As a home cook who's mastered stretching every euro, I know economical recipes are a must when budgets are tight. This cauliflower gratin with bacon delivers a nutritious, family-pleasing meal without breaking the bank.
It's simple, satisfying, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Preparation: 30 mins - Cooking: 20 mins
Difficulty: Very easy - Budget per person: €0.67
Ingredients for 6 People
- 1 cauliflower
- 200 g bacon
- 100 g grated cheese (Emmental or Comté)
- 1/2 liter milk
- 20 g butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 210°C.
- Cut the stem from the cauliflower and remove the leaves.
- Break into florets and wash thoroughly.
- Cook the florets in salted boiling water for 15 minutes, then drain.
- Prepare a béchamel sauce using the milk, butter, and flour. (Full béchamel recipe here.)
- In a skillet, fry the bacon without added fat until golden.
- Butter a gratin dish.
- Add the cauliflower florets and bacon to the dish.
- Pour over the béchamel sauce and sprinkle with grated cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes, browning further if needed.
The Result
Your cauliflower gratin is ready to serve! This straightforward recipe is a hit with the whole family – hearty, complete, and incredibly affordable.
Pro Tip for Perfect Béchamel
Stir constantly! That's the key to a thick, lump-free sauce. A bit of patience goes a long way.
Detailed Budget Breakdown
- 1 cauliflower: €1.60
- 200 g bacon: €6.50/kg = €1.30
- 100 g grated Emmental: €6.80/kg = €0.68
- 1/2 liter milk: €0.71/L = €0.35
- 20 g butter: €5.44/kg = €0.11
- 2 tbsp flour (~30 g): €0.51/kg = €0.02
Total: €0.67 per person or €4.05 for 6.
Your Turn
Have you tried this thrifty recipe? Share your thoughts in the comments – we'd love to hear how it turned out!
