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Baked Cauliflower with Cheese Recipe

Baked Cauliflower with Cheese Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 3 reviews

This comforting Baked Cauliflower with Cheese recipe combines tender cauliflower florets with a rich, creamy cheese sauce and a crunchy, golden breadcrumb topping. Perfect as a hearty side or a vegetarian main, it features a blend of English cheddar, Double Gloucester, and Red Leicester cheeses for depth of flavor. Steamed cauliflower is smothered in a velvety mustard-spiced cheese sauce, then baked until bubbly and golden brown for a satisfying dish everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Cauliflower

  • 2 heads cauliflower

Cheese Sauce

  • ¼ cup + 1 tbsp butter, divided
  • ½ onion, finely diced
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 tsp dry mustard powder
  • pinch nutmeg
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper
  • ¾ cup shredded mature English cheddar (divided)
  • ¾ cup shredded Double Gloucester cheese (divided)
  • ¾ cup shredded Red Leicester cheese (divided)

Topping

  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, or 2 tsp dried
  • Remaining ¼ cup each of shredded mature English cheddar, Double Gloucester, and Red Leicester cheeses

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cauliflower: Break the cauliflower into very large florets, trimming the stems and removing the leaves. Steam or boil the cauliflower until partially cooked but still firm. Transfer the par-cooked cauliflower to a greased baking dish evenly.
  2. Make Roux and Cook Onion: In a saucepan, melt ¼ cup of the butter over medium-low heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook slowly until very tender and softened, about 5-7 minutes. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for 2-3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, stirring continuously.
  3. Add Milk and Seasonings: Gradually add the milk, half a cup at a time, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Once all milk is incorporated, raise the heat to medium-high and bring the sauce to a boil. Add the dry mustard powder, pinch of nutmeg, kosher salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
  4. Melt Cheese into Sauce: Remove the sauce from the heat and whisk in ¾ cup each of the shredded mature English cheddar, Double Gloucester, and Red Leicester cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
  5. Preheat Oven and Assemble: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower in the baking dish, coating all florets well.
  6. Prepare Topping: Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, the remaining ¼ cup each of shredded cheeses, and chopped parsley. Mix well and sprinkle this crumb mixture evenly over the cauliflower and cheese sauce.
  7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese sauce is bubbly, the breadcrumbs are browned and crispy, and the cauliflower is tender.
  8. Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this delicious, cheesy baked cauliflower as a savory side dish or comforting vegetarian main.

Notes

  • Steaming the cauliflower partially before baking ensures it becomes tender without becoming mushy in the oven.
  • You can substitute the cheese blend with your favorite melting cheeses like Gruyere or Mozzarella if preferred.
  • Panko breadcrumbs create a crisp topping. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Adjust seasoning, especially salt and mustard powder, to your taste preference.
  • This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated prior to baking for convenient meal prep.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked cauliflower, cheese sauce, cheesy cauliflower bake, vegetable side dish, comfort food, vegetarian recipes

Find it online: https://islawhite.com/baked-cauliflower-with-cheese-recipe/