Roasted Cauliflower with Bacon and Parmesan Cheese

I feel that cauliflower is one of the most versatile vegetable ingredients out there.  When I was researching this post I found some really cool recipes using cauliflower in the most unique ways.  I found a cauliflower pizza crust, cauliflower “cream sauce”, cauliflower couscous (you actually crumble the cauliflower to make a mock coucous) which is great for gluten free and paleo diets, and of course your basic roasted, pureed, mashed and steamed versions.

Since I was already in a roasting mood this week (SpicedPork Roast), I decided to cook up this Roasted Cauliflower with Bacon and Parmesan.  The added benefit was the aroma of bacon cooking two times – and I do love to smell bacon cooking!  I cooked the bacon half way and then added it to the roasted cauliflower towards the end for a little extra crisping.  I finished the recipe off with some shredded Parmesan and chopped green onions.

I have to say this is a burst of fall and comfort food goodness, all in one bite.  As a part of the cabbage family, it has a high nutritional density – great fortification for the upcoming cold weather.  As well, I mostly roast during cooler months to help warm the house and create a cozy feeling in my kitchen. Enjoy!

Roasted Cauliflower with Bacon and Parmesan

Recipe by Liz Hughes

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients

• 1 head cauliflower cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 5 slices bacon
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 green onions, chopped
• Kosher salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Directions

1. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. In a medium casserole dish, toss cauliflower with canola oil. Place on center rack in oven and roast for 20 minutes.
3. Cook bacon until lightly golden and chop into 1/2" pieces. Once cauliflower has cooked 20 minutes add bacon and cook for 5 more minutes to get bacon nice and crispy.
4. Pull out of oven and toss with parmesan and green onions. Season to taste.

More cauliflower recipes from FN Dish's Fall Fest:

Big Girls, Small Kitchen: Roasted Cauliflower and Bulgur Salad
Jeanette's Healthy Living: Roasted Garlic Cauliflower and Potatoes
Feed Me Phoebe: Pan-Roasted Cauliflower
Devour: Cauliflower and Broccoli Mac and Cheese for Thanksgiving
Blue Apron Blog: Cauliflower "Mac 'n Cheese"
Napa Farmhouse 1885: Roasted Cauliflower and Broccoli with Cranberries and Garlic Breadcrumbs 
Red or Green: Cauliflower, Leek and Pepper Frittata
Virtually Homemade: Roasted Cauliflower with Bacon and Parmesan Cheese
Taste With The Eyes: Saffron Cauliflower à la Ottolenghi
Domesticate Me: Cauliflower Crust Pizza with Roasted Vegetables and Goat Cheese
The Sensitive Epicure: Cauliflower Flat Bread (Gluten-Free)
Weelicious: Cheddar Cauliflower
Cooking With Elise: Roasted Cauliflower with Cheese Fondue
FN Dish: Comforting Cauliflower Recipes