Creamy Ham and Cauliflower Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Ham and Cauliflower Bake, a hearty dish that's both rich in flavor and low in carbs. Tender cauliflower florets and savory diced ham are smothered in a velvety cheese sauce made from a blend of sharp cheddar and nutty Parmesan, seasoned with garlic, paprika, and a touch of black pepper for a flavorful kick. Baked to golden, bubbly perfection, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner, holiday gatherings, or meal prep. Ready in under an hour, it's a satisfying choice for those seeking a gluten-free, vegetable-packed twist on classic comfort casseroles. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm for a deliciously wholesome meal everyone will love!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 head Cauliflower
- 1.5 cups Cooked ham
- 3 tablespoons Butter
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups Milk
- 0.5 cups Heavy cream
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons Paprika
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Cut the cauliflower into small florets, and blanch them in a pot of boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes until just tender. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels.
Dice the cooked ham into small cubes and set it aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Mince the garlic and add it to the butter, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, creating a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Continue cooking the sauce for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it begins to thicken.
Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
In the greased baking dish, combine the blanched cauliflower florets and diced ham. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top, ensuring the mixture is well coated.
Sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar cheese on top for a golden crust, if desired.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1842 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 117.7 g | 151% | |
| Saturated Fat | 64.0 g | 320% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 510 mg | 170% | |
| Sodium | 8642 mg | 376% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 68.9 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.9 g | 50% | |
| Total Sugars | 30.2 g | ||
| Protein | 123.5 g | 247% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.2 mcg | 21% | |
| Calcium | 1102 mg | 85% | |
| Iron | 7.0 mg | 39% | |
| Potassium | 3604 mg | 77% | |
*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.
