Creamy Cheesy Baked Cauliflower
Cauliflower Cheese makes a delicious dinner side dish. Prepared with cauliflower florets and a rich cheese sauce, eating your veggies has never been so indulgent!
Servings: 8
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
Calories: 302kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 486mg | Potassium: 282mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 831IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 342mg | Iron: 1mg
