Creamy Cheesy Cauliflower Bliss
Indulge in a decadent side dish that perfectly blends tender cauliflower with a rich, cheesy sauce, enhanced by the crispy flavor of bacon. This Creamy Cheesy Cauliflower Bliss combines the classic comfort of cheese with the health benefits of vegetables, making it a guilt-free pleasure on your dinner table. Enjoy this dish that is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate, ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy weeknight meal.
N/A
Servings
105
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
1 1/2 cups (none)
cauliflower
1 small head (trimmed and cut into medium pieces)
purple cauliflower
1 small head (trimmed and cut into medium pieces)
pepper bacon
4 slices (thick-cut and diced)
heavy cream
1 cup (none)
cream cheese
3 ounces (softened)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (none)
shredded colby-monterey jack cheese
2 cups (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
granulated garlic
1/2 teaspoon (none)
chives
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by inserting a vegetable steamer into your 6-quart or larger Instant Pot. Pour 1 1/2 cups of water into the pot, and place the trimmed cauliflower pieces (both white and purple) evenly on top of the steamer basket.
2
Lock the lid in place, ensuring that the valve is set to 'sealing'. Select 'Pressure Cook' on high for 2 minutes. When the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure.
3
Once the pressure has released, carefully open the lid and use tongs to transfer the steamer basket with the cauliflower to a plate. Set aside and discard the water from the inner pot.
4
Change the Instant Pot setting to 'Sauté' on high. When the pot is hot, add the diced bacon. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently until the bacon is golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
5
Drain off most of the bacon grease left in the pot, but do not rinse the pot. To the drained grease, add the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, and shredded colby-monterey jack cheese. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and the cheeses have melted into a creamy sauce.
6
Turn off the Instant Pot and season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and granulated garlic. Gently fold in the cooked cauliflower and reserved crispy bacon, ensuring everything is well-coated with the cheese sauce.
7
Transfer the cheesy cauliflower to a serving bowl, garnish with chopped chives, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
8.25g
Fat
3.5g
Carbs
4.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cheesy Cauliflower Bliss?
It is a decadent side dish featuring tender white and purple cauliflower florets smothered in a rich cheese sauce and topped with crispy pepper bacon.
How long does the cauliflower need to pressure cook?
The cauliflower should be pressure cooked on high for 2 minutes.
What types of cauliflower are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one small head each of white cauliflower and purple cauliflower.
Can I use a different size Instant Pot?
The recipe is designed for a 6-quart or larger Instant Pot to accommodate the steamer basket and cauliflower.
How much water is required for steaming?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of water poured into the bottom of the Instant Pot.
What type of bacon is recommended?
The recipe specifically suggests using 4 slices of thick-cut pepper bacon for a crispy, flavorful finish.
How do I prepare the bacon?
The bacon should be diced and cooked using the Sauté setting on high for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown.
What should I do with the bacon grease?
Drain off most of the bacon grease after cooking, but do not rinse the pot as the remaining grease adds flavor to the sauce.
What cheeses are included in the sauce?
The sauce is made using 3 ounces of softened cream cheese and 2 cups of shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese.
Is there mustard in the recipe?
Yes, one tablespoon of Dijon mustard is included in the ingredient list to enhance the sauce flavor.
How do I ensure the cauliflower stays tender but not mushy?
Perform a quick release of the pressure immediately after the 2-minute cooking cycle ends.
What seasonings are added to the cheese sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of granulated garlic.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 105 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, with only 3.5g of carbohydrates per serving, it is a great low-carb or keto-friendly side dish.
How much protein does this dish provide?
There are 4.5 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is approximately 8.25 grams per serving.
How should the cauliflower be cut?
The cauliflower should be trimmed and cut into medium-sized pieces.
What is used to garnish the dish?
The dish is garnished with one tablespoon of freshly chopped chives.
Do I need any special equipment?
You will need an Instant Pot and a vegetable steamer basket.
Can I use heavy cream in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe requires 1 cup of heavy cream to create the smooth, creamy sauce base.
When do I add the bacon back into the dish?
The crispy bacon is gently folded back into the cauliflower and cheese sauce once the sauce is smooth and seasoned.
How do I melt the cheeses properly?
Stir the heavy cream, cream cheese, and shredded cheese continuously over the residual heat of the Sauté setting until smooth.
Is the pressure cook setting set to high or low?
You should use the 'Pressure Cook' setting on high.
How long does it take to cook the bacon in the Instant Pot?
It takes about 8 to 10 minutes of stirring frequently on the Sauté setting.
What color cauliflower is used?
The recipe uses both traditional white cauliflower and vibrant purple cauliflower for visual appeal.
Should the cream cheese be cold or room temperature?
The cream cheese should be softened to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This dish is best served warm immediately after preparation.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients used in this recipe.
Can this be served at a potluck?
Yes, its indulgent nature and attractive presentation make it ideal for family gatherings and potlucks.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to insert a vegetable steamer into the Instant Pot and add 1 1/2 cups of water.