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cheesy cauliflower bake-1

Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

This Cheesy Cauliflower Bake is a comforting side dish perfect for family dinners. Tender cauliflower florets are smothered in a creamy, garlicky cheese sauce, then baked until bubbly and golden on top. Even veggie skeptics can’t resist this hearty, flavorful dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 persons
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 270
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets About 800 g.
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped For garnish; optional.

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot
  • 1 Colander
  • 1 8x8 inch baking dish
  • 1 Medium saucepan
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Grater
  • 1 Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 5 minutes until just tender. Drain thoroughly in a colander.
  3. Arrange the drained cauliflower in an even layer in the baking dish.
  4. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes to form a smooth roux.
  6. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
  7. Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in half of the grated cheddar, all the mozzarella, and half the parmesan. Add black pepper and paprika. Mix until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth.
  8. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower in the baking dish. Gently stir to ensure all florets are coated.
  9. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and parmesan on top.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
  11. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of ground nutmeg to the cheese sauce.
To make it gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
You can prepare this dish up to 1 day ahead. Keep covered in the fridge, and bake when ready to serve.