Cheesy Baked Cauliflower Casserole

Right then, let's have a chinwag about this absolute belter of a recipe. Fancy something comforting but a bit different? Ever wondered about jazzing up that boring old cauli?

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Hands up, who remembers being forced to eat bland, boiled cauliflower as a kid? well, banish those memories! this baked cauliflower recipe is here to change your mind forever.

It's got a cheesy, creamy sauce that'll make you want to lick the plate clean and it's dishes with cauliflower that everyone will be clamoring for!

Brief Overview

This cheesy baked cauliflower casserole, it's a humble dish with roots in british comfort food, but with a modern twist.

Think of it as a posh version of your nan's cauliflower cheese recipe , but even better. it's dead easy to make, taking around an hour from start to finish.

This recipe serves 6 people, making it ideal for a family dinner or a potluck get-together.

Main Benefits

Honestly, this recipe is all about the flavour and the dinner sides easy healthy component is just a bonus. i tell you good sides for dinner are not easy to find, but this is really special because it's proper comfort food without being too heavy.

Plus, cauliflower is packed with nutrients. it is the vegetarian cauliflower bake that is just perfect for a cosy night in.

This easy cauliflower casserole will not let you down.

Now, before we get to the fun bit, let's talk ingredients.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!

Right then, guv'nor, let's talk about what you'll actually need to whip up this cracking cheesy baked cauliflower casserole. no faffing about, just the essentials.

Honestly, this isn't about michelin star cooking, it's about good, honest grub.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

• Cauliflower: 1 large head (about 2 lbs / 900g), cut into florets. Look for a firm head, no brown spots. If it smells funky, ditch it! Trust me.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Extra virgin is best, but any will do.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml). Sea salt's nice, but table salt works too.
• Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml). Freshly ground is always better!
• Butter: 4 tablespoons (56g / 60ml), unsalted. Go for a decent brand.
• Flour: 4 tablespoons (32g / 45ml), all-purpose. Plain flour, that's the one.
• Milk: 3 cups (720 ml), whole milk. Makes a richer sauce, but semi-skimmed works too.
• Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml), ground. Freshly grated? Even better!
• Cheddar Cheese: 1 ½ cups (150g), shredded sharp. The sharper the better, I reckon!
• Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup (50g), grated. Adds a lovely salty tang.
• Breadcrumbs (Optional): ½ cup (25g), panko. For that extra crunch.
• Melted Butter (Optional): 1 tablespoon (14g / 15ml). For the topping.

Seasoning Notes: Give it Some Oomph!

Okay, this is where you can get a bit creative. salt and pepper are essential, obviously. but the nutmeg? don't skip it.

It adds a warmth that's just... lovely. i once forgot the nutmeg and honestly, the dish felt a bit flat.

For an extra kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper is great. Alternatively, substitute pepper for smoked paprika if you don't have nutmeg.

And the cheese? Mature cheddar is my go-to, but experiment! Gruyere or even a bit of blue cheese would be fantastic. This is creamy baked cauliflower territory, so don't hold back!

Equipment Needed: No Need for Fancy Gadgets

• Baking Sheet: For roasting the cauliflower.
• Saucepan: For the cheese sauce. A medium-sized one will do.
• Whisk: To avoid lumpy sauce. Unless you like lumpy sauce, each to their own I guess.
• Baking Dish: 9x13 inch (23x33 cm). Or two smaller ones. If you don't have this exact size, don't sweat it. Anything oven-safe will work.

And that's it! No need for any fancy equipment.

Things to make with cauliflower don't need to be complicated! with these ingredients and equipment, you're all set to create some proper dishes with cauliflower .

This recipe offers a perfect way to enjoy dinner sides easy healthy , especially with this vegetarian cauliflower bake being a hearty option.

This goes perfectly with a good side for dinner

So, gather your bits and bobs, and let's get cooking!

Alright, guv'nor, fancy a bit of comfort food that's not just good for the soul but sneaks in some veggies too? today, we're tackling cheesy baked cauliflower casserole : comfort food gets a healthy upgrade.

Honestly, forget what you think you know about cauliflower. we're about to make something amazing . it's one of those things to make with cauliflower that will have even the picky eaters asking for seconds.

This isn't your nan's soggy cauliflower cheese recipe – this is the 21st-century upgrade.

