Zesty Cheese Sauce with Cauliflower

Elevate your veggie side dish game with this irresistible Zesty Cheese Sauce with Cauliflower recipe, a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. This quick and easy dish combines tender, perfectly blanched cauliflower florets with a rich cheddar cheese sauce infused with Dijon mustard, zesty lemon, and a hint of paprika for a flavor-packed punch. The silky cheese sauce comes together effortlessly with a simple roux, resulting in a dreamy, velvety texture that wraps each bite in indulgence. Topped with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, this dish is ideal as a comforting side, a light meal, or even a crowd-pleasing addition to your holiday table. Ready in just 35 minutes and serving up to four, this cheesy cauliflower creation is loaded with both flavor and texture, making it a go-to favorite for cheese lovers everywhere.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 head Cauliflower
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups Milk
• 1.5 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
• 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Prepare the cauliflower by cutting it into bite-sized florets and rinsing thoroughly under cold water.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and blanch them for 4-5 minutes, or until they are just tender but still firm. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. The mixture will be bubbly and slightly golden.

Step 4

Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to ensure a smooth sauce. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, until it is melted and creamy.

Step 6

Add the Dijon mustard, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Stir well to combine, then taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 7

Place the blanched cauliflower into a serving dish or shallow bowl. Pour the zesty cheese sauce over the top, ensuring all the florets are coated.

Step 8

Sprinkle the dish with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant garnish. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1189.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1286.2

Total Fat 87.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 54.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.2g
Cholesterol 278.7mg	0%
Sodium 3578.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 67.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.0g	0%
Total Sugars 30.1g
Protein 68.2g	0%

Vitamin D 201.5IU	0%
Calcium 1816.9mg	0%
Iron 5.0mg	0%
Potassium 2685.2mg	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: 59.3%

Protein: 20.4%

Carbs: 20.3%