Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
This Cheesy Cauliflower Bake is a scrumptious twist on the classic macaroni and cheese. Perfect for those looking to indulge in a rich, creamy dish without the pasta, this recipe combines roasted cauliflower with a velvety cheese sauce made from Fontina and Parmesan. Topped with a sprinkle of parsley for freshness, it's an excellent side or a main dish for any occasion. Easy to make and ready in under an hour, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that'll make you forget about traditional mac & cheese!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (drizzled over the cauliflower)
Cauliflower
1 large head (about 2 pounds) (cut into florets)
Unsalted butter
4 tablespoons (melted)
All-purpose flour
1/4 cup (for thickening the sauce)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Whole milk
3 cups (for the cheese sauce)
Grated Fontina cheese
2 cups (for the cheese sauce)
Ground Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (for the cheese sauce)
Chopped parsley
1/4 cup (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, then arrange the cauliflower florets in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss the florets to ensure they are evenly coated.
3
Roast the cauliflower in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are tender and beginning to turn golden brown. Once done, transfer the roasted cauliflower into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
4
In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously to form a paste without browning.
5
Gradually whisk in the whole milk, bringing the mixture to a boil while stirring frequently. Continue cooking until the sauce has thickened (approximately 5 minutes).
6
Lower the heat and stir in the grated Fontina cheese and ground Parmesan cheese until melted and fully combined. Season the cheese sauce with salt and a generous amount of black pepper to taste.
7
Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the roasted cauliflower and gently toss to coat everything well.
8
Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the dish is golden brown and bubbling. Allow to cool for about 15 minutes before serving, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
11g
Carbs
17.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Cauliflower Bake?
This recipe is a scrumptious twist on classic macaroni and cheese that uses roasted cauliflower instead of pasta.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is classified as a vegetarian meal.
How long does it take to cook in total?
The recipe involves 20 minutes of roasting followed by 30-35 minutes of baking, making it ready in under an hour.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What types of cheese are used in the sauce?
The velvety sauce is made using 2 cups of grated Fontina and 1/2 cup of ground Parmesan cheese.
How much fat is in this dish?
There is 20g of fat per serving in this recipe.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
Is this a low-carb meal?
Yes, with only 11g of carbohydrates per serving, it is an excellent low-carb alternative to traditional pasta dishes.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This cauliflower bake provides 17.5g of protein per serving.
What size baking dish is required?
You will need a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish for this recipe.
How do I prepare the cauliflower before roasting?
You should cut one large head of cauliflower into florets and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
What kind of milk is recommended for the cheese sauce?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of whole milk to ensure the sauce is rich and creamy.
What is used to thicken the cheese sauce?
The sauce is thickened using a roux made from 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour.
What seasonings are used in the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with salt and a generous amount of black pepper to taste.
How long should the dish cool before serving?
It is recommended to allow the bake to cool for about 15 minutes to let the sauce set properly.
Is the cauliflower roasted before it is baked with the sauce?
Yes, the cauliflower is roasted for 20 minutes until tender and golden brown before being combined with the cheese sauce.
What is the recommended garnish?
The dish is garnished with 1/4 cup of freshly chopped parsley for a touch of freshness.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients including olive oil, cauliflower, butter, flour, salt, milk, Fontina, Parmesan, and parsley.
How do I prepare the Parmesan cheese?
The Parmesan cheese should be ground before being stirred into the sauce.
What are the steps to make the cheese sauce?
Melt butter, whisk in flour to form a paste, gradually whisk in milk until thickened, and then stir in the Fontina and Parmesan cheeses.
Can this be served as a main dish?
Yes, it is versatile enough to be served as either a rich side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course.
How much Fontina cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of grated Fontina cheese.
What is the weight of the cauliflower needed?
The recipe calls for one large head of cauliflower, which is approximately 2 pounds.
Why is the cauliflower roasted first?
Roasting ensures the cauliflower is tender and adds a depth of flavor and golden color that boiling cannot achieve.
Does this recipe contain any added sugar?
No, based on the nutritional information, there is no sugar added to this dish.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifically calls for 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
How long should I cook the flour and butter paste?
You should cook the flour and butter mixture for 1-2 minutes while stirring continuously to remove the raw flour taste.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its rich, creamy, and cheesy nature.
What is the final texture of the dish?
The final bake should be golden brown and bubbling with a velvety, thick cheese sauce coating tender cauliflower.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil to coat the cauliflower florets for roasting.