Cheesy Pesto Bacon Cauliflower Bake

Cheesy Pesto Bacon Cauliflower Bake

Wow! Is all I can say. Ok, I can say a few more things about this delicious casserole / bake! What a perfect combination of Pesto, Cheese and Bacon completely smothering roasted Cauliflower! Can you think of anything better? Seriously, it’s super easy to make whether for yourself or to please a crowd. Great as a side dish, served along with salad or tossed in with pasta. Even perfect as is, in a big bowl.

Serves 2-4

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Ingredients

2 Medium Heads of Cauliflower

4 Strips of Vegan Bacon ( I used one from All Vegetarian Inc.)

1/3 cup plus 3 Tbsp of Fresh Pesto

2/3 cup Shredded Mozzarella ( I used Daiya)

Salt & Pepper to taste

PESTO ( makes a generous amount)

2 1/2 Cups Organic Basil Leaves

1/3 cup Pine Nuts

1/2 cup grated Parmesan ( I like Violife or Follow Your Heart)

2 cloves of Garlic

1/4 - 1/3 cup Grapeseed Oil

Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions for Pesto:

1. Put all the ingredients except the Oil into a food processor and pulse until well combined

2. With the processor running, slowly add just enough Oil until well combined and resembles a wet paste

Directions

1. Make the Pesto according to the directions in this recipe and set in the refrigerator until ready to use.

2. Cut the Cauliflower into florets. Drizzle with a little bit of oil, Salt & Pepper them and bake at 400 for about 30 minutes. Set aside

3. Sauté the Bacon in a bit of oil for about 5 minutes until crispy. Make sure to keep flipping them over while cooking. Drain on a paper towel and cut into smallish pieces. Set aside.

4. In a large bowl mix together the roasted Cauliflower, Pesto, Mozzarella Cheese and Bacon together and pour into a cast iron skillet or baking dish

5. Cover and bake at 350 for 30 minutes until cheese is nicely melted. Remove cover and continue baking for another 5 minutes until slightly browned