Puffy Cheese N Cauliflower Meatless Meal
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this "Puffy Cheese N Cauliflower Meatless Meal," a light yet decadent dish that’s perfect for a vegetarian dinner or elegant brunch centerpiece. Combining tender, steamed cauliflower with a velvety, two-cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and nutty Parmesan, this recipe elevates meatless cooking to new heights. Fluffy, whipped egg whites create a soufflé-like texture that’s airy and golden, while breadcrumbs provide a delightfully crisp base. Infused with aromatic garlic and mustard powder for a subtle kick, this meal is as flavorful as it is satisfying. Quick to prepare in just under an hour and topped with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish, this baked delight is sure to impress vegetarians and omnivores alike. Ideal for family meals or entertaining, it’s a delicious way to embrace wholesome ingredients and classic cooking techniques.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams Cauliflower florets
- 3 tablespoons Butter
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups Milk
- 1.5 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 teaspoons Ground mustard powder
- 0.5 teaspoons Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
- 4 large Eggs, separated
- 2 tablespoons Breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish (9x9 inches or similar) and lightly sprinkle the breadcrumbs across the bottom for a crisp base.
Steam the cauliflower florets for 6-8 minutes until tender but not mushy. Set aside to cool slightly. Then roughly chop into smaller pieces.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Add the ground mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Mix until fully combined.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the slightly cooled cauliflower and the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat the cauliflower evenly.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks and mix them into the cauliflower mixture.
Using a clean bowl and electric or hand whisk, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Gently fold the egg whites into the cauliflower mixture in batches, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown on top.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
438 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.4 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.4 g | 92% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 87 mg | 29% | |
| Sodium | 1174 mg | 51% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 20.1 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.9 g | ||
| Protein | 26.6 g | 53% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.5 mcg | 8% | |
| Calcium | 556 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 1.4 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 652 mg | 14% | |
*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.
