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Ingredients for Baked Cauliflower with Cheese
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cheesy cauliflower bake:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for roasting)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (grated, or use your favorite cheese like mozzarella, gouda, or a blend)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for the cheese sauce)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to thicken the sauce)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk or heavy cream for a richer sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
How to Make Baked Cauliflower with Cheese
This cheesy cauliflower bake is surprisingly easy to make, and the oven does most of the work. Here’s how to put it all together:
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash and cut the cauliflower into florets, making sure they’re all similar in size for even cooking. Toss the florets in olive oil or melted butter, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread the cauliflower evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes until they start to soften and turn golden around the edges. This will give the cauliflower a wonderful roasted flavor before you add the cheese sauce.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
While the cauliflower is roasting, it’s time to make the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk it for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Once thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Once the cauliflower is done roasting, transfer it to a baking dish. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the roasted cauliflower, making sure all the florets are covered. If you like extra cheesy goodness, you can sprinkle some additional cheddar cheese on top before baking.
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. If you want the top to be extra crispy, you can switch to the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the cheesy cauliflower from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired, and serve as a delicious side dish or main course.
Tips for Perfect Baked Cauliflower with Cheese
- Roast the cauliflower: Don’t skip the roasting step! Roasting the cauliflower first brings out its natural sweetness and adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish.
- Use high-quality cheese: The cheese sauce is the star of this dish, so using good-quality cheese will make all the difference. A sharp cheddar cheese and parmesan work particularly well, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack.
- Make it creamy: For an extra rich cheese sauce, you can substitute part of the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half.
- Add extras: You can mix in other ingredients to make this dish even heartier, like crispy bacon, sauteed onions, or even spinach or broccoli for a veggie-packed version.
- Top with breadcrumbs: For a crispy, crunchy topping, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter and parmesan on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This baked cauliflower with cheese pairs wonderfully with many main dishes, such as:
- Grilled chicken or roast chicken for a delicious protein addition.
- Steak or pork chops for a heartier meal.
- Salads or roasted vegetables for a balanced, lighter dinner.
It also works well as a vegetarian main dish or side for any occasion, from casual family dinners to more festive holiday meals.
Conclusion
This baked cauliflower with cheese is the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to become a family favorite. The creamy, cheesy sauce combined with tender, roasted cauliflower creates a rich and indulgent dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it as a side or enjoying it on its own, this recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds.
So, grab your cauliflower and cheese, preheat the oven, and get ready for a cheesy, comforting treat that’s sure to please! 🧀
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