Cauliflower Delight Casserole
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of this Cauliflower Delight Casserole—a comforting, veggie-packed dish that will steal the spotlight at any meal. Perfectly tender cauliflower florets are blanketed in a luscious, homemade cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and Parmesan, then crowned with a golden, crispy panko breadcrumb topping. Simple to prepare in just 15 minutes, this casserole bakes to bubbly perfection in under half an hour and boasts a rich blend of garlic, butter, and fresh parsley for irresistible flavor. Whether you’re seeking a crowd-pleasing side dish or a hearty vegetarian entrée, this casserole checks all the boxes. Easy, wholesome, and utterly delicious, it’s a must-try recipe that transforms humble cauliflower into a gourmet delight.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 head (medium) cauliflower
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
Remove the leaves and core from the cauliflower head, then cut it into bite-sized florets. Steam or boil the florets for 5-7 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Slowly pour in the milk while continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat once the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Spread the steamed cauliflower florets evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower, ensuring it coats the florets evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole to create a crispy topping.
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy your Cauliflower Delight Casserole!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
365 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 23.4 g | 30% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.9 g | 70% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 65 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 1042 mg | 45% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 22.8 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.6 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.7 g | ||
| Protein | 19.0 g | 38% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 482 mg | 37% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 647 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.
