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Creamy Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

Creamy Cheesy Cauliflower Bake for Cozy Holiday Gatherings

This Creamy Cheesy Cauliflower Bake is a quick, crowd-pleasing side dish that transforms humble cauliflower into a comforting delight for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Quick Meals
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cauliflower
  • 1 head Cauliflower Substitute with broccoli if desired.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Melted butter can also be used.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can be used for a more intense flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Rosemary Thyme can be substituted.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons Butter Margarine can be used for a dairy-free option.
  • 3 tablespoons Flour Gluten-free flour can be used.
  • 1 cup Cream or Milk Almond milk can be used for a lighter version.
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard Dijon is preferred; can be omitted for milder flavor.
For Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons Chives Substitute with green onions if needed.

Equipment

  • Baking dish
  • medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Chop cauliflower into uniform florets and place in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rosemary.
  3. Roast cauliflower in the oven for about 10 minutes until slightly softened and lightly browned.
  4. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux and cook for 2 minutes.
  5. Slowly whisk in cream or milk until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Add shredded mozzarella and cheddar to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with additional garlic powder, pepper, and mustard.
  7. Pour cheese sauce over the roasted cauliflower, mixing gently. Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 20 minutes.
  8. For a crispy top, sprinkle more cheese and broil for 2-3 minutes, monitoring closely.
  9. Garnish with chopped chives before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 10gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking for convenient entertaining.

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