Cheesy Baked Cauliflower
This Cheesy Baked Cauliflower recipe brings a delightful twist to a classic dish, making it a perfect accompaniment or a vegetarian main. Based on a cherished family recipe from the Usborne Children's World Cookbook, this version enhances the humble cauliflower with a rich and creamy cheese sauce. Whether you choose a robust cheddar for a bold flavor or go traditional with Edam or Gouda for that authentic Dutch taste, your taste buds will thank you. Ideal for gatherings or weeknight dinners, this dish is both comforting and satisfying. Serve it alongside your favorite protein or enjoy it on its own for a delicious meal!
4
Servings
100
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cheese
4 ounces (grated)
Cauliflower
1 head (cleaned, cored, and cut into quarters)
Butter
2 tablespoons (unsalted)
Flour
2 tablespoons (all-purpose)
Milk
1 cup (preferably whole or 2%)
Salt
1 pinch (to taste)
Black Pepper
1 pinch (to taste)
Nutmeg
1 pinch (freshly grated if possible)
Instructions
1
Start by prepping the cauliflower: remove the leaves, rinse thoroughly, and cut out the core. Then, slice the cauliflower into quarters.
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, gently add the cauliflower pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain the cauliflower and place it in an ovenproof casserole dish.
3
While the cauliflower is cooking, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Once melted, gradually add the flour, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon to form a smooth paste.
4
Continue to cook the flour and butter mixture gently for about a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste, then remove the saucepan from the heat.
5
Slowly whisk in the milk, adding a little at a time to avoid lumps, until the mixture is fully combined.
6
Return the saucepan to low heat and allow the sauce to simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
7
Once thickened, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the majority of the grated cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Add the salt, black pepper, and freshly grated nutmeg, adjusting seasoning to taste.
8
Pour the cheese sauce generously over the cooked cauliflower in the casserole dish, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Top with the reserved cheese for an extra cheesy finish.
9
Preheat your broiler and place the casserole dish under it for a few minutes, watching closely until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Cheesy Baked Cauliflower as a delightful side or main dish!
Nutrition Information
6.25g
Fat
6g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Baked Cauliflower?
Cheesy Baked Cauliflower is a comforting dish where cauliflower quarters are boiled until tender, covered in a homemade cheese sauce, and broiled until golden brown.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of Cheesy Baked Cauliflower?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is categorized as vegetarian.
What type of cheese is recommended for this recipe?
You can use a robust cheddar for bold flavor, or Edam or Gouda for a more traditional Dutch taste.
How do I prepare the cauliflower before cooking?
Remove the leaves, rinse the cauliflower thoroughly, cut out the core, and slice the head into quarters.
How long should I boil the cauliflower?
Boil the cauliflower pieces in salted water for 5-6 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
What ingredients are needed for the cheese sauce?
The sauce requires butter, all-purpose flour, milk, grated cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
How do I make the base of the sauce?
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat and gradually stir in 2 tablespoons of flour to form a smooth paste.
How do I ensure the cheese sauce is smooth and lump-free?
Slowly whisk in the milk a little at a time while the mixture is off the heat to avoid lumps.
How long should the sauce simmer?
Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
When should I add the seasonings to the sauce?
Add the salt, pepper, and nutmeg after the cheese has melted into the thickened sauce.
What is the final cooking step?
Place the sauce-covered cauliflower under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 6.25 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving provides 5 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 6 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of milk works best for the sauce?
The recipe suggests using whole or 2% milk for the best results.
Can I use ground nutmeg if I don't have fresh?
Yes, although freshly grated nutmeg is preferred for its aroma and flavor.
What should I serve with Cheesy Baked Cauliflower?
It can be served alongside your favorite protein or enjoyed as a standalone vegetarian main meal.
Is the cauliflower core used in the recipe?
No, the instructions specify to cut out and remove the core during prep.
What is the origin of this specific recipe version?
It is based on a family recipe from the Usborne Children's World Cookbook.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
How much cheese is required in total?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of grated cheese.
Does this recipe include any sugar or fiber information?
The provided nutritional data does not list sugar or fiber content.
Can this dish be considered Dutch cuisine?
Yes, it is tagged as Dutch cuisine, especially when using traditional cheeses like Edam or Gouda.
What kind of dish should I use for baking?
An ovenproof casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
Should the sauce be cooked on high heat?
No, the sauce should be prepared and simmered over low heat to prevent burning or curdling.
Is there a specific amount of salt and pepper to use?
The recipe suggests a pinch of each, but you should adjust the seasoning to your personal taste.
How long do I leave it under the broiler?
Broil for just a few minutes, watching closely to ensure it reaches a perfect golden brown without burning.
Can I use this sauce recipe for other vegetables?
While designed for cauliflower, this creamy cheese sauce technique can be applied to many other cooked vegetables.