Mandi's Cauliflower Casserole

Indulge in the comforting flavors of **Mandi's Cauliflower Casserole**, a rich and cheesy baked dish that combines roasted cauliflower with a velvety homemade cheddar-Parmesan sauce and a golden, crispy panko topping. Perfect as a hearty side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main, this recipe showcases the natural caramelized sweetness of roasted cauliflower, enhanced by creamy, melty cheese and a subtle hint of garlic and onion. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a bubbling finish in the oven, this casserole is not only quick and easy but also impressively flavorful. Garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness, it’s a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday tables. If you're searching for the ultimate **cheesy cauliflower casserole recipe**, this one hits all the right notes!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 large head cauliflower
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set it aside.

Step 2

Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and toss to coat evenly.

Step 3

Roast the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until tender and slightly golden. Remove from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).

Step 4

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until slightly golden.

Step 5

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to create a smooth mixture. Cook for 4-5 minutes, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens.

Step 6

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 7

Place the roasted cauliflower into the prepared casserole dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower, using a spoon to ensure it is well distributed.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.

Step 9

Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1667.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2219.3

Total Fat 152.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 80.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 377.6mg	0%
Sodium 5525.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 131.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.0g	0%
Total Sugars 43.0g
Protein 100.8g	0%

Vitamin D 214.7IU	0%
Calcium 2494.3mg	0%
Iron 7.7mg	0%
Potassium 3355.2mg	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: 59.7%

Protein: 17.5%

Carbs: 22.8%