Cauliflower Cheese Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy and irresistible Cauliflower Cheese Bake. Perfectly tender cauliflower florets are blanketed in a luscious homemade cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and a touch of Dijon mustard for extra depth. Topped with golden, bubbling cheese—and optional crispy breadcrumbs for added texture—this dish is the perfect side or vegetarian main course. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy recipe combines classic flavors with a deliciously modern twist. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a meal that's both satisfying and hearty. Don't miss out on this crowd-pleasing cauliflower casserole that brings warmth and flavor to every bite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 head (large) cauliflower
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.125 teaspoons nutmeg (freshly grated, optional)
- 0.5 cups breadcrumbs (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for breadcrumbs)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the cauliflower into even-sized florets and rinse well under cold water.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 6-8 minutes until just tender but still slightly firm. Drain the cauliflower well and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes until it thickens into a smooth sauce.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese, all of the Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
Grease a baking dish lightly with butter or oil. Arrange the cooked cauliflower florets in the dish, spreading them out evenly.
Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower, ensuring it is fully coated. Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
If using breadcrumbs, toss them with the olive oil and sprinkle over the top of the cheese layer to add a crispy topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
398 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 26.0 g | 33% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.6 g | 78% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 65 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 1002 mg | 44% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 22.5 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.9 g | ||
| Protein | 21.9 g | 44% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.5 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 556 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 1.3 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 671 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
