Categories: family fav, sidedishes, vegetables

Ingredients

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into pieces (about 6 cups) (1 small head or 3 cups for half recipe)
• 6 slices bacon
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 clove garlic, whole
• 1 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/3 cup bread crumbs

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Cook bacon in microwave, break into small pieces when cool.

3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Blanch the cauliflower for 2 minutes., or steam in steam bag in microwave for half the time on instructions. Transfer the cauliflower to a buttered 9 by 13-inch baking dish (or gratin dish for 1/2 recipe) and let cool, about 5 minutes.

4. In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Add the flour and stir until combined. Continue stirring for 2 minutes to cook the flour. Slowly add the milk, stirring continuously until the milk has incorporated and there are no lumps. Add the garlic clove and red pepper flakes and stir the sauce over low heat until the mixture coats the back of a wooden spoon. Add the Parmesan, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and the bacon. Stir to combine. Pour the sauce over the cauliflower to cover. Top with a sprinkling of bread crumbs.

5. Bake until the breadcrumbs are golden and the cauliflower is cooked, about 25 minutes, cool for a few minutes.

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