Cheesy Fancy Cauliflower Bake
Indulge in the irresistible comfort of this Cheesy Fancy Cauliflower Bake, a decadent dish that transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping side or vegetarian main course. Featuring tender, bite-sized cauliflower florets blanketed in a rich, creamy sauce made with sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyere, and savory Parmesan, this recipe takes classic baked casseroles to the next level. A golden breadcrumb topping infused with olive oil adds a satisfying crunch, while a hint of ground mustard balances the cheesy richness with a subtle tang. Ready in under an hour, this easy-to-make cauliflower bake is perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or potluck gatherings. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley for an elegant touch, and watch as this dish quickly disappears from the table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the cauliflower for 5 minutes. Drain 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, until the mixture is golden and bubbly.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, gruyere cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Mix in the salt, black pepper, and ground mustard.
Place the blanched cauliflower into the prepared baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower, making sure all pieces are coated.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the remaining Parmesan cheese and olive oil. Mix well to create a crumbly topping.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cauliflower and cheese sauce.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
539 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 36.1 g | 46% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.1 g | 101% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 97 mg | 32% | |
| Sodium | 1388 mg | 60% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 30.4 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.2 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.8 g | ||
| Protein | 28.6 g | 57% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.4 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 745 mg | 57% | |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 723 mg | 15% | |
*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.
