Cheddar Cauliflower
Transform your weeknight vegetable side dish into a showstopper with this irresistible Cheddar Cauliflower bake! This recipe brings together tender, perfectly cooked cauliflower florets blanketed in a rich, homemade sharp cheddar cheese sauce infused with garlic powder and paprika for a hint of flavor-packed warmth. Topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs and a touch of olive oil, every bite delivers the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures. Ready in under an hour, this cauliflower casserole is not only kid-friendly but also a great way to elevate a simple vegetable into a crowd-pleasing comfort food. Ideal for family dinners, holiday spreads, or low-carb enthusiasts, this oven-baked dish is as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color, and serve it warm alongside your favorite mains! Keywords: Cheddar Cauliflower, baked cauliflower recipe, cheesy cauliflower casserole, low-carb side dish, comfort food recipes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 head Cauliflower
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups Whole milk
- 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 teaspoons Garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoons Paprika
- 1 teaspoons Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
- 0.5 cups Breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Wash the cauliflower and cut it into bite-sized florets. Set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 5 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 create a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
Place the drained cauliflower in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower, ensuring all pieces are coated.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the cauliflower.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1992 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 138.7 g | 178% | |
| Saturated Fat | 79.4 g | 397% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 377 mg | 126% | |
| Sodium | 5710 mg | 248% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 117.1 g | 43% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.0 g | 57% | |
| Total Sugars | 33.5 g | ||
| Protein | 90.8 g | 182% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.2 mcg | 26% | |
| Calcium | 2253 mg | 173% | |
| Iron | 9.1 mg | 51% | |
| Potassium | 2799 mg | 60% | |
*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.
