Creamy Cheddar Cauliflower Bake
Indulge in this delectable Creamy Cheddar Cauliflower Bake, a rich and comforting dish that elevates the humble cauliflower into a cheesy delight. This recipe features tender cauliflower florets enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce made with light cream and sharp cheddar, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Enhanced with sautéed onions, a hint of spice, and fresh parsley for garnish, this bake is perfect for family dinners or potlucks. For those who love cheese, feel free to add extra on top before baking! Make it ahead of time by preparing and chilling it in the fridge up to 24 hours in advance, then simply bake when you’re ready to serve.
N/A
Servings
135
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cauliflower
1 1/2 lb (washed, leaves and stem removed, cut into florets)
Onion
1 small (chopped (about 1/3 cup))
Butter or Margarine
2 tablespoons (melted)
All-purpose Flour
2 tablespoons
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Pepper
1/8-1/4 teaspoon
Ground Red Pepper
1 dash
Light Cream or Milk
1 cup
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1/2 cup
Fresh Parsley
2 tablespoons (snipped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Wash the cauliflower thoroughly, removing any leaves and the woody stem, then cut it into bite-sized florets (approximately 4 cups).
3
In a medium saucepan, bring a small amount of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets, cover, and cook for 5 minutes. Drain the florets and set aside.
4
In the same saucepan, melt the butter or margarine over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened but not browned, about 4-5 minutes.
5
Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, and a dash of ground red pepper, cooking for an additional minute to create a roux.
6
Gradually whisk in the light cream (or milk) until well combined. Cook and stir continuously until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 2-3 minutes.
7
Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until melted and smooth.
8
Gently fold in the cooked cauliflower florets until evenly coated.
9
Transfer the cauliflower and cheese mixture to a greased 1-quart casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
10
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
11
Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle with freshly snipped parsley before serving.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
4.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cheddar Cauliflower Bake?
It is a rich and comforting vegetable casserole featuring tender cauliflower florets in a creamy, sharp cheddar cheese sauce.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 135 calories.
What is the fat content for this recipe?
This dish contains 9g of fat per serving.
How many grams of protein are in the cauliflower bake?
There are 4.75g of protein per serving.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include cauliflower, onion, butter, flour, light cream or milk, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and chill the dish in the refrigerator up to 24 hours before you plan to bake it.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for baking.
How long do I need to boil the cauliflower?
Boil the florets in a small amount of salted water for 5 minutes before draining.
How much cauliflower is required for this recipe?
You will need 1.5 pounds of cauliflower, which is approximately 4 cups of bite-sized florets.
Can I use milk instead of light cream?
Yes, you can use either 1 cup of light cream or 1 cup of milk for the cheese sauce.
What spices are included in the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with salt, pepper, and a dash of ground red pepper for a hint of heat.
How do I make the roux for the sauce?
Melt butter, sauté onions until soft, then stir in flour and seasonings, cooking for one minute before adding liquid.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for shredded cheddar cheese, preferably sharp cheddar for the best flavor.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A greased 1-quart casserole dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
Yes, cover with foil for the first 15 minutes, then remove the foil for the final 10 minutes of baking.
How long is the total baking time?
The total baking time is 25 minutes (15 minutes covered and 10 minutes uncovered).
What is the garnish for this dish?
Freshly snipped parsley is used as a garnish after the dish is removed from the oven.
Can I add more cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to sprinkle extra cheese on top of the casserole before putting it in the oven.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 7.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped onion for 4-5 minutes until softened but not browned.
Is the cauliflower pre-cooked before baking?
Yes, the cauliflower is parboiled for 5 minutes before being mixed with the sauce and baked.
What is the texture of the finished cauliflower?
The cauliflower should be tender and enveloped in a smooth, bubbly cheese sauce.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either butter or margarine to be used.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The bake is ready when the sauce is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
How much onion is needed?
Use 1 small onion, which should yield about 1/3 cup when chopped.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly vegetable casserole.
What amount of flour is used for the thickening agent?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce.
Does this recipe include any spicy ingredients?
It includes a dash of ground red pepper, which adds a subtle heat without being overly spicy.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients, including the garnish.
What should I do with the cauliflower leaves?
The leaves and the woody stem should be removed and discarded before cutting the cauliflower into florets.