Creamy Cauliflower 'n Cheese with Bacon

By vealam

Ingredients

• 1 head of cauliflower
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot
• 1 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded Pepper jack cheese, reserve a cup or so for topping
• Optional: 4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2" pieces and cooked until crisp

Details

Servings 6
Adapted from barefeetinthekitchen.com

Preparation

Step 1

A sprinkling of bacon and a dash of red pepper makes this a cheesy dish that you won't want to miss. All three of my boys requested that I make this meal again as soon as possible. I served this with our favorite

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the starch and whisk to combine. Add the milk and continue whisking until smooth and heated through. Add half of the cheese and stir to combine. Continue whisking until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth again. Add the rest of the cheese (reserving about a cup's worth for topping) and stir again until the sauce is smooth and the cheese has completely melted. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper to taste. Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower and top with the remaining cheese. Sprinkle with bacon if desired. Bake for 20 minutes, or until cheese is golden browned and bubbling. Enjoy!