Comfort-Style Bacon Cheddar Cauliflower Mac Bites

Ingredients

• 4 cups cauliflower florets
• 8 slices bacon
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• 2 oz cream cheese
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp onion powder
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped chives(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or small baking dish.

2. 2

   Steam cauliflower until very tender, 8–10 minutes. Drain well and let steam-dry 2 minutes.

3. 3

   Crisp bacon in a skillet; drain and crumble.

4. 4

   In the same skillet melt butter. Add heavy cream, cream cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder; stir until smooth.

5. 5

   Add cheddar gradually, stirring until glossy. Season with salt and pepper.

6. 6

   Fold cauliflower and bacon into the cheese sauce. Ensure the mixture is thick enough to hold shape; if too loose, simmer 2 minutes.

7. 7

   Spoon into muffin tin wells or form small portions on a tray.

8. 8

   Bake 10–12 minutes until edges brown. Rest 3 minutes, then serve warm with chives if using.