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Cauliflower is one of those rare, perfect vegetables that’s creamy, rich and satisfying, yet it’s low in carbohydrates, so it fits all five traditional diets that are popular for healing the gut and wellness: Paleo, Keto, GAPS, Whole30 and AIP. Amazing. This is a one-pan side dish that can quickly become an easy main dish by simply adding a fried egg, or baked chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks), which can roast while the cauli is cooking.
I give the AIP variations below. Obviously no cheese, no black pepper, and no egg on top. But roasted chicken is almost as easy to prepare. (This dish does not need cheese to be lovely and special.)
You’ll love how the cauliflower roasts in the bacon fat!! — brilliant, effective, easy (one pan!) and delicious.
Definitely include the green onions and fresh thyme. These toppings add so much, especially in winter, when we crave fresh food to keep our bodies happy and energized.
Enjoy!
Roasted “Loaded” Cauliflower {Paleo, Keto, GAPS, Whole30, AIP}
Roasted "Loaded" Cauliflower {Paleo, Keto, GAPS, Whole30, AIP}
Ingredients
- 2 heads cauliflower chopped small
- 10-12 ounces bacon
- 1 bunch green onions chopped, whites and greens separated into two piles
- 1 cup melting cheese (optional), grated leave out for AIP or if you can't have dairy; best options include fontina, Port Salut and jack
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- freshly ground pepper optional, leave out for AIP
- several sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Spread bacon out on a large baking sheet (preferably a half sheet [see link below in Recipe notes]). Bake until done, about 15-20 minutes.
- Remove bacon to plate, and set aside. Keep pan with fat.
- Spread out cauliflower on pan with bacon fat. Sprinkle with sea salt and optional pepper. Toss well with two spoons, so cauliflower is well-coated with fat. (*At this point, if you wish to make a one-pan dinner with roasted chicken, see instructions below in Recipe notes.)
- Roast cauliflower about 22 minutes, or until tinged with brown on its edges.
- Remove pan from oven. Add green onions' whites and optional cheese. Reduce oven temp to 200 degrees.
- Put back in oven for 5 minutes.
- Remove from oven. Transfer to serving dish with any pan juices. Top with green onions' greens and fresh thyme. Serve.
- For individual servings, plate individual portions, top with green onions and thyme, and top with optional fried eggs for main course dish. For egg-free and AIP option, top with simple roasted chicken and serve with side salad.
Notes
Here's the half sheet baking pan I use for all non-reactive baking (roasted veggies, roasted chicken and baked goods).
*If you wish to roast chicken to make a one-pan dinner, we'll use the same bacon pan after Step 4: so...toss cauli in bacon fat with sea salt as Step 4 directs. Then put this cauli aside in a large bowl. Spread chicken legs (bone in, skin on, about 1.5 lbs) out on baking sheet. Roll them over a bit in the fat. Sprinkle with sea salt and optional black pepper (omit for AIP). Reduce heat to 375, and bake 10 minutes. Remove pan; increase oven temp to 400. Spread cauli on baking sheet all around chicken pieces, using a spatula to scrape any extra fat from bowl onto chicken pieces, basting them. Resume recipe with Step 5, baking cauli for about 22 minutes...
Looking for more great cauliflower dishes? Try these:
- Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Soup
- Cauliflower Au Gratin Casserole with Chicken and Bacon
- Cauliflower Pickles (easy ferment with probiotics!)
Renee Kohley says
I am making this tomorrow for breakfast! I miss my eggs, but will top it with sausage! Thank you!
Megan Stevens says
Yay, Renee. Delicious and lovely! Sausages are definitely staples here too!
linda spiker says
Holy moly. Now I want that for breakfast!
Megan Stevens says
Yeees, with that fried egg, agreed! Thanks, Linda!
Joni Jessica says
This looks amazing! I can imagine it’s a great flavor combo!
Megan Stevens says
Thanks, Joni!
Jean says
What a great way to dress up a simple vegetable dish. Looks amazing!
Megan Stevens says
Thanks, Jean!
[email protected] Tessa the Domestic Diva says
I am SO making this!! What is there NOT to love??!!
Such a great combo!
Megan Stevens says
Yay, Tessa! I agree, fully good stuff! 😉 Thank you!
Kim says
This looks amazing. I’m thinking of adding avocado to mine at the end.
Megan Stevens says
Cool, sounds good! Love that with the bacon and green onions!
Christina Nesbitt Shoemaker says
This looks incredible!! I would eat this for every meal. <3
Lindsey Dietz says
Wow! Wow! Wow! I have never wanted to dive into a bowl of cauliflower more!
Katie Stanley says
Oh yum! I’m thinking about trying the Whole 30 next month, so I will need to remember this. 🙂
Jennifer in PA says
This ia a great idea. Beautiful image.
Anita says
How much cauliflower (cups) is that?
Megan says
Hi Anita, it depends on the head: 6 to 8 cups. 🙂