Zesty Cheese Sauce with Cauliflower
Elevate your veggie side dish game with this irresistible Zesty Cheese Sauce with Cauliflower recipe, a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. This quick and easy dish combines tender, perfectly blanched cauliflower florets with a rich cheddar cheese sauce infused with Dijon mustard, zesty lemon, and a hint of paprika for a flavor-packed punch. The silky cheese sauce comes together effortlessly with a simple roux, resulting in a dreamy, velvety texture that wraps each bite in indulgence. Topped with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, this dish is ideal as a comforting side, a light meal, or even a crowd-pleasing addition to your holiday table. Ready in just 35 minutes and serving up to four, this cheesy cauliflower creation is loaded with both flavor and texture, making it a go-to favorite for cheese lovers everywhere.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 head Cauliflower
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups Milk
- 1.5 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
- 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the cauliflower by cutting it into bite-sized florets and rinsing thoroughly under cold water.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and blanch them for 4-5 minutes, or until they are just tender but still firm. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. The mixture will be bubbly and slightly golden.
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to ensure a smooth sauce. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, until it is melted and creamy.
Add the Dijon mustard, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Stir well to combine, then taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Place the blanched cauliflower into a serving dish or shallow bowl. Pour the zesty cheese sauce over the top, ensuring all the florets are coated.
Sprinkle the dish with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant garnish. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1286 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 87.9 g | 113% | |
| Saturated Fat | 54.2 g | 271% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 279 mg | 93% | |
| Sodium | 3578 mg | 156% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 67.8 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.0 g | 50% | |
| Total Sugars | 30.1 g | ||
| Protein | 68.2 g | 136% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.0 mcg | 25% | |
| Calcium | 1817 mg | 140% | |
| Iron | 5.0 mg | 28% | |
| Potassium | 2685 mg | 57% | |
*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.
