Prepare to transform the humble cauliflower into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have even the pickiest eaters coming back for seconds! This Cheddar Cheese Cauliflower Bake is not just another side dish – it's a creamy, cheesy revelation that turns ordinary vegetables into an irresistible culinary experience. Imagine tender cauliflower florets smothered in a rich, velvety cheese sauce, topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs that add the perfect crunch to every single bite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Wash the cauliflower thoroughly and cut it into uniform bite-sized florets, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and blanch for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add milk and whisk together until combined and warm.
- Gradually stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese into the butter and milk mixture, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Add a pinch of nutmeg or garlic powder for extra flavor if desired.
- Arrange the blanched cauliflower florets in the prepared baking dish in an even layer.
- Pour the hot cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower, ensuring all florets are well-coated.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the cauliflower.
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese-covered cauliflower.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese sauce to set slightly.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish or vegetarian main course, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Cauliflower Prep Matters: Ensure your florets are cut uniformly to guarantee even cooking. Blanching is key – it helps maintain the perfect texture and prevents the cauliflower from becoming mushy.
- Cheese Sauce Secrets: Melt the cheese slowly and stir constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce. For extra flavor, experiment with different cheese blends or add a pinch of nutmeg or garlic powder.
- Breadcrumb Perfection: Mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter to ensure they turn golden and crispy. This adds a delightful crunch that elevates the entire dish.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dish in advance and refrigerate before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
- Serving Suggestions: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese sauce to set. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.Pro Tip: For a lighter version, you can use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese without compromising on flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 55mg
