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Easy Healthy Recipes

Tempting My Taste Buds with Twice Baked Cauliflower

A new twist on a favored classic

I am always trying to find ways to eat a little healthier and incorporate more vegetables into my life. I love a good salad or some fresh roasted vegetables. Sometimes, though, I am craving something starchy and gooey like twice-baked potatoes. I have seen a lot of articles about how cauliflower can be used in dishes, and lightning struck!

Sunday was a cold and windy day, the perfect day to try and see if I could make the perfect twice-baked cauliflower. I started by looking at a ton of recipes online. I was surprised by how many were out there and all of the different variations. I decided on my preferred list of ingredients and off to the store I went. I will note that Sunday afternoons at the grocery store are not my favorite place to be. Boy, is it crowded!

I came home with my basket of goodies, very eager to get started on this fun experiment. I cut the cauliflower into chunks and steamed it for about 5 minutes until it was slightly tender. I put the cauliflower in a bowl, mashed it with a potato masher, added in some butter, cheese, and bacon bits. Once mixed, I spread this concoction into an 8×8 pan and baked it for 30 minutes.

The smells from my oven had my mouth watering, and I was waiting very impatiently. It was definitely worth the wait, though! What came out was an ooey, gooey masterpiece. This was the perfect side to our homemade meatloaf. There wasn’t much left over, but what was heated up very well the next day. This is definitely joining my list of favorite recipes!

Ingredients:

  • 1 head cauliflower
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (I like a cheddar mix)
  • ¼ cup bacon bits
  • Salt and Pepper for seasoning

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  2. Chop the cauliflower into chunks
  3. Steam cauliflower for about 5 minutes until slightly tender
  4. Mash cauliflower with potato masher
  5. Mix in the butter, cheese and bacon bits. Season with salt and pepper
  6. Spread into 8×8 pan
  7. Bake for 30 minutes
  8. Take out and enjoy!

To me, this is the perfect way to cut back on carbs and incorporate more vegetables into my diet. It feels like I’m still indulging in one of my favorite comfort foods, but with a wonderfully surprising twist. Do you have any go-to recipes for when you’re craving comfort food?

By Christy Page

Christy favors fruit gardening, including berries, although they are often shared with the local wildlife. Her favorite “garden” is her fairy garden that she adds to each year.

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