Cheesy Baked Cauliflower Casserole Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:40 Mins

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 lbs / 900g), cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
• ½ teaspoon salt (2.5 ml)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (1.25 ml)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (56g / 60ml)
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour (32g / 45ml)
• 3 cups whole milk (720 ml)
• ½ teaspoon salt (2.5 ml)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (1.25 ml)
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (1.25 ml)
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (150g)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (25g)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (14g / 15ml)
• A pinch of smoked paprika

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper on the baking sheet. Roast until tender and slightly browned.
• Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
• Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
• Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
• Remove from heat. Stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add cheddar and Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
• Pour cheese sauce over roasted cauliflower and stir gently to combine. Transfer to the baking dish.
• If using, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
• Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:350 calories

Fat:22g

Fiber:2g

Recipe Info

Category:Side Dish

Cuisine:American

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

Before we dive in, let's get organised. essential mise en place is key! we're talking about chopping the cauliflower into florets – about 2 lbs (900g) worth.

Grab 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil, ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) of salt and ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) of pepper.

Make sure you have your cheese sauce ingredients ready: 4 tablespoons (56g / 60ml) of butter, 4 tablespoons (32g / 45ml) of flour, 3 cups (720 ml) of milk, plus more salt, pepper and ¼ teaspoon (1.

25 ml) of ground nutmeg. oh, and 1 ½ cups (150g) of cheddar and ½ cup (50g) of parmesan. see? right proper list ready to go! this makes cooking super smooth, trust me.

Baked Cauliflower: The Step-by-Step

Here's the lowdown:

1. Roast the Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Toss the cauliflower with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for about 20 minutes , until tender and slightly browned. Not burnt!
2. Make the Roux: Melt 4 tablespoons (56g / 60ml) of butter in a saucepan. Whisk in 4 tablespoons (32g / 45ml) of flour. Cook for 1- 2 minutes .
3. Creamy Goodness: Gradually whisk in 3 cups (720 ml) of milk until smooth. Stir constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat and simmer for 5- 7 minutes . Keep stirring until the sauce thickens nicely.
5. Cheesy Time! Remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt, ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) pepper, and ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) of nutmeg. Add the cheddar and Parmesan. Stir until melted and lush .
6. Combine and Bake: Pour the cheese sauce over your lovely, roasted cauliflower. Give it a gentle mix. Transfer to a greased baking dish. I use a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, but two smaller ones work too.
7. Golden Brown: Bake for 20- 25 minutes at 400° F ( 200° C) until golden brown.

Pro Tips and Tricks

• Don't Overcook! Mushy cauliflower is the enemy. You want it tender-crisp, not baby food.
• Cheese Matters: Use good quality, mature cheddar. It makes a world of difference to this Creamy baked cauliflower .
• Make Ahead Magic: You can assemble this bad boy a day ahead. Just add a few minutes to the baking time when you're ready to cook. If baking from cold, the sauce may split when baking from cold, so make sure you reheat thoroughly.

This Easy cauliflower casserole is perfect as one of your Good Sides For Dinner . Enjoy!

Right then, let's dive into some handy recipe notes for this Cheesy Baked Cauliflower Casserole. Consider this your little cheat sheet for success, guv'nor!

Recipe Notes: Making Your Cheesy Baked Cauliflower Shine

Serving Suggestions: Plating & Perfect Pairings

This isn’t just a dish; it's an experience! when plating, think rustic charm. spoon a generous helping onto a plate.

Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. a few extra breadcrumbs never hurt anyone either. as for sides, this creamy baked cauliflower is fantastic with roasted chicken.

Good sides for dinner? a crisp green salad would cut through the richness nicely. or, pair it with a hearty lentil soup for a cosy vegetarian meal.

Storage Tips: Keeping the Good Times Rolling

Got leftovers? lucky you! let the casserole cool completely before covering it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. then, pop it in the fridge.

It'll keep for up to 3 days. for longer storage, freezing is an option. portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it will last up to 2 months.

Reheating is simple. just bake it in a preheated oven at 350° f ( 175° c) until heated through. the microwave works too.

But, honestly, the oven gives you the best texture. things to make with cauliflower just got easier to store!

Variations: Remixing the Classics

Fancy a twist? try adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the breadcrumb topping for a smoky flavour. for a lighter, healthier version, you could use greek yogurt instead of some of the milk in the cheese sauce.

This cuts down on the fat while adding a tangy flavour. a great seasonal ingredient swap? in autumn, consider roasting some butternut squash alongside the cauliflower for extra sweetness.

Cauliflower cheese recipe possibilities are endless.

Nutrition Basics: A Healthy Dose of Deliciousness

This cheesy baked cauliflower is more than just comfort food. it's packed with nutrients! cauliflower is a great source of vitamin c and fiber.

The cheese adds protein and calcium. of course, it's not exactly a low-calorie dish. but, it's all about balance, innit? enjoy it as part of a well-rounded diet, and you'll reap the benefits.

Dishes with cauliflower can be both delicious and nutritious. calories :350 protein :18g fat :22g carbohydrates :20g

So, there you have it. a right proper guide to making the most of your baked cauliflower masterpiece. go on, give it a go.

I reckon you'll be chuffed with the results! honestly, it's easier than you think!