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If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you might remember that for a time I went through a cauliflower-averse phase.
(It was completely my fault, and completely – unintentionally – self-induced. To read more about my cauliflower debacle, you can check out this post.)
Anyway, since then, cauliflower has happily made its way back into my kitchen several times (in things like Indian-spiced cauliflower and potatoes and cheesy cauliflower chowder). This time of year when there is the most gorgeous looking local cauliflower available, I can’t resist buying it almost every time I see it. This recipe in particular is a favorite…roast cauliflower is always a crowd-pleaser, and the crunchy topping in this recipe brings a fun new twist to a classic.
In this recipe I use Cooking Light’s method for roasting cauliflower (from the recipe for Roasted Cauliflower with Fresh Herbs and Parmesan), and my recipe for breadcrumb topping (from my recipe for Bread Crumbed Salad).
Roasted Cauliflower with Bacon Breadcrumb Topping
Serves 6
1 (1 1/2 lb) head of cauliflower, cut into florets (about 6 cups)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Bacon Breadcrumb Topping (recipe below)
Preheat oven to 450F. Place the cauliflower on a large baking sheet and toss with the oil, salt, and pepper. Bake until tender and browned, about 25 minutes, tossing every 5 to 7 minutes. Serve topped with Bacon Breadcrumb Topping.
Bacon Breadcrumb Topping:
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 slices turkey bacon, diced
1 small onion, finely diced
1 large clove garlic, grated on a microplane
4 tablespoons Panko breadcrumbs
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh minced (or 1/2 teaspoon dried) thyme or rosemary
2 tablespoons fresh minced parsley
Pinch black pepper
Heat the oil in a small to medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey bacon and sauté until crispy, about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally; use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a bowl and set aside. To the same skillet, add the onion and sauté until tender and just starting to brown, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Turn the heat down to low and add the garlic and breadcrumbs; sauté until the garlic is fragrant and the breadcrumbs are light golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Turn off heat and stir in the herbs, pepper, and browned turkey bacon. Serve on top of roasted cauliflower.
I’m the writer, recipe developer, photographer, and food stylist behind this blog. I love finding the human connection through something we all do every day: eat! Food is a common ground that we can all relate to, and our tables tell a story. It’s my goal to inspire you to get in the kitchen, try something new, and find a favorite you didn’t know you had.
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I go back and forth about cauliflower. But I do have to admit that this recipe sounds really good. My husband loves cauliflower so I should make this for him. Thanks for sharing Faith.
Not a fan but I do eat cauliflower. I adore the Bacon Breadcrumb Topping though, can use it on many things :-)
Every time I roast cauliflower it’s so hard and crunchy.
I love cauliflower but I have never tried to roast it! It looks so good Faith and the breadcrumbs certainly give it the perfect kick!
this is such a great cauliflower dish! looks soooo delicious!
My kids happen to love roasted cauliflower and I know they’d love it if I made this special topping.
another terrific way to prepare cauliflower. And if it has bacon in it, how could it not be delicious. Roasting really brings out this vegetable’s sweetness. I’m glad that you overcame your cauliflower aversion!
Looks awesome! I really love cauli, but sometimes I forget about it and go months and months without it… Lately, I’ve only put it in pizza crust, but this looks so good (I love bacon!). Thanks for sharing.
Love it . This is something I could eat every night. There are a lot of cauliflowers around here too. I had one pureed wit some preserved lemon tonight with a steak.
I adore roasted cauliflower! This looks like a great dish, plus the addition of bacon never hurts.
and just like that, cauliflower looks good to me. incidentally, one of my friends from the north thinks i say cauliflower in the most hilarious way–she laughed out loud the first time she heard me say it! :)
I could eat this as the main, no kidding. Roasted cauliflowers taste so good!
On my first visit to your blog have just raced into my kitchen: yep, all the ingredients there! This looks so moreish, it just may be lunch tomorrow and on Monday of this working Long Weekend for me :) ! Love cauliflower, but have not oft roasted it, so a taste sensation ahead!!
Great side dish Faith! I love anything with cauliflower and just made something similar so I am biased but still ;)
Roasted cauliflower is one of my favorites, I love the breadcrumb topping!
I love cauliflower but it’s bacon I have an aversion too. Weird huh? This does look good though and I know my hubby would love it!
I missed your original cauliflower debacle — it must have been before I started reading your blog way back when! I’m glad cauliflower has found its way back into your recipes again, because it really is a delicious vegetable. Peter’s not a big fan of cauliflower, but he loves bacon so I’d love to try this dish. Great job, as always, Faith!
I love cauliflower! I’ve been thinking about making cauliflower mac and cheese soon. This dish looks simply delicious
Such a beautiful dish!
Mmm another hit! This sounds awesome :)
I am so glad that cauliflower made it back into your beautiful and creative kitchen. This looks like pure comfort food to me (with the added benefit of being vegetable based!) Thank you for sharing, sweet friend.
Delicious as always Faith & your photos are so stunning! Love the purple board ;)
I adore roasted cauliflower (best way to prepare it!) and this topping sounds like it would put the veggies over the top!
Ah, how I love this versatile vegetable. But I understand how it could turn you off at first – it does have a particular taste and aroma that some find quite unpleasant (admittedly some random days that’s me!)
Also, just wanted to say how much I appreciate your love for Middle Eastern culture and cuisine. You’d know how we Arabs are proud of our heritage, so it’s so wonderful to see that you are too :) Keep up the good work.
Absolutely scrumptious! Cauliflower is such a wonderful vegetable that can be prepared in so many ways…
Cheers,
Rosa
That looks divine Faith! And as always we are in tandem, I made a cauliflower salad tonight! :P