the temperature with 30 °F / 20 °C
Ingredients
- 1 cauliflower , washed and cut into florets
- 150 grams bacon , cut into strips
- 45 grams flour
- 5 eggs , size L, lightly beaten
- 200 ml cream
- 250 ml milk , full
- 75 grams cheese , grated, full of flavor such as Gruyere or Emmentaler)
- salt and pepper , to taste
- nutmeg , to taste
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius (425°F).
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Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil.
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Add the cauliflower florets to the boiling water and cook for 10 minutes, or until they are al dente. This means they should be tender when pierced with a fork but still retain a slight bite. Drain thoroughly in a colander.
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Meanwhile, cook the bacon strips in a dry frying pan over medium heat until they are crispy and lightly browned. Remove from the pan and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
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Ensure the cooked cauliflower is very well drained to prevent a watery gratin. You can even gently pat it dry with paper towels.
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Generously butter an oven-safe baking dish, approximately 20 x 30 cm (8 x 12 inches).
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Arrange the drained cauliflower florets evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
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Crumble or chop the crispy bacon and sprinkle it generously over the cauliflower layer.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the cream and flour until smooth. Continue to beat well until the mixture is slightly thickened and free of lumps.
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Gradually add the lightly beaten eggs to the cream and flour mixture, whisking constantly to ensure they are fully incorporated and the mixture remains smooth.
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Pour in the milk and add two-thirds of the grated cheese to the mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
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Season the sauce generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
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Pour the prepared creamy sauce evenly over the cauliflower and bacon in the baking dish. Gently shake the dish to ensure the sauce penetrates all the layers.
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Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over the top of the gratin for a golden, cheesy crust.
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Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the gratin is bubbling around the edges and the top is golden brown. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition
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Serving Suggestions for Your Gratin
This versatile Cauliflower Bacon Gratin can truly shine in a variety of settings. For a lighter meal, it’s substantial enough to be served on its own as a vegetarian main course, perhaps accompanied by a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the richness. When serving as a side, it pairs beautifully with classic roasted meats like a succulent roast chicken, tender pork loin, or even a perfectly seared steak. Its creamy, savory profile also complements grilled fish or pan-fried scallops. Don’t hesitate to serve it alongside other comforting staples like mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce. Whether it’s the star of the show or a supporting act, this gratin will always be a crowd-pleaser.
Customizing Your Gratin: Variations to Explore
While the classic Cauliflower Bacon Gratin is a triumph on its own, feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking! Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Cheese Swaps: Experiment with different cheeses! While Gruyere and Emmentaler provide a traditional, nutty flavor, you could try sharp cheddar for a more pronounced tang, mozzarella for extra stretchiness, or a blend of Parmesan and provolone for a depth of flavor.
- Add More Veggies: This gratin base is very forgiving. Consider adding thinly sliced mushrooms, sautéed leeks, or even some spinach (squeezed dry) along with the cauliflower. Broccoli florets can also be a delicious addition.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs can brighten the dish. A sprinkle of fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives added to the sauce or as a garnish before serving would be wonderful.
- Spice it Up: For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce or a dash of hot sauce can add an exciting kick.
- Make it Vegetarian: To make this gratin vegetarian, simply omit the bacon. You can replace its smoky flavor with smoked paprika or a little liquid smoke added to the sauce. Alternatively, try adding sautéed onions or caramelized shallots for a different layer of sweetness.
I hope you enjoy making and devouring this utterly delicious Cauliflower Bacon Gratin! It’s a recipe that truly delivers on its promise of creamy, savory goodness and is sure to earn a permanent spot in your culinary rotation. If you do make this dish, I would absolutely love to see your creations! Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram or Twitter. It always makes my day to see how you bring my recipes to life. Feel free to also share your experiences on my Facebook channel or pin this recipe on Pinterest so you can easily find it for your next cooking adventure. Happy cooking, and see you soon!