Kukkakaalilaatikko

Savor the comforting flavors of Finland with *Kukkakaalilaatikko*, a hearty cauliflower casserole that combines tender cauliflower florets, savory ground meat, and a rich milk-and-egg custard baked to golden perfection. This classic dish is elevated with a layer of melted cheddar cheese and a crispy breadcrumb topping, making it a crowd-pleasing option for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Enhanced with the warmth of nutmeg and the freshness of sautéed onions and garlic, *Kukkakaalilaatikko* is both nutritious and uniquely satisfying. Easy to prepare in under an hour, this gluten-free adaptable casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete, wholesome meal. Perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights, this Finnish comfort food will quickly become a household favorite. Keywords: cauliflower casserole, Finnish recipe, baked cauliflower, ground meat casserole, comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 head Cauliflower
• 400 grams Ground meat (beef, pork, or mixed)
• 1 medium Yellow onion
• 2 Garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 250 milliliters Whole milk
• 2 Eggs
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Nutmeg
• 100 grams Cheddar cheese (grated)
• 3 tablespoons Breadcrumbs

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).

Step 2

Separate the cauliflower into bite-sized florets and rinse thoroughly. Steam or boil the florets in lightly salted water for about 5 minutes until just tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

Finely chop the onion and garlic. In a large frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat, and sauté the onion and garlic until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Add the ground meat to the frying pan and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked. Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs until well combined.

Step 6

Grease a baking dish (approximately 20x30 cm) with a small amount of butter or oil. Spread the steamed cauliflower evenly across the bottom of the dish. Top with the cooked ground meat mixture.

Step 7

Pour the milk and egg mixture evenly over the cauliflower and meat.

Step 8

Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the top, followed by an even layer of breadcrumbs for a golden, crispy crust.

Step 9

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the center.

Step 10

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, ideally with a side of green salad or crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1647.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2264.3

Total Fat 157.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 75.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.2g
Cholesterol 855.9mg	0%
Sodium 5209.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 90.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.4g	0%
Total Sugars 32.2g
Protein 133.3g	0%

Vitamin D 221.4IU	0%
Calcium 1333.1mg	0%
Iron 14.7mg	0%
Potassium 3785.7mg	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: 61.3%

Protein: 23.1%

Carbs: 15.6%