Bacon Wrapped Cauliflower

Bacon Wrapped Cauliflower is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for any occasion. It combines the smoky, salty flavor of bacon with the earthy taste of cauliflower for a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Cauliflower has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its versatility and health benefits. It is low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins and minerals. By wrapping it with bacon, you not only add extra flavor but also create a dish that is sure to please your whole family.

This would be great recipe searved as a side dish and would also make a great appetizer. My daughter loves to dip hers into cream cheese. Although I thiink she can eat everything with cream cheese.

Ingredients

Here is a quick look at what you will need. You can find the full measurements in the recipe card below.

Cauliflower
Bacon
Garlic powder
Dried chives
Sweet paprika
Kosher salt (to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)
Olive oil

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

This is a quick overview of the steps. See the Recipe card below for the rest.

Cut the head of cauliflower into 12 bite-sized florets. Thoroughly wash cauliflower. Pat dry

Blanch the cauliflower florets. In a large pot with boiling water, add cauliflower. Boil for 1 minute and immediately transfer cauliflower to a bowl with ice-cold water. Drain once the cauliflower has completely cooled off. Pat dry.

In a bowl, drizzle cauliflower with olive oil. Toss gently.

Season the stalks of florets with salt, black pepper, and the garlic mixture. Gently toss to coat evenly.

Cut the Strips of bacon in half, lengthwise. the wrap each cauliflower florets in bacon. Tightly secure with toothpicks as needed.

Place bacon-wrapped cauliflower florets on the Air Fryer tray. Allow some space for each cauliflower. Then pre-heated Air Fryer Oven, insert the Air Fryer tray into the cooking chamber. Set at 370F (188C) for 12 minutes.

Flip each bacon-wrapped cauliflower halfway through. Let stand for 1 to 2 minutes after Air Frying for the bacon to crisp up further. Enjoy.

Variations and Substitutions

Spices – Feel free to switch up the spices used in this recipe. Instead of garlic powder, you could use onion powder or paprika powder for a different flavor profile.
Sauce – These bacon-wrapped cauliflower bites are flavorful on their own, but if you want to add an extra kick, serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. Ranch dressing or a spicy sriracha mayo would pair perfectly with these.
Veggies – This recipe can also be made with brussels sprouts or broccoli florets for a tasty twist. Even to combine spinach to your Bacon Wrapped Cauliflower Recipe would take it to the next level.
Meat – If you’re not a fan of bacon, you can use prosciutto or pancetta instead for a similar result. For a vegetarian option, try using strips of marinated tofu as the wrapping.
Grill Option – Want to add some smoky flavor to your bacon-wrapped cauliflower? Grill them over medium-high heat for about 15 minutes, rotating every few minutes until the bacon is crispy.

Equipment

Kitchen paper towels
Large Bowl
Smaller bowl for spices
Kitchen tongs
Baking tray
Air Fryer

Storage

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days

Freezing: You can store in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months

Reheat : Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through

Pro Tips

Add a bit of Lemon Juice to your water to enhance the taste of your Cauliflower.
Make sure to preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes before adding the cauliflower to ensure even cooking.
Flip the cauliflower once during cooking for an evenly crispy texture.
Top your meal off with some green onions to the top of the cauliflower for that extra crunch factor.
Be careful not to overcook as the ends of strips of bacon will become burnt.

FAQ

Can I make this is the oven if I don’t have an Air Fryer?

Yes, you can bake the bacon-wrapped cauliflower in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes on a sheet pan, or until the bacon is crispy.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, you can substitute turkey bacon for a healthier option. Keep in mind that it may not crisp up as much as regular bacon, so you may need to cook it slightly longer.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can use plant-based bacon or even tempeh strips instead of traditional bacon to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.

Recipe Card