Bacon: Roasted Cheddar Cauliflower with

Who doesn’t love a simple side dish?

In this incredibly well-seasoned and addictive side, seasoned roasted cauliflower is topped with crispy bacon, melty Irish sharp white cheddar and served sprinkled with snipped fresh chives.

Prepare to fall in love.

For this Roasted Cheddar Cauliflower Gather:

• center cut bacon – If using a different (more fatty) bacon, set out to use only 2 to 3 tablespoon bacon fat.
• cauliflower florets – I like to buy precut cauliflower to save time.
• warm bacon fat – Reserved from cooking the bacon.
• kosher salt – Enhances the flavors in this method.
• freshly ground black pepper – For distinct bite and flavor.
• garlic powder – Adds flavor that’s sweeter yet milder than fresh garlic.
• onion powder – Lends bold oniony flavor.
• Irish sharp white cheddar – I use Kerrygold (not sponsored).
• chives – Adds bright mild onion flavor.

Preheat your oven to 450°F (or 230℃) and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.

Add 6 slices of diced center cut bacon to a 10-inch skillet.

Cook 8 to 10 minutes over medium to medium-low heat, stirring often, until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon, leaving the bacon in the skillet, to a paper towel lined plate and set off to the side.

Make The Roasted Cauliflower:

Add 1-1/2 pounds of cauliflower florets to a large mixing bowl. Add the bacon fat from the skillet, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder and about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.

Use a rubber spatula to toss well until evenly coated.

Transfer the seasoned cauliflower to the prepared pan and spread in an even layer.

Roast the cauliflower on the middle rack of your preheated oven for 20 minutes. Rotate the pan halfway to ensure even cooking and browning.

Once roasted, scoot them into the center of the sheet pan and sprinkle with 2/3 of the crispy bacon pieces. If the broccoli sticks, let it cool for a few minutes and it should unstick itself.

Sprinkle the cauliflower and bacon with about 4 ounces (more or less to your preference) of freshly grated Irish sharp white cheddar cheese.

Place the pan back into the oven until melted, about 2-3 minutes or so.

Drool.

Transfer the cheesy cauliflower and bacon to a serving dish and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon snipped fresh chives.

Serve immediately.

The Roasted Cheddar Cauliflower certainly rounds out a steak dinner, but the cauliflower works next to pretty much anything. S0 Worth the pot!

Enjoy! And if you give this Roasted Cheddar Cauliflower with Bacon recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!