Savory Curried Cauliflower Casserole
Elevate your vegetable game with this Savory Curried Cauliflower Casserole. Perfectly tender cauliflower florets are combined with a rich, creamy sauce featuring cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and a hint of curry powder, all baked to golden perfection. This dish offers a delightful fusion of flavors, making it an irresistible side dish or a vegetarian main course. Ideal for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight meal, it's a heartwarming recipe that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cauliflower
1 medium (Cut into florets.)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (For boiling water.)
Cream of Chicken Soup
1 (10.5 ounce) can (Ready to use.)
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 cup (Ready to use.)
Mayonnaise
1/3 cup (Ready to use.)
Butter or Margarine
2 tablespoons (Melted.)
Curry Powder
1 teaspoon (Ready to use.)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Start by carefully cutting the cauliflower into evenly sized florets.
3
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
4
Add the cauliflower florets to the boiling water and cook for about 10 minutes, or until they are tender but still hold their shape. Drain well and set aside.
5
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, melted butter, and curry powder. Stir until all ingredients are well blended.
6
Arrange the drained cauliflower florets in a lightly greased 8-inch square baking dish, spreading them out evenly.
7
Pour the creamy cheese mixture over the cauliflower, ensuring all florets are coated.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly, and the top is slightly golden.
9
Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve warm. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Curried Cauliflower Casserole?
It is a comfort food dish featuring tender cauliflower florets baked in a creamy sauce made with cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, cream of chicken soup, and curry powder.
What are the primary ingredients needed for this casserole?
The main ingredients include one medium cauliflower, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, butter, curry powder, and salt for boiling.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 7 ingredients required for this recipe.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How do I prepare the cauliflower before baking?
The cauliflower should be cut into evenly sized florets and boiled in salted water for about 10 minutes until tender.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The dish should bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until it is hot, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
What size baking dish is recommended?
An 8-inch square baking dish is ideal for this recipe.
Does the baking dish need to be greased?
Yes, you should use a lightly greased baking dish to prevent sticking.
How much curry powder is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of curry powder.
What type of cheese is used for the creamy sauce?
One cup of shredded cheddar cheese is used to create the rich, cheesy flavor.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either 2 tablespoons of melted butter or margarine.
Is there mayonnaise in this cauliflower casserole?
Yes, 1/3 cup of mayonnaise is mixed into the sauce for extra creaminess.
What kind of soup is used as a base?
One 10.5-ounce can of cream of chicken soup is used as the base for the sauce.
How long should I boil the cauliflower?
Boil the florets for approximately 10 minutes, or until they are tender but still hold their shape.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
While the tags suggest it as a vegetarian option, note that it uses cream of chicken soup; for a strictly vegetarian version, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom or celery soup.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, it can be served as a hearty vegetarian main course or as a flavorful side dish.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish has tender cauliflower florets enveloped in a rich, thick, and bubbly creamy sauce.
How should I drain the cauliflower?
After boiling, drain the cauliflower well to ensure the casserole doesn't become too watery.
Can I use frozen cauliflower florets?
Yes, you can use frozen florets; just ensure they are thawed and cooked briefly or steamed before adding to the sauce.
How do I mix the sauce ingredients?
Combine the soup, shredded cheese, mayonnaise, melted butter, and curry powder in a mixing bowl and stir until well blended.
Should the sauce be poured over or mixed with the cauliflower?
The recipe instructs you to arrange the cauliflower in the dish first and then pour the mixture over the top, ensuring all florets are coated.
What are the flavor profiles of this dish?
It offers a savory and slightly spicy fusion of cheddar cheese and aromatic curry powder.
Is this recipe good for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a heartwarming recipe ideal for family gatherings or comforting weeknight meals.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not explicitly stated, an 8-inch square casserole typically serves 4 to 6 people as a side dish.
Can I add a crunchy topping?
While the recipe doesn't call for one, you could add breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking for added texture.
What should I do after removing the dish from the oven?
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I increase the amount of curry powder?
Yes, if you prefer a stronger curry flavor, you can adjust the amount to your personal taste.
Does this recipe require a lot of prep work?
No, the prep is simple, involving mainly cutting the cauliflower and mixing the sauce ingredients.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While cheddar is recommended for its sharp flavor, you could substitute it with Colby Jack or Monterey Jack if preferred.