Add extra creaminess to your cauliflower by adding goat cheese to create an easy, low-carb vegetable side dish.
Since I’m always looking for new ways to prepare vegetables, I was so excited to try a cauliflower bake. Aside from a big serving of cauliflower, this dish combines the rich flavors of hickory-smoked bacon, savory onion, garlic, and creamy goat cheese. It offers a healthier twist with reduced-fat cream cheese, making it a delicious and nutritious veggie dish.
Sometimes, I like to experiment with this recipe and make a super-veggie dish. Since broccoli and cauliflower work so well together, that’s another easy vegetable to add to the bake. I also recommend playing around with textures. Since the cauliflower gets processed down, you may want to add some chunkier pieces, like diced carrots.
Once it’s out of the oven, I think you’ll agree that the finished product is extra delicious. I usually try to include vegetables as a side, but this recipe turned out to be one that I have eaten as my entire meal!
Is This Cauliflower Bake With Goat Cheese Healthy?
As a vegetable side dish, there are pros and cons to this recipe from a health standpoint. Cauliflower, the star of the dish, is high in fiber and contains prebiotics. It’s also a good source of vitamins C and K and provides minerals like potassium and magnesium. Onions and garlic both contain antioxidants, among other benefits. However, bacon is a processed meat that is high in sodium and saturated fat. You can, however, use turkey bacon instead. As far as goat cheese, it actually has less saturated fat than many other types of cheese. Regardless, it may still be high in sodium and is still high in calories.
Pack In Even More Flavor
The great thing about this recipe is that you can customize the flavor profile to your liking. Although garlic, salt and pepper will provide some good flavor, why not spice up the entire dish? Try adding a bit of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes. If you’re looking for a more savory option, you can add herbs like oregano, rosemary or thyme. I’ve also seen some variations of the recipe that call for crushed tomatoes and bay leaves, which can completely transform the dish.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Allow your leftover cauliflower bake with goat cheese to cool before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The cauliflower bake can be reheated in the oven on medium heat until it’s warm throughout. I don’t recommend microwaving the leftovers, as the cauliflower may become mushy.
Serving Suggestions
Since you’re getting a satisfying side dish with the cauliflower bake, you’ll probably want to pair it with a delicious protein for dinner. I like the complementary flavors in this Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe. You may also want to try it with Pan-Seared Cod, as this light fish will pair well with the heartier cauliflower.
If you want to stick with vegetables for your meal, think about adding a Balsamic Grilled Vegetable Salad before the casserole. The smoky and tangy flavors will be a delicious start to your meal!
Ingredients
- 8 cups cauliflower chopped
- 4 strips hickory-smoked bacon
- 1 cup onion diced
- 4 teaspoons garlic minced
- 10 ounces goat cheese divided
- 1/4 cup reduced-fat cream cheese softened
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onion sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 400°F and spray a small casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Place the chopped cauliflower into a large bowl and microwave for 8 minutes. Stir and microwave for an additional 8 minutes, until fork-tender.
- While the cauliflower cooks, heat a small pan on medium heat and cook the bacon until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Once cooked, blot off the excess fat with a paper towel. Cut bacon into small pieces and set aside. Reserve the bacon fat in the pan.
- Heat the reserved bacon fat on medium-high heat and cook the onion and garlic until golden brown and soft, about 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked cauliflower into a large food processor and add in 8 ounces of goat cheese, cream cheese, and cooked onions. Process until near-smooth, keeping a few chunks in for texture.
- Transfer the cauliflower mixture to a medium bowl and stir in the sliced bacon. Mix until evenly distributed. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Fill the prepared casserole dish with the cauliflower and crumble the remaining goat cheese on top.
- Bake until the top begins to brown, about 20 minutes. Garnish with green onion and serve.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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