Puffed Cauliflower Cheese
Transform your cauliflower game with this irresistible Puffed Cauliflower Cheese recipe—an elevated take on a comfort food classic that’s perfect as a side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main. Featuring tender cauliflower florets blanketed in a rich, velvety cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and a hint of Dijon mustard, this dish is baked to golden perfection with a light, airy texture created by folded whipped egg whites. A crisp, buttery breadcrumb topping adds delicious contrast to the cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth interior. Ready in just an hour, this elegant yet approachable recipe is perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, delivering bold flavor and an impressive presentation.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 0.25 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish.
Cut the cauliflower into large florets and steam or boil them for 8-10 minutes until just tender. Drain well 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.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Stir in the Dijon mustard, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.
Separate the eggs, placing the yolks in one bowl and the whites in another. Beat the yolks, then gradually whisk them into the cheese sauce, ensuring the mixture is not too hot to avoid curdling.
In a clean bowl, whip the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the cheese sauce using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the mixture.
Place the cooked cauliflower florets into the prepared baking dish and pour the cheese sauce over them, ensuring all the florets are evenly coated.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and olive oil, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and puffed.
Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Puffed Cauliflower Cheese as a decadent side dish or stand-alone vegetarian meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2617 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 183.6 g | 235% | |
| Saturated Fat | 104.1 g | 520% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 864 mg | 288% | |
| Sodium | 7608 mg | 331% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 103.6 g | 38% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.6 g | 52% | |
| Total Sugars | 37.9 g | ||
| Protein | 148.3 g | 297% | |
| Vitamin D | 8.8 mcg | 44% | |
| Calcium | 3735 mg | 287% | |
| Iron | 8.7 mg | 48% | |
| Potassium | 3145 mg | 67% | |
*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.
