Looking for a good vegetable dish, but don’t have much time? Even though Instant Pots have taken over as the most popular kitchen appliance, the slow cooker is certainly not obsolete. In fact, slow cookers are still the best appliance for certain dishes. The following Slow Cooker Bacon Cauliflower Cheese is best cooked in a regular slow cooker. You can, however, use the slow cooker function in an Instant Pot or multi-cooker, but will need to adjust the time because those appliances generally cook at higher temperatures. This dish can be put together in about 10 minutes, and then it cooks without supervision for several hours – perfect for a busy day. It goes well with grilled and broiled meats and poultry, and since it’s already in a slow cooker, is perfect for a buffet.

The recipe for this luscious vegetable was adapted from a Crock-Pot Ladies slow cooker cookbook, and has become a favorite with everyone, including those who don’t particularly like cauliflower. The cauliflower doesn’t get overly soft, since the cream sauce coats it and there isn’t much liquid. It’s suitable for company, but easy enough for family dinners.

8 Servings

1 head cauliflower, broken into florets

8 ounces thick bacon, chopped

2 cloves garlic, finely minced (or more to taste)
1/2 cup milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1. Fill a 3-4 quart slow cooker with the cauliflower florets.
2. Cook the bacon in a large skillet until very crisp; remove from the skillet and drain well.
3. Pour the bacon fat off.
4. Add the garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
5. Stir in the milk, whipping cream, cheese, pepper and salt and continue stirring over medium heat until the cheese is melted.
6. Pour the mixture over the cauliflower.
7. Cover, set the slow cooker to low, and let cook 3-5 hours or until the cauliflower is crisp tender.
8. Stir in the bacon and serve.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 270 Calories from Fat 212
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 78% Protein 15% Carb. 6%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 24 g
Saturated Fat 13 g
Cholesterol 74 mg
Sodium 462 mg
Total Carbohydrate 4 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 10 g

Vitamin A 14% Vitamin C 57% Calcium 0% Iron 3%