Creamy Mustard Cheese Cauliflower Bake
Delightfully tender steamed cauliflower is smothered in a luscious, creamy cheese sauce infused with tangy yellow mustard. This unique dish offers a perfect balance of flavors, making it a comforting side that sparks discussion - you either love it or leave it! A family favorite at gatherings, this recipe is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a great way to incorporate more veggies into your meal. Serve it alongside grilled meats or as part of a vegetarian feast, and watch it become the star of the table!
6
Servings
267
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cauliflower
1 head (cored & broken into medium florets)
American cheese or mild cheddar cheese
1.5 cups (grated or shredded)
Mayonnaise
1 cup (none)
Yellow mustard
1-2 teaspoons (to taste (recommended: French's))
Instructions
1
Start by rinsing the cauliflower and removing the core. Cut it into medium-sized florets.
2
Arrange the florets in a steamer insert and place it into a pan, making sure that the water barely touches the bottom of the steamer.
3
Steam the cauliflower for 5-10 minutes until it's tender yet maintains a slight crispness—be careful not to overcook it. Once done, remove the steamer basket and set the cauliflower aside.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated cheese, and mustard. Mix well until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. If you're not using it right away, refrigerate the mixture.
5
Just before serving, place the steamed florets in a microwavable bowl or casserole dish. Heat the cauliflower in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes to warm it up.
6
Once heated, evenly top the cauliflower with the cheese mixture and microwave on high for 2-4 minutes more, or until the cheese melts beautifully on top without running off into the dish. Watch closely to avoid scorching!
7
Serve immediately, enjoying the creamy, tangy goodness of this delightful dish.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
8g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Mustard Cheese Cauliflower Bake?
It is a side dish featuring steamed cauliflower florets topped with a creamy sauce made from mayonnaise, cheese, and yellow mustard.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients are one head of cauliflower, American or mild cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and yellow mustard.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
Is this cauliflower bake vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is classified as a vegetarian side dish.
How long should I steam the cauliflower?
You should steam the cauliflower florets for 5 to 10 minutes until they are tender yet maintain a slight crispness.
What type of cheese is recommended?
The recipe suggests using either American cheese or a mild cheddar cheese, preferably grated or shredded.
What kind of mustard should I use?
Yellow mustard is recommended, specifically French's brand for a classic tangy flavor.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 267 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 20 grams of fat.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 10 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 8 grams of carbohydrates.
Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the mayonnaise, cheese, and mustard in advance and keep the mixture refrigerated.
How do I prepare the cauliflower?
Rinse the cauliflower, remove the core, and break it into medium-sized florets before steaming.
Is this recipe prepared in the oven or microwave?
While the cauliflower is steamed on a stovetop, the final melting of the cheese is done in the microwave.
How long do I microwave the dish to melt the cheese?
Microwave on high for 2 to 4 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully.
Can I use a different type of mustard like Dijon?
Yes, but keep in mind that Dijon is more pungent, so you may want to adjust the quantity to taste.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish is creamy and tender, with a luscious sauce that coats the slightly crisp cauliflower.
What can I serve with this cauliflower bake?
It pairs perfectly with grilled meats or can be served as a hearty component of a vegetarian feast.
How do I avoid overcooking the cauliflower?
Check it frequently during the 5-10 minute steaming window to ensure it stays tender-crisp.
Does this recipe include fiber information?
Fiber information is not provided for this specific recipe data.
Is the sodium content listed?
No, the sodium content is not specified in this nutritional breakdown.
Can I use frozen cauliflower florets?
Yes, you can use frozen florets, though steaming times may vary slightly compared to fresh cauliflower.
Should the cheese mixture be smooth?
Yes, you should mix the mayonnaise, cheese, and mustard until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
How do I prevent the cheese from scorching in the microwave?
Watch the dish closely during the final 2-4 minutes of microwaving and stop as soon as it is melted.
What makes this dish unique?
The infusion of tangy yellow mustard into the cheese sauce provides a distinct and discussion-sparking flavor profile.
How much cheese is needed?
You will need 1.5 cups of grated or shredded cheese.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Based on the nutritional data provided, the sugar content is null or not listed.
How do I reheat the cauliflower before adding the sauce?
Place the steamed florets in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1 to 2 minutes to warm them up.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is noted as a family favorite at gatherings and a great way to serve more vegetables to kids.
Can I use light mayonnaise?
You can substitute light mayonnaise, though the sauce may be slightly less rich and creamy than the original version.