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Crisp-tender cauliflower is transformed into a cozy and delicious dinner side dish in this creamy Cheesy Baked Cauliflower recipe. Eating your veggies has never been so indulgent!
Nothing says comfort food like smothering something in cheese and throwing it into the oven. Baked macaroni and cheese is probably the most famous example, but broccoli and cheese is also a beloved cheesy dish. For me, though, cheesy baked cauliflower, also known as cauliflower cheese, is one of the very best. You may not think you’re a fan of cauliflower, but please try this recipe before you call it quits. Cauliflower takes on a whole new dimension when you bake it with cheddar and parm – even die-hard veggie haters will find it hard to resist.
Ingredients For Cheesy Baked Cauliflower
- Cauliflower: Take a large head of cauliflower and break it up into florets.
- Butter: Cut the butter into pats.
- Cream: Heavy cream makes a rich, creamy sauce without the need for a roux.
- Garlic: Minced or pressed.
- Cheese: A combination of shredded white cheddar and grated parmesan.
- Herbs: Dried thyme and dried rosemary.
- Salt and Pepper
How to Make Cheesy Baked Cauliflower
- Prep. Preheat your oven to 400˚F and grease a baking dish with butter. Next, par-cook the cauliflower florets by bringing them to a boil and then simmering them for 3 to 4 minutes. You want the cauliflower to be fork-tender, but not mushy. Drain it well.
- Combine the Ingredients. Get out a large mixing bowl and place the cauliflower florets, butter, heavy cream, and garlic in it. Add a cup of the shredded white cheddar, half a cup of the parmesan, and the herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir all of these ingredients together.
- Assemble the Casserole. Spoon the cauliflower mixture into your baking dish, and sprinkle the rest of the cheese over the top.
- Bake the Casserole. Slide the dish into the oven, and let it bake for about half an hour, or until the cheese has melted and the top is golden brown.
- Enjoy! Let the baked cauliflower stand for about 10 minutes before serving it warm.
Recipe Tips And Variations
- Frozen Cauliflower: You can swap the fresh cauliflower for frozen – just cook it like you would boil the fresh cauliflower and drain it well.
- Choosing Cauliflower: When picking cauliflower, go for a head that’s firm with tightly packed florets. Try to pick one that’s free from blemishes – a small spot or two can be cut away with a knife, but you don’t want one that’s been damaged or started to spoil.
- Salt the Cooking Water: Similar to making pasta, you can add salt to the cauliflower cooking water for a boost of extra flavor.
- Drain Thoroughly: The most common problem with cheesy cauliflower is having it turn out watery. Make sure you drain the cauliflower really well to avoid a watery result.
- Add Panko: For a crunchy topping, try sprinkling Panko on top of the dish about 15 minutes before the end of the cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy baked cauliflower is great as a vegetarian main course, a side dish to crispy Chicken Milanese, or a classic like Oven Roasted Tri-Tip. Try pairing it with this Air Fryer Sausage and Potatoes, and you’ll never look back!
Storage
- Leftovers should be covered tightly and stored in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave, or bake in the oven at 350˚F until heated through.
Easy Cauliflower Recipes
- Cauliflower Cheese Soup
- Garlic Butter Cauliflower Rice with Spinach
- Instant Pot Loaded Mashed Cauliflower
- Broccoli Sausage Cauliflower Casserole
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Creamy Cheesy Baked Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower,, cut into florets
- 5 tablespoons butter,, cut into pats
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic,, minced
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese,, divided
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, , divided
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese,, divided
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- salt and fresh ground black pepper,, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400˚F.
- Butter a 2.5 to 3 quart baking dish and set aside.
- Place cauliflower florets in a cooking pot and cover with cold water; set over high heat and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low; cover the pot and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, or until cauliflower is fork tender, but not mushy. Drain well.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cauliflower florets, butter, heavy cream, garlic, ½ cup shredded white cheddar cheese, ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ½ cup parmesan cheese, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir until completely combined.
- Transfer the cauliflower mixture to the previously prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses over the top. Bake for 30 to 32 minutes, or until cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let stand 8 to 10 minutes.
- Serve.
Notes
- Cauliflower: I use a large head of cauliflower and break it up into smaller florets. If you want to buy a bag of cauliflower florets, you will need about 5 to 6 cups.
- Cheeses: You can use any combination of shredded cheeses, but I think cheddar is best for this cheesy cauliflower recipe.
- Drain: The most common issue with baked cauliflower is when it turns out watery. To avoid this problem, drain the cauliflower well and don’t overcook it.
- To make ahead: Assemble the casserole up to one day in advance, cover it, and keep it refrigerated. Bake before serving.
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
Yep had a go at this recipe it was different from the normal coli and cheese sauce i usually make very tasty I’ll make it again
OHHHH MYYYY GOODNESS!!!! As a vegetarian this recipe was right up my alley, and I devoured it! Even my picky kids loved it!
That’s great! I’m very happy you and your family loved it!! Thank you so much! 😊
No one can resist a cheesy cauliflower!
I hope you enjoy it! Thank YOU! 🙂
I want to make this for our next family get together! Looks so yummy!
That’s great! I hope everyone enjoys it! Thank YOU! 🙂
What a great idea for a cauliflower dish! It’s our favorite winter vegetable!
Thank YOU! I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Such an amazing side dish! Can’t wait to make this!
Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
What a perfect side dish to mix it up and have something different!
Thank you, Amanda! I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
That looks delicious. I’ve always loved cauliflower with cheese sauce, so I’m excited to give this one a try.