Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Cauliflower Bake—an irresistible blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and tender cauliflower that will transform your veggie side dish game. Featuring a velvety sauce made from sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and a hint of garlic and onion powder, this baked casserole achieves the perfect balance of richness and flavor. Topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch, it’s baked to perfection in just 30 minutes. Whether you're serving it as a crowd-pleasing holiday side or a simple weeknight delight, this nutrient-packed dish is as wholesome as it is satisfying. With a prep time of only 15 minutes, it’s a quick and easy choice for cauliflower lovers looking to elevate their meals.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the cauliflower into small florets. Boil them in salted water for 5 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 and 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
In a 9x13 inch baking dish, arrange the cauliflower florets and pour the cheese sauce evenly over them, ensuring all pieces are coated.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the cauliflower, followed by the breadcrumb mixture.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Calories |
2211 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 133.2 g | 171% | |
| Saturated Fat | 69.4 g | 347% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 342 mg | 114% | |
| Sodium | 6973 mg | 303% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 151.0 g | 55% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.9 g | 71% | |
| Total Sugars | 43.7 g | ||
| Protein | 105.5 g | 211% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.5 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 2240 mg | 172% | |
| Iron | 7.6 mg | 42% | |
| Potassium | 4013 mg | 85% | |
*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.