Cauliflower with Cheese Topping

Transform your humble cauliflower into a decadent, crowd-pleasing side dish with this irresistible Cauliflower with Cheese Topping recipe! Tender cauliflower florets are bathed in a rich, velvety cheddar cheese sauce, then blanketed with a golden, crunchy topping of parmesan, breadcrumbs, and a drizzle of olive oil. Perfectly baked to bubbly perfection, this recipe strikes the ideal balance between creamy and crispy. Whether you're looking for an indulgent holiday side or a comforting weeknight indulgence, this dish is ready in under an hour and pairs beautifully with any main course. Keywords: cauliflower cheese recipe, cheesy cauliflower bake, comfort food, easy side dish, crispy cheese topping.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 head cauliflower
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups milk
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cups grated parmesan cheese
• 0.25 cups breadcrumbs (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cut the cauliflower into florets and rinse thoroughly.

Step 3

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are tender but not mushy. Drain the cauliflower and set aside.

Step 4

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.

Step 5

Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the salt, black pepper, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 7

Place the cooked cauliflower florets in a baking dish and pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix the remaining 0.5 cups of cheddar cheese, grated parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs (if using). Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cauliflower and drizzle with olive oil.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Cauliflower with Cheese Topping!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1255.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1620.2

Total Fat 113.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 64.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.2g
Cholesterol 318.7mg	0%
Sodium 4292.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 81.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.9g	0%
Total Sugars 31.4g
Protein 86.2g	0%

Vitamin D 201.5IU	0%
Calcium 2260.9mg	0%
Iron 5.6mg	0%
Potassium 2669.2mg	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: 60.3%

Protein: 20.4%

Carbs: 19.3%