Name: Baked Cauliflower Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients: Cauliflower florets (2 pounds); Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons); Salt (1/2 teaspoon); Ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon); Unsalted butter (1/3 cup); All-purpose flour (4 tablespoons); Milk (2 ½ cups); Dijon mustard (1/2 tablespoon); Cheddar cheese (2 cups, grated); Parmesan cheese (1/3 cup, grated); Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded, divided)

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Baked Cauliflower Cheese is a dish that hits all the right notes for comfort food lovers. Picture this: your kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of roasted cauliflower mingling with a luscious cheese sauce, bubbling with golden delight. It’s a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach, with vibrant white florets coated in a glossy, cheesy goodness, just begging to be served. This dish brings back memories from family gatherings, where I would sit around the table, the warmth of laughter and love enveloping us as we savored this creamy delight. Every bite is a moment of nostalgia, a reminder of how the simplest ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary, especially in the chillier months when comforting meals bring warmth to our homes. I can’t wait for you to try this Baked Cauliflower Cheese, as it’s certain to become a cherished recipe in your kitchen too!

Table of Contents

Why This Is The Best Baked Cauliflower Cheese Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Baked Cauliflower Cheese
Tips for Success
Serve It With
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers
Tips & Variations
Recipe FAQs
Baked Cauliflower Cheese

Why This Is The Best Baked Cauliflower Cheese Recipe

There are so many reasons to adore this Baked Cauliflower Cheese recipe! First off, it’s incredibly simple and quick to whip up, taking just about 10 minutes of hands-on prep before it goes into the oven. Once it’s baking, the irresistible flavors of roasted cauliflower and rich cheese sauce create an enticing aroma that fills the air. Visually, this dish is stunning, with its golden-bubbling top catching everyone’s eye. Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner, a festive potluck, or a cozy brunch with friends—this recipe also offers dietary flexibility, making it suitable for various dietary needs. There’s nothing like this comforting dish to bring everyone together around the table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cauliflower florets (2 pounds): Fresh cauliflower keeps its texture well when roasted and provides a delightful bite. You can use frozen florets in a pinch, but they may yield a slightly different texture.
Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons): This high-quality oil adds a rich flavor to the cauliflower. You could substitute with melted coconut oil or another oil of your choice.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Salt enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables. Adjust depending on your taste preference.
Ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A small pinch adds the perfect amount of warmth. Feel free to add more for a spicy kick!
Unsalted butter (1/3 cup): The butter enriches the cheese sauce. If dairy-free is necessary, try a dairy-free butter alternative.
All-purpose flour (4 tablespoons): This is used to create the roux for thickening the cheese sauce; substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
Milk (2 ½ cups): Whole milk yields a creamier sauce, but you can opt for lower-fat milk or plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk.
Dijon mustard (1/2 tablespoon): This adds subtle tang and depth to the sauce. You might substitute with yellow mustard if that’s what you have on hand.
Cheddar cheese (2 cups, grated): A classic choice for its melting quality and strong flavor. Swap it out for a sharp white cheddar for a twist.
Parmesan cheese (1/3 cup, grated): This cheese adds a salty bite and a bit of complexity. Pecorino Romano works well as a substitute.
Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded, divided): This cheese contributes to the gooey texture. Feel free to use a non-dairy cheese for a vegan version.

How to Make Baked Cauliflower Cheese

Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming, prepare your cauliflower florets. Toss 2 pounds of them in a large mixing bowl with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated. This not only enhances flavor but also helps the cauliflower caramelize beautifully. Spread the florets onto a large baking sheet in a single layer and roast until tender, which should take about 25 minutes. They should be soft enough to pierce easily with a fork, but still firm to retain that lovely texture.

Make the Cheese Sauce

While your cauliflower is roasting, melt 1/3 cup of butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Once melted, whisk in 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes, until your roux is fragrant and has achieved a light golden color. It’s essential to cook the flour slightly to eliminate any raw taste. Now, gradually pour in 2 ½ cups of milk, whisking continuously. Initially, the sauce may look a bit clumpy—that’s totally normal! Just keep whisking, and it will smooth out as you add more milk.

Add Flavorful Components

Once your sauce has thickened to a rich, creamy consistency, stir in 1/2 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese, 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and ½ cup of the shredded mozzarella. Reduce the heat to low and mix until smooth and creamy, allowing the cheeses to melt beautifully into the sauce, creating a delightful flavor profile that will elevate your dish.

Combine and Assemble

When the cauliflower is perfectly roasted, it’s time to bring it all together. Carefully add the roasted cauliflower florets to your cheese sauce and gently stir until every piece is coated in that irresistible cheesy goodness. Next, transfer the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish or an 8-inch square pan. Top off with the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella to provide that final gooey layer that everyone loves.

Bake Until Golden

Now the real magic happens. Place your casserole dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown, garnishing your dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. Allow it to cool for 5 minutes before serving; this resting time helps the sauce thicken a bit further and makes serving easier. The bubbling edges and golden crust will have everyone flocking to the table!

Tips for Success

Ensure the butter and flour are well combined to create a smooth roux before adding milk.
If your sauce turns out too thick, simply whisk in a little more milk until the desired consistency is reached.
For more flavor, try mixing in spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika into the cheese sauce.
Keep an eye on the dish while baking; every oven is different, so the perfect golden color is your cue to pull it out!

Serve It With

This delightful Baked Cauliflower Cheese truly shines when paired with a variety of sides. Try serving it alongside a fresh green salad for a wholesome contrast or with crispy bread that guests can use to scoop up the creamy cheese goodness. It’s also fantastic as a topping over baked potatoes or as a filling for a comforting shepherd’s pie.

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftovers—though I doubt there will be many—store them in an airtight container. At room temperature, leftovers should be consumed within a couple of hours. In the refrigerator, they’ll last up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months; just ensure it’s well wrapped. When ready to reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through and bubbling. The flavors will still be delightful, though the texture may change slightly.

Tips & Variations

Get creative by trying out different mix-ins and flavors! For a spicy kick, incorporate some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the cheese sauce. If you want to make it gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free flour substitute. For a heartier dish, consider adding cooked bacon or sausage to the cheese mixture. Substitute seasonal veggies like broccoli for cauliflower, or try out a variety of cheeses such as Gouda or Gruyere to personalize your recipe.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can prepare the cheese sauce and roast the cauliflower ahead of time, then assemble everything right before baking. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, just increase your baking time by a few minutes.

Can I use frozen cauliflower? Absolutely! Frozen cauliflower is a great alternative for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it and drain any excess moisture before mixing it with the cheese sauce.

Is this dish vegetarian? Yes, this Baked Cauliflower Cheese recipe is completely vegetarian, making it a perfect option for meatless meals!

How do I enhance the flavors even further? For more depth, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the cheese sauce. These aromatic additions can really elevate the classic flavors of this comforting dish.

There you have it—an incredible recipe for Baked Cauliflower Cheese that’s sure to bring warmth and joy to your table. With its creamy texture and cheesy goodness, it’s a dish worth savoring. I encourage you to make it your own and perhaps even share the joy of cooking with loved ones. Enjoy every cheesy bite!

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