Cauliflower Cheese Bake

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy and irresistible Cauliflower Cheese Bake. Perfectly tender cauliflower florets are blanketed in a luscious homemade cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and a touch of Dijon mustard for extra depth. Topped with golden, bubbling cheese—and optional crispy breadcrumbs for added texture—this dish is the perfect side or vegetarian main course. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy recipe combines classic flavors with a deliciously modern twist. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a meal that's both satisfying and hearty. Don't miss out on this crowd-pleasing cauliflower casserole that brings warmth and flavor to every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 head (large) cauliflower
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.125 teaspoons nutmeg (freshly grated, optional)
• 0.5 cups breadcrumbs (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for breadcrumbs)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cut the cauliflower into even-sized florets and rinse well under cold water.

Step 3

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 6-8 minutes until just tender but still slightly firm. Drain the cauliflower well and set aside.

Step 4

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to make a roux.

Step 5

Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes until it thickens into a smooth sauce.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese, all of the Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 7

Grease a baking dish lightly with butter or oil. Arrange the cooked cauliflower florets in the dish, spreading them out evenly.

Step 8

Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower, ensuring it is fully coated. Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of cheddar cheese on top.

Step 9

If using breadcrumbs, toss them with the olive oil and sprinkle over the top of the cheese layer to add a crispy topping.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbling.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1704.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2332.3

Total Fat 157.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 90.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 426.8mg	0%
Sodium 5892.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 122.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.1g	0%
Total Sugars 42.4g
Protein 126.3g	0%

Vitamin D 250.7IU	0%
Calcium 3338.9mg	0%
Iron 6.8mg	0%
Potassium 3545.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 58.7%

Protein: 21.0%

Carbs: 20.3%