Cheddar Cauliflower

Transform your weeknight vegetable side dish into a showstopper with this irresistible Cheddar Cauliflower bake! This recipe brings together tender, perfectly cooked cauliflower florets blanketed in a rich, homemade sharp cheddar cheese sauce infused with garlic powder and paprika for a hint of flavor-packed warmth. Topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs and a touch of olive oil, every bite delivers the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures. Ready in under an hour, this cauliflower casserole is not only kid-friendly but also a great way to elevate a simple vegetable into a crowd-pleasing comfort food. Ideal for family dinners, holiday spreads, or low-carb enthusiasts, this oven-baked dish is as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color, and serve it warm alongside your favorite mains! Keywords: Cheddar Cauliflower, baked cauliflower recipe, cheesy cauliflower casserole, low-carb side dish, comfort food recipes.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 head Cauliflower
• 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups Whole milk
• 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 teaspoons Garlic powder
• 0.25 teaspoons Paprika
• 1 teaspoons Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 0.5 cups Breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Wash the cauliflower and cut it into bite-sized florets. Set aside.

Step 3

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 5 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 4

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

Step 5

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.

Step 6

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.

Step 7

Place the drained cauliflower in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower, ensuring all pieces are coated.

Step 8

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the cauliflower.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1338.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1992.3

Total Fat 138.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 79.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.9g
Cholesterol 376.9mg	0%
Sodium 5709.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 117.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.0g	0%
Total Sugars 33.5g
Protein 90.8g	0%

Vitamin D 209.0IU	0%
Calcium 2253.1mg	0%
Iron 9.1mg	0%
Potassium 2798.8mg	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: 60.0%

Protein: 17.5%

Carbs: 22.5%