Cauliflower in Cheese Sauce
Transform your humble cauliflower into a show-stopping side dish with this indulgent Cauliflower in Cheese Sauce recipe. Tender cauliflower florets are smothered in a silky, homemade cheese sauce made with rich sharp cheddar, savory Parmesan, and a hint of nutmeg for an added depth of flavor. This easy yet elegant dish comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it fresh for a creamy, comforting delight, or broil it for a golden, bubbly finish that adds irresistible texture. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian main or a versatile side, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 head Cauliflower
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Milk
- 1.5 cups Sharp cheddar cheese
- 0.25 cups Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Ground black pepper
- 0.125 teaspoons Ground nutmeg
- 6 cups Water
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
Remove the leaves and tough stem from the cauliflower and cut it into bite-sized florets.
Bring 6 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil in a large pot. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until just tender. Drain and set the cauliflower aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a smooth roux.
Gradually pour the milk into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the mixture starts to thicken.
Lower the heat and stir in the sharp cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with 0.5 teaspoons of salt, 0.25 teaspoons of ground black pepper, and a pinch (0.125 teaspoons) of ground nutmeg. Stir well to combine.
Place the cooked cauliflower florets in a serving dish or baking dish and pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top.
Serve immediately for a creamy and satisfying cauliflower dish, or place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to develop a golden, bubbly top before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1538 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 110.0 g | 141% | |
| Saturated Fat | 68.7 g | 344% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 341 mg | 114% | |
| Sodium | 5942 mg | 258% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 73.4 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.2 g | 47% | |
| Total Sugars | 35.7 g | ||
| Protein | 80.5 g | 161% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.4 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 2282 mg | 176% | |
| Iron | 3.5 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 2660 mg | 57% | |
*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.
