Imagine transforming a humble head of cauliflower into a mouthwatering, irresistible dish that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. This Buffalo Bacon Roasted Cauliflower is not just another vegetable side dish - it's a game-changing recipe that combines the crispy, smoky goodness of bacon with the fiery kick of buffalo sauce, all perfectly roasted to create a culinary masterpiece that will make even the most dedicated meat-lovers fall in love with vegetables.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Wash the cauliflower head thoroughly and cut it into evenly sized florets, ensuring they are roughly the same size for uniform roasting.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, ensuring each piece is lightly and evenly coated.
- Chop the bacon into small, bite-sized pieces that will crisp up nicely during roasting.
- Spread the cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded to allow proper roasting.
- Sprinkle the chopped bacon pieces evenly over the cauliflower florets.
- Season with salt to taste, keeping in mind that bacon will add some saltiness to the dish.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven when the cauliflower is tender and the bacon is crisp and golden.
- Immediately drizzle the buffalo sauce over the hot cauliflower and bacon, tossing to coat evenly.
- Transfer to a serving dish and serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh herbs or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Cut your cauliflower florets uniformly to ensure even roasting and consistent texture.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give each floret some space to crisp up and caramelize.
- Use thick-cut bacon for maximum crispiness and flavor.
- For extra heat, choose a spicy buffalo sauce or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Let the cauliflower and bacon get golden brown and crispy before adding the buffalo sauce.
- Serve immediately after adding the sauce to maintain the perfect temperature and crispness.
- Optional garnishes like fresh chives or blue cheese crumbles can elevate this dish even further.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
