Can I make this Cheesy Cauliflower Bake dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. Use almond milk or oat milk instead of cow's milk, and choose a good quality dairy-free cheese that melts well.

How can I make the topping extra crunchy?

For extra crunch, add some crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or finely chopped nuts to the topping.

What's the best way to reheat this Cheesy Cauliflower Bake?

Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) to keep the topping crispy and prevent the cheese sauce from becoming watery. Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Can I make this Cheesy Cauliflower Bake ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, but wait to add the breadcrumb topping until just before baking. Cover and store in the refrigerator.

Why is my cheese sauce grainy?

A grainy sauce can result from using pre-shredded cheese that contains cellulose or from not stirring the sauce constantly while it thickens. Use freshly grated cheese and stir continuously to achieve a smooth sauce.

Ingredients

Vegetables

1
1 unit large cauliflower head

Dairy

1
2 cup cups shredded cheddar cheese
2
0.5 cup cup heavy cream
3
0.25 cup cup grated parmesan cheese

Seasoning

1
0.5 teaspoon teaspoon garlic powder
2
0.5 teaspoon teaspoon onion powder
3
0.5 teaspoon teaspoon salt
4
0.25 teaspoon teaspoon black pepper

Other

1
2 tablespoon tablespoons butter

Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

Name: Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 unit large cauliflower head; 2 cup cups shredded cheddar cheese; 0.5 cup cup heavy cream; 0.25 cup cup grated parmesan cheese; 0.5 teaspoon teaspoon garlic powder; 0.5 teaspoon teaspoon onion powder; 0.5 teaspoon teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoon tablespoons butter

Prep Time

20 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes

Difficulty

Easy

Servings

6 people

Health Score

75/100

Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

By recipes genie | Published on December 29, 2024

Tools & Equipment

Large pot

Colander

Sharp knife

Large mixing bowl

9x13 inch baking dish

Measuring cups and spoons

Oven thermometer (optional)

Ingredients

Vegetables

1
1 unit large cauliflower head

Dairy

1
2 cup cups shredded cheddar cheese
2
0.5 cup cup heavy cream
3
0.25 cup cup grated parmesan cheese

Seasoning

1
0.5 teaspoon teaspoon garlic powder
2
0.5 teaspoon teaspoon onion powder
3
0.5 teaspoon teaspoon salt
4
0.25 teaspoon teaspoon black pepper

Other

1
2 tablespoon tablespoons butter

Directions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when the dish is ready to bake. Use an oven thermometer to verify the correct temperature if needed.

Prepare the Cauliflower

Wash the cauliflower thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut the cauliflower into florets. Florets should be about 1 to 2 inches in size. Be careful with the knife to avoid cuts.

Blanch the Cauliflower

In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are slightly tender but not mushy. This process is called 'blanching' and helps to pre-cook the cauliflower. Be careful with hot water.

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Drain the Cauliflower

Drain the cauliflower in a colander and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow excess water to evaporate. This will prevent a soggy bake. You should see steam coming off the cauliflower.

Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large bowl, combine the cheddar cheese, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. This creates a creamy cheese sauce.

Combine Cauliflower and Cheese Sauce

Add the blanched cauliflower to the cheese sauce bowl and gently toss until every floret is well coated with cheese sauce. Make sure to not break the cauliflower florets as you stir.

Prepare the Baking Dish

Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter. This prevents sticking. Alternatively, you can line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Pour into Baking Dish

Pour the cauliflower and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish and spread evenly. Dot the top with 1 tablespoon of butter for added richness and golden color.

Bake the Dish

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly crisp. The dish should smell rich and cheesy, and the top should be browned. Be careful when removing from the hot oven.

Let Cool and Serve

Let the cheesy cauliflower bake cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents burning your mouth. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.

Recipe Tips

For a creamier sauce, use a full cup of heavy cream.
Substitute with your favorite cheese blend, such as Monterey Jack or Gruyere.
Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor.
For a crispy top, broil for the last 2 minutes of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
If you don't have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or milk, though the sauce won't be as thick.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories

350 kcal

Carbs

15g

Protein

15g

Fat

25g

Fiber

Sugar

Sat. Fat

15g

Sodium

700mg

Trans Fat

0.5g

Cholesterol

75mg

Potassium

500mg

Vitamin A

500%

Vitamin C

80%

Calcium

350%

Iron

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories

350 kcal

Carbs

15g

Protein

15g

Fat

25g

Fiber

Sugar

Sat. Fat

15g

Sodium

700mg

Trans Fat

0.5g

Cholesterol

75mg

Potassium

500mg

Vitamin A

500%

Vitamin C

80%

Calcium

350%

Iron

Ingredients

Vegetables

Dairy

Seasoning

Other

Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

Tools & Equipment

Ingredients

Vegetables

Dairy

Seasoning

Other

Directions

Preheat the Oven

Prepare the Cauliflower

Blanch the Cauliflower

Transform Any Food Photo Into a Recipe!

Drain the Cauliflower

Make the Cheese Sauce

Combine Cauliflower and Cheese Sauce

Prepare the Baking Dish

Pour into Baking Dish

Bake the Dish

Let Cool and Serve

Recipe Tips

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Experience The Future of Recipe Discovery

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Frequently Asked Questions