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Baked Cauliflower with Cheese

Creamy Baked Cauliflower with Cheese

Baked Cauliflower with Cheese is a comforting dish that combines tender cauliflower with a rich, creamy cheese sauce, perfect for any meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Cauliflower
  • 1 head Cauliflower
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Butter for sautéing the onion; swap with olive oil for a lighter fare.
  • 1/2 Onion finely diced; consider shallots for a sweeter touch.
  • 1/4 cup Flour helps thicken the cheese sauce; gluten-free flour works just as well.
  • 2 cups Milk feel free to use dairy-free alternatives like almond milk.
  • 1 tsp Dry Mustard Powder enhances the cheese flavor; Dijon mustard can be your alternative.
  • 1 pinch Nutmeg brings warmth; skip it if preferred.
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.
  • 1/4 tsp Pepper for a mild kick; tailor to your taste preference.
  • 1 cup Shredded Mature English Cheddar a sharp comfort flavor; try different melting cheeses for a twist.
  • 1 cup Shredded Double Gloucester Cheese adds a delightful creaminess; a semi-firm cheese is a perfect replacement.
  • 1 cup Shredded Red Leicester Cheese offering color and flavor; Gouda is a great alternative.
For the Topping
  • 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping; regular breadcrumbs can work too.
  • 2 tbsp Chopped Fresh Parsley or 2 tsp dried; feel free to omit if desired.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Medium saucepan
  • large baking dish
  • pot for steaming

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Break the cauliflower into large florets and steam them for about 5–7 minutes.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt ¼ cup of butter and sauté the onion until soft and translucent.
  4. Whisk in ¼ cup of flour to create a roux and cook until golden.
  5. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk and cook until thickened.
  6. Stir in dry mustard powder, nutmeg, kosher salt, and pepper.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheeses until melted.
  8. Combine cheese sauce with steamed cauliflower in a greased baking dish.
  9. In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the dish.
  10. Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and golden on top.
  11. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 12gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 550mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Steaming the cauliflower just until tender helps maintain its texture during baking. Experiment with different cheese combinations for a personalized flavor twist.

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