1 Head Cauliflower, cut into bite size florets
4-6 slices of bacon, cut into small pieces
3 heaping cups of fresh spinach leaves, chopped small (measure before chopping)
2 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 tsp. Sea Salt
1/4 tsp. Fresh Ground Pepper
1/8-1/4 tsp. Smoked Paprika (to your own tastes)
1/2 tsp. Dried Basil
1/2 Heavy Cream
1/8 tsp (scant) Xantham Gum (Optional)
2 oz cream cheese cut into chunks
1 C. shredded sharp cheddar (I used Kerrygold Dubliner)
1/3 cup shredded Asiago or Parmesan (or cheese of choice)
Set cheeses and cream out on counter to "warm up" a bit. ;)
In a large ovenproof skillet (Cast Iron is great!), brown bacon pieces until just crisp and brown. Remove bacon from pan with slotted spoon, set aside. Add cauliflower to hot pan drippings and stir to coat. Cover pan with lid and allow cauli to steam for 4-6 minutes (stirring occassionally), until just crisp tender.
While Cauliflower steams, finely chop the cooked bacon and mix it with the shredded Asiago (or Parm) cheese and set aside.
Remove lid, reduce heat to med-low, season cauliflower with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, basil and garlic, stir. Add cream to pan and stir to coat. IF USING, sprinkle the Xantham Gum over the dish evenly, then stir to incorporate.
Turn on Broiler to heat it up!
Add the cream cheese to the pan and stir until melted and smooth. Sprinkle cheddar cheese, a little at a time, over the top, stirring well until melted, repeat, using all cheddar cheese. Stir well to cover all the Cauliflower in yummy creamy cheese goodness. :) Finally, add the chopped spinach to the dish and stir to incorporate well, making sure everyone gets a nice coating of cheezy goodness.
Sprinkle the top with the bacon Asiago mixture and place pan under broiler for 2 minutes. Eat this deliciousness!!! :)