Cauliflower Gratin with Bacon Topping is a simple and delicious alternative to my recipe for Country Scalloped Potatoes or Potato Gratin. It combines Healthy Cauliflower, heavy cream, half and half, parmesan cheese, and crisp bacon as a tasty topping the entire family will enjoy this Fall.
Before I make one of my creations with the idea of placing the recipe on my Blog for you, there are a few things I always do — I research my recipe online, recipes are never truly our own creations, unfortunately. If I have made it or thought it up, chances are someone has made it long before I was ever thought of or even born. If they have made it, I like to compare our recipes and techniques… You can always learn something new, or even more beneficial when making a recipe.
The most important thing, to you the reader is– Before ever thinking of placing a recipe on my blog, I test it not just once, but at least 2-3 times. I make any needed adaptations or adjustments for you to be able to enjoy the recipe at home without fail. There’s nothing like a “complete flop recipe” from the web when you are expecting company.
Interestingly enough while looking around on the net at some recipes, I found out one of my beloved inspirations Julia Child, turned 100 years old on August 15th, 2012 and a panel of chefs and culinary experts compiled a list of the 100 most-beloved recipes by Julia Child Number 93 was her Cauliflower au gratin with cheese (Chou-fleur à la mornay, gratiné), from the recipe book of Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Volume I . While, I did not use her lovely recipe for Cauliflower Gratin to make mine today, after researching her recipe I really would like to try it out next time.
Ingredients needed for the recipe:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into large florets
- Kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons or (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, divided
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 heavy cream
- 3/4 cup half and half
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan, divided x2
- 3 slices of crisp bacon, chopped

Cauliflower Gratin with Bacon Topping
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower cut into large florets
- Kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons or 1/2 stick unsalted butter, divided
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 heavy cream
- 3/4 cup half and half
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan divided x2
- 3 slices of crisp bacon chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Cook the cauliflower florets in a large pot of boiling salted water for 3 to 4 minutes, drain
- While waiting, melt 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the flour, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon for 1-2 minutes. Pour the heavy cream and half and half into the butter and flour mixture and stir until it comes to a low simmer, whisking constantly, for 1 minute or until thickened.
- Remove the pan from the burner, add 1 teaspoon of salt, pepper, nutmeg, and the 1/2 Parmesan cheese.
- Pour 1/3 of the sauce on the bottom of an 8 by 11 by 2-inch baking dish. Place the drained cauliflower on top and then spread the rest of the sauce evenly on top.
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and drizzle over the gratin. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 of Parmesan cheese, chopped bacon, salt, and pepper.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is browned. Serve hot or at room temperature.
22 Comments
mila furman
November 21, 2014 at 12:57 pmThis looks absolutely delicious! I may have to make this one time as my veggie for the week 🙂 Thank you for linking it with us at #FoodieFridays! I picked them as one of my faves this week 🙂
dishofdailylife
November 14, 2014 at 6:46 pmWe need to eat more cauliflower here. The kids like it, but it is not one of my favorites. I don’t dislike it though…it’s just that there are other veggies I absolutely love. Your recipe sounds so good though…I have a feeling it could be a turning point for me. I enjoy gratins and I love bacon. Thanks for sharing it with us at Foodie Fridays! Pinning!
giramuk's kitchen
November 14, 2014 at 12:23 pmThere’s nothing better than Cauliflower with Cheese, but then I’ve never added Bacon to it! I’m sure it will blow my mind!!
I never knew those facts about Cauliflower! Never knew China was the number 1 producer! 🙂 Well i definitely learned something new! 🙂 Happy FF!
Jenny B @ Honey and Birch
November 13, 2014 at 9:17 pmYum!!! And I love all of the cauliflower facts!
Visiting from Foodie Fridays linkup – have a great weekend!