A Baked Cauliflower Cheese is a comforting and delicious dish, where cauliflower is smothered in a creamy cheese sauce and baked to golden perfection. It’s a great side dish or vegetarian main meal. Here’s a simple recipe for making it:
Ingredients:
- 1 large cauliflower head, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (or use half-and-half for a richer sauce)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (you can also use a mix of cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or Parmesan)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, but adds a nice depth of flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping, optional)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for the breadcrumb topping, optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish (9×9 or similar size) with butter or cooking spray.
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Cook the Cauliflower:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until just tender but still firm (al dente).
- Drain the cauliflower well and place it into the prepared baking dish.
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Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk to form a smooth roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking, stirring, until the sauce thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
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Combine Cauliflower and Sauce:
- Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower in the baking dish. Toss gently to coat the cauliflower in the sauce.
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Optional: Add Breadcrumb Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the cauliflower and cheese sauce for a crunchy topping.
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Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. If you want the top to be extra crispy, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes—just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
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Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this cheesy, creamy cauliflower dish as a side or a comforting vegetarian main!
Tips:
- Cheese Variations: You can mix up the cheese selection depending on your preference—cheddar gives it a classic taste, while mozzarella offers extra gooeyness. A little Parmesan sprinkled on top will add a nice salty touch.
- Spices: Experiment with adding a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper for a little heat and smokiness.
- For extra richness: Add a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of cream to the cheese sauce for a thicker, richer texture.
Enjoy your homemade baked cauliflower cheese!
