Cheesy Cauliflower Bake with Crunchy Chip Topping
Indulge in this delightful Cheesy Cauliflower Bake, where tender cauliflower flowerets are embraced by a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for autumn, especially when cauliflower is at its peak size. The combination of flavors from garlic and paprika adds depth, while the crunchy nacho-flavored tortilla chips on top provide a satisfying texture contrast. Perfect for both kids and adults, this dish can be easily customized for those cheesier cravings by increasing the sauce ingredients. Serve it as a side dish or a hearty main course; it’s bound to please any crowd!
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
cauliflower
1 head (broken into flowerets)
butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
skim milk
1 1/4 - 1 1/2 cups (none)
flour
2 - 3 tablespoons (none)
cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
white pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
paprika
1/4 teaspoon (none)
nacho cheese flavored tortilla chips
1/4 cup (finely crushed)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your cauliflower. Break it into small flowerets and steam them in a large saucepan until tender, which should take about 10 minutes. After steaming, drain the cauliflower well.
2
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease or spray an 8" x 8" (or larger) glass casserole dish with cooking spray.
3
Transfer the cooked cauliflower flowerets to the prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly.
4
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the skim milk, whisking continuously. Gradually sprinkle in the flour while stirring to create a smooth paste.
5
Continue cooking, stirring often, until the mixture thickens slightly, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, garlic powder, white pepper, and paprika. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and forms a smooth sauce.
6
Carefully pour the hot cheese sauce over the cauliflower, ensuring even coverage. For added crunch, evenly sprinkle the finely crushed nacho cheese-flavored tortilla chips on top. If desired, you can mix some of the chips into the cheese sauce for a softer texture.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce begins to bubble and the top slightly browns. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
11.25g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient in the Cheesy Cauliflower Bake?
The main ingredient is one head of cauliflower broken into small flowerets.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
There are 150 calories per serving.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long should I steam the cauliflower?
Steam the cauliflower flowerets for about 10 minutes until they are tender.
What type of cheese is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for one cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
What creates the crunchy topping for this bake?
The topping consists of 1/4 cup of finely crushed nacho cheese-flavored tortilla chips.
How much protein is in this recipe?
Each serving contains 7.5g of protein.
What kind of milk is used for the cheese sauce?
The recipe uses 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups of skim milk.
How much fat is in this dish?
There is 7.5g of fat per serving.
Is this cauliflower bake vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian.
What size baking dish should I use?
An 8-inch by 8-inch or larger glass casserole dish is recommended.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 11.25g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much flour is needed to thicken the sauce?
You will need 2 to 3 tablespoons of flour.
What spices are included in the cheese sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with salt, garlic powder, white pepper, and paprika.
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake the dish for 15-20 minutes until the sauce bubbles and the top browns.
Can this recipe be customized for extra cheesiness?
Yes, you can increase the sauce ingredients to satisfy cheesier cravings.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, it is described as perfect for both kids and adults.
What is the amount of butter required?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of butter.
How much garlic powder should I add?
Add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder to the sauce.
Can I mix the tortilla chips into the sauce?
Yes, you can mix some of the chips into the sauce if you prefer a softer texture.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Lightly grease or spray the dish with cooking spray before adding ingredients.
What amount of salt is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
What type of pepper is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper.
Why is this dish good for autumn?
It is ideal for autumn because that is when cauliflower is at its peak size.
How much paprika is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of paprika.
Should I serve this dish hot or cold?
This dish should be served hot.
Can this be served as a main course?
Yes, it can be served as either a side dish or a hearty main course.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients in total.
How do I know the sauce is ready before baking?
Stir the mixture until the cheese melts and forms a smooth sauce.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to break the cauliflower into flowerets and steam them until tender.