Cheesy Cauliflower
Indulge in the comfort of this Cheesy Cauliflower recipe—a creamy, golden baked dish that turns simple cauliflower florets into a show-stopping side or satisfying vegetarian main. Steamed cauliflower is smothered in a rich, homemade cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and a touch of garlic and paprika for extra depth. Topped with buttery panko breadcrumbs and oven-baked to bubbly perfection, this dish boasts a crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with the velvety interior. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts, this easy, crowd-pleasing casserole comes together in just 40 minutes and is a flavorful way to elevate your veggies. Keywords: cheesy cauliflower recipe, baked cauliflower, cauliflower casserole, easy side dish, vegetarian comfort food.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets and steam them for 6-8 minutes until they are just tender. Set them aside to cool slightly.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly, to create a roux.
Gradually add milk to the roux while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Lower the heat and stir in 1.5 cups of cheddar cheese and all the Parmesan cheese. Add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.
Place the steamed cauliflower florets in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle the mixture and the remaining 0.5 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy cauliflower!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2078 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 145.9 g | 187% | |
| Saturated Fat | 84.3 g | 422% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 423 mg | 141% | |
| Sodium | 5974 mg | 260% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 101.5 g | 37% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.7 g | 52% | |
| Total Sugars | 37.9 g | ||
| Protein | 106.9 g | 214% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.7 mcg | 34% | |
| Calcium | 2818 mg | 217% | |
| Iron | 7.0 mg | 39% | |
| Potassium | 2942 mg | 63% | |
*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.
