Easy Cheesy Cauliflower
Transform a simple vegetable into a crowd-pleasing delight with this Easy Cheesy Cauliflower recipe! Featuring tender cauliflower florets smothered in a rich, homemade cheddar cheese sauce and baked to bubbly perfection, this dish is the ultimate comfort food side. A quick roux made with butter, flour, and milk serves as the base for the velvety cheese sauce, while a touch of garlic powder and black pepper adds subtle flavor depth. For a crispy golden topping, you can sprinkle on breadcrumbs toasted in olive oil. Ready in just 35 minutes, this casserole-style recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings. Serve it straight from the oven for a cheesy, melty masterpiece that’s guaranteed to please!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cauliflower head
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 cups breadcrumbs (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for breadcrumbs)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Wash and cut the cauliflower head into bite-sized florets.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 5 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly, to make a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Place the drained cauliflower florets in a greased 8x8-inch baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower, ensuring every piece is coated.
If desired, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle them over the top of the dish for added crunch.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
Serve immediately and enjoy your Easy Cheesy Cauliflower!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1538 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 99.6 g | 128% | |
| Saturated Fat | 54.8 g | 274% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 269 mg | 90% | |
| Sodium | 2897 mg | 126% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 102.8 g | 37% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.2 g | 83% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.9 g | ||
| Protein | 73.9 g | 148% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.8 mcg | 14% | |
| Calcium | 1727 mg | 133% | |
| Iron | 5.8 mg | 32% | |
| Potassium | 2148 mg | 46% | |
*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.
