Print

Cheesy Cauliflower Bake Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 4 reviews

A delicious and creamy cheesy cauliflower bake featuring tender cauliflower florets smothered in a rich cheddar cheese sauce, topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust for added texture. Perfect as a comforting side dish or a low-carb vegetarian main.

Ingredients

Cauliflower

  • 4 cups fresh cauliflower florets

Cheese Sauce

  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Topping (Optional)

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Rinse and thoroughly dry the cauliflower florets to prepare them for blanching.
  2. Blanch Cauliflower: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and blanch for 4 minutes until they are slightly tender but still firm. Drain and set aside.
  3. Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the heavy cream and garlic powder. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes until the mixture starts to simmer gently without boiling.
  4. Melt Cheese: Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the cream mixture, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper.
  5. Assemble Dish: Place the blanched cauliflower florets evenly in a baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower, ensuring all florets are well coated. Optionally, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top for a crunchy crust.
  6. Bake: Bake the assembled dish in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the breadcrumbs (if used) are golden brown.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts.
  • If you prefer a lower-fat dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese quantity slightly.
  • To add more flavor, consider sprinkling some paprika or fresh herbs like parsley on top before baking.
  • Make sure not to over-blanch the cauliflower; it should be tender but not mushy to hold its shape during baking.
  • Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to maintain texture rather than microwaving.

Find it online: https://freshfromkitchen.com/cheesy-cauliflower-bake-recipe/