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Glorious Baked Cheese Cauliflower: A Comfort Food Classic

Baked Cheese Cauliflower
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This Baked Cheese Cauliflower is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender cauliflower with a creamy, cheesy sauce and a crispy breadcrumb topping. It’s perfect as a side dish or even a light main course. The recipe is simple to prepare and uses everyday ingredients, making it a great addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. Plus, it’s a delicious way to sneak in some veggies!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cauliflower:

  • 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets

For the Sauce:

  • 4 Tbsp butter (1/2 stick)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp pepper
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 – 1 Tbsp regular or Dijon mustard (to taste)
  • 1 1/2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated (6 oz. block)

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup soft fresh bread crumbs
  • 1 Tbsp fresh chopped parsley
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 2 Tbsp melted butter
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cauliflower:
    • Boil or steam the cauliflower florets in water until just tender, about 6-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Preheat the Oven:
    • Grease a 2-quart baking dish. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
    • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir until smooth and bubbly, about 1-2 minutes.
    • Gradually whisk in the milk, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes bubbly.
    • Stir in the mustard and grated cheddar cheese. Continue cooking until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  4. Combine Cauliflower and Sauce:
    • Add the cooked cauliflower to the cheese sauce and gently stir to coat.
    • Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
  5. Prepare the Topping:
    • In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, parsley, paprika, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
    • Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cauliflower.
  6. Bake:
    • Place the dish in the lower half of the oven to prevent the topping from over-browning.
    • Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
  7. Serve:
    • Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

Notes

  • Breadcrumbs: Make your own soft breadcrumbs by processing a few slices of bread in a food processor until crumbly.
  • Cheese: Use extra sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor, or mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or Parmesan for variety.
  • Steaming Cauliflower: Be careful not to overcook the cauliflower during steaming, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipes.gernarb.com/glorious-baked-cheese-cauliflower-a-comfort-food-classic/