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–+ servings
Smoked Bacon Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
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Grilled Cauliflower Bacon Mac and Cheese

This cauliflower mac and cheese is rich, smoky, and ultra creamy, made with grilled cauliflower and a velvety cheese sauce finished low and slow on the smoker. It delivers all the comfort of classic mac and cheese with deep flavor and incredible texture.
Course comfort food, dinner, Grilling, Main Course
Cuisine American, Fusion, Mediterranean
Keyword cheesy, creamy, grilled, Grilled Cauliflower Bacon Mac and Cheese, smoky
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 12 Servings
Calories 307kcal
Author Bon Appeteach

Ingredients

  • 1 head Cauliflower
  • 2 tbsp. Olive Oil
  • 2 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 tbsp. Paprika
  • 1.25 cup Heavy Cream
  • 8 oz. Cream Cheese
  • 4 oz. Cheddar Cheese Freshly grated
  • 4 oz. Gouda Cheese Freshly grated
  • 8 slices Bacon cooked and chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat grill to 300 degrees Fahrenheit with direct heat available.
  • Remove leaves from cauliflower, keeping the core intact. Slice into 4 to 5 thick, one inch cauliflower steaks.
  • Brush cauliflower with olive oil and season generously, reserving about 1 teaspoon seasoning for the sauce.
  • Grill cauliflower steaks over direct heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side until lightly charred and tender.
  • Remove from grill and chop cauliflower into bite size pieces.
  • In a saucepan over medium low heat, warm heavy cream. Whisk in softened cream cheese until mostly smooth.
  • Reduce heat to low and season with reserved seasoning.
  • Gradually whisk in grated cheeses a handful at a time until smooth, reserving a small amount for topping.
  • Fold cauliflower and bacon into the cheese sauce.
  • Transfer mixture to a cast iron skillet or baking dish and top with remaining cheese and bacon.
  • Smoke at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 to 40 minutes until bubbling and lightly golden.
  • Rest 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Video

Notes

Make it the perfect BBQ side and pair with my smoked pork shoulder recipe or these hot and fast ribs!
Final Tips- 
  • Mild wood works best for smoking
  • Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly
  • Avoid high heat when making the cheese sauce

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 307kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 690mg | Potassium: 104mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 816IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 170mg | Iron: 0.2mg