Cauliflower with Cheese Topping
Transform your humble cauliflower into a decadent, crowd-pleasing side dish with this irresistible Cauliflower with Cheese Topping recipe! Tender cauliflower florets are bathed in a rich, velvety cheddar cheese sauce, then blanketed with a golden, crunchy topping of parmesan, breadcrumbs, and a drizzle of olive oil. Perfectly baked to bubbly perfection, this recipe strikes the ideal balance between creamy and crispy. Whether you're looking for an indulgent holiday side or a comforting weeknight indulgence, this dish is ready in under an hour and pairs beautifully with any main course. Keywords: cauliflower cheese recipe, cheesy cauliflower bake, comfort food, easy side dish, crispy cheese topping.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups milk
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cups grated parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cups breadcrumbs (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the cauliflower into florets and rinse thoroughly.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are tender but not mushy. Drain the cauliflower and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the salt, black pepper, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Place the cooked cauliflower florets in a baking dish and pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top.
In a small bowl, mix the remaining 0.5 cups of cheddar cheese, grated parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs (if using). Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cauliflower and drizzle with olive oil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Cauliflower with Cheese Topping!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
435 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.9 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.2 g | 86% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 80 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 1120 mg | 49% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 23.5 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.9 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.3 g | ||
| Protein | 22.8 g | 46% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.5 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 568 mg | 44% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 828 mg | 18% | |
*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.
