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Baked Cauliflower with Cheese

Creamy Baked Cauliflower with Cheese for Cozy Comfort Food

Baked Cauliflower with Cheese is a comforting, rich dish perfect for cozy dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Cauliflower
  • 1 head Cauliflower Choose large florets
For the Cheese Sauce
  • ¼ cup Butter Substitute with olive oil for a lighter version
  • 1 medium Onion Diced; shallots are a fine alternative
  • ¼ cup Flour Try gluten-free flour for a dietary option
  • 2 cups Milk Non-dairy milk works for lactose-free versions
  • 1 tablespoon Dry Mustard Powder Mustard paste serves as a quick substitute
  • 1 pinch Nutmeg Enhances flavor; feel free to omit
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Adjust to preference
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper Adjust to preference
For the Cheesy Goodness
  • ¾ cup Shredded Mature English Cheddar Offers sharpness; feel free to swap with Gruyère
  • ¾ cup Shredded Double Gloucester Cheese Any semi-firm cheese will work
  • ¾ cup Shredded Red Leicester Cheese A mild cheddar can be a suitable substitute
For the Crunchy Topping
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs Consider adding herbs for extra flavor
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Parsley Dried parsley can step in if fresh isn't on hand

Equipment

  • oven
  • Saucepan
  • baking dish

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Break the cauliflower into large florets and boil or steam for 5–7 minutes until just tender.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt ¼ cup of butter over medium-low heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft.
  4. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for 2–3 minutes while stirring until it turns pale golden.
  5. Whisk in the milk, bringing to a gentle boil while stirring. Mix in mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, cooking for about 5 minutes until thick.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in ¾ cup of shredded cheeses until melted and smooth.
  7. Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower in the baking dish, ensuring all florets are coated.
  8. Mix remaining melted butter with panko breadcrumbs, the rest of the cheese, and parsley; sprinkle evenly over the cheese sauce.
  9. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 80mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Best served fresh. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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