Cauliflower Ham Bake
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of this Cauliflower Ham Bake, a hearty casserole perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings. This easy-to-make recipe combines tender cauliflower florets and savory diced ham, all bathed in a luscious homemade cheese sauce featuring melted cheddar and Parmesan. Topped with crispy, golden breadcrumbs, this dish delivers the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy in every bite. Prepared with simple pantry staples like garlic powder, onion powder, and milk, this low-carb-friendly option is baked to bubbly perfection in just 35 minutes. Garnished with fresh parsley for a bright, herby finish, this crowd-pleasing casserole makes a delightful main course or a satisfying side dish.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 head (medium, about 4 cups florets) cauliflower
- 2 cups (cooked, diced) ham
- 1.5 cups (shredded) cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cups (grated) Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups milk
- 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoons onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 cups bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (chopped, optional garnish) fresh parsley
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish or similar baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets and rinse thoroughly. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the cauliflower and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until just tender. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly to form a roux.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking until the mixture is smooth. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Cook until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.
In the prepared casserole dish, layer the cooked cauliflower florets and diced ham evenly. Pour the cheese sauce over the top, spreading it with a spatula to ensure even coverage.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, remaining Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup), and olive oil. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated, then sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2378 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 145.6 g | 187% | |
| Saturated Fat | 70.2 g | 351% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 344 mg | 114% | |
| Sodium | 5875 mg | 255% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 168.2 g | 61% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.0 g | 79% | |
| Total Sugars | 37.9 g | ||
| Protein | 103.1 g | 206% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.4 mcg | 22% | |
| Calcium | 1928 mg | 148% | |
| Iron | 8.7 mg | 48% | |
| Potassium | 4152 mg | 88% | |
*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.
