Zippy Cheese Cauliflower
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food makeover with this Zippy Cheese Cauliflower recipe—a dish that transforms everyday cauliflower into a creamy, cheesy delight with a bold, flavorful twist. Tender florets are smothered in a rich sharp cheddar cheese sauce, kicked up a notch with Dijon mustard, a hint of hot sauce, and smoky paprika for an irresistible zesty kick. Topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs for the perfect crunchy contrast, this baked casserole is both satisfying and packed with flavor. Ready in just under an hour, this dish is perfect as a crowd-pleasing side or a main for vegetarian-friendly dinners. Whether you're looking for an easy weeknight recipe or a standout addition to your holiday table, Zippy Cheese Cauliflower is the perfect balance of indulgence and wholesome ingredients.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Wash the cauliflower and cut it into bite-sized florets.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the cauliflower. Cook for 4-5 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir until smooth and creamy. Remove from heat.
Place the cooked cauliflower florets into a greased 9x9-inch (or similar size) baking dish.
Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cheesy cauliflower.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Zippy Cheese Cauliflower!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2185 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 153.5 g | 197% | |
| Saturated Fat | 79.4 g | 397% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 385 mg | 128% | |
| Sodium | 5268 mg | 229% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 122.1 g | 44% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.6 g | 56% | |
| Total Sugars | 39.9 g | ||
| Protein | 95.1 g | 190% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.5 mcg | 28% | |
| Calcium | 2406 mg | 185% | |
| Iron | 6.7 mg | 37% | |
| Potassium | 2695 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.
