CHEESY CAULIFLOWER, POTATO AND BACON CASSEROLE

Cheesy Cauliflower, Potato and Bacon Casserole image

Provided by SarasotaCook

Time 50m

Yield 6-8 , 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
1 head cauliflower, chopped
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon butter
salt
pepper
1 red pepper, diced fine
3 scallions, diced fine
1 medium onion, dice fine
3 slices bacon, chopped and sauteed
salt
pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded swiss cheese
1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Steps:

Potato and Cauliflower Layer -- In a large pot of boiling salted water on medium high heat, cook the potatoes for about 10 minutes and then add the cauliflower and cook another 5 minutes under tender. Remove from the heat and drain. Using a potato masher or even just a fork, slightly mash. I like to do a rough mash for this dish. Add, salt, pepper, milk and butter and set to the side.
Bacon, Pepper and Onion Layer -- In a medium saute pan, add the bacon and saute until crisp. Remove and let it drain on a paper plate lined with a paper towel. In the same pan, use the bacon drippings (no more than 1 teaspoon, you don't want too much oil) to cook the onion and red pepper red pepper until tender. Once the onion and pepper are done add the scallions, salt and pepper to taste and remove from the heat, drain if necessary (you don't want this oily) and set to the side.
Cheese and Crumb Mixture -- In a small bowl, add the melted butter, bread crumbs and cheese and mix well to combine.
Casserole -- In a casserole dish, spray with non stick spray and heat the oven to 375. Add a layer on the potato cauliflower mix; then a layer of the bacon, pepper and onions; then a layer of the cheese and bread crumb mix. Next, again, the potato cauliflower; bacon, pepper and onions; and then the cheese and bread crumbs.
Bake -- Thirty (30) minutes until golden brown and bubbly. This is a great side dish and makes a great presentation when you cut into it and serve.