Savory Curried Cauliflower Delight
This Savory Curried Cauliflower Delight is a comforting casserole that beautifully melds the earthy flavors of fresh cauliflower with a creamy, spiced sauce. Ideal for a cozy family dinner, this dish serves 4 but can easily be adapted for larger gatherings by doubling the ingredients and using a larger baking dish. With a delightful crunch from buttery cracker topping and the richness of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, this casserole is a performance of flavors and textures. To make this a heartier main course, consider adding cooked chicken or turkey for a satisfying meal. Perfect to serve on chilly evenings or as a standout side dish during festive occasions!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cauliflower
1 large head (cut into large florets)
Cream of chicken soup
1 (10 ounce) can (undiluted)
Cheddar cheese
1 1/4 cups (grated)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (divided)
Mayonnaise
1/3 cup (none)
Butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
Curry powder
2 teaspoons (or to taste)
Salt
to taste (optional)
Black pepper
to taste (none)
Crushed butter flavored crackers
1 cup (like Ritz)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Butter an 8-inch square baking dish generously to prevent sticking.
3
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook until tender but firm, about 4-5 minutes. Drain the cauliflower well and set aside.
4
Distribute the cooked cauliflower evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the undiluted cream of chicken soup, grated cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, melted butter, curry powder, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are incorporated and the sauce is smooth.
6
Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the cauliflower, ensuring it's fully coated.
7
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top, followed by an even layer of crushed butter-flavored crackers for a crunchy topping.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden on top. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Curried Cauliflower Delight?
It is a comforting cauliflower casserole featuring a creamy, curry-spiced sauce and a buttery cracker topping.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe serves 4 people.
What is the recommended oven temperature for this dish?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the cauliflower need to boil?
Boil the cauliflower florets for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender but still firm.
What size baking dish should I use?
An 8-inch square baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
What type of soup is used in the sauce?
One 10-ounce can of undiluted cream of chicken soup is used.
Which cheeses are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/4 cups of grated cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
How much curry powder is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of curry powder, or more to taste.
What creates the crunchy topping?
A mixture of 1 cup of crushed butter-flavored crackers (like Ritz) and Parmesan cheese creates the topping.
How long should the casserole bake?
Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes until it is bubbly and golden on top.
Can I add protein to make it a main course?
Yes, you can add cooked chicken or turkey to make it a heartier meal.
Is the Parmesan cheese added all at once?
No, the 1/2 cup of Parmesan is divided: 1/4 cup goes into the sauce and 1/4 cup is sprinkled on top.
What is the preparation for the cauliflower?
One large head of cauliflower should be cut into large florets.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, the dish should be buttered generously to prevent sticking.
Does the recipe include mayonnaise?
Yes, 1/3 cup of mayonnaise is mixed into the sauce for richness.
Is salt required in the recipe?
Salt is optional and should be added to taste.
What other seasonings are used?
Black pepper and curry powder are the primary seasonings.
Can I double this recipe for a party?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish for larger gatherings.
Should the soup be diluted?
No, the cream of chicken soup should be used undiluted.
How do I know when the cauliflower is ready to be drained?
It should be tender enough to pierce with a fork but still firm enough to hold its shape.
Do I need to melt the butter before mixing?
Yes, 3 tablespoons of butter should be melted before being added to the sauce mixture.
Can I use a different type of cracker?
While Ritz is suggested, any butter-flavored cracker will work for the topping.
Is this dish served hot?
Yes, but it is recommended to let it cool slightly before serving.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
The tags list it as vegetarian, but note that it uses cream of chicken soup; use cream of mushroom or celery for a true vegetarian version.
What makes the sauce smooth?
Mixing the soup, cheese, mayonnaise, and melted butter thoroughly creates a smooth sauce.
When do I add the crackers?
The crushed crackers are added as the final layer on top of the casserole before baking.
What is the primary vegetable in this dish?
Fresh cauliflower is the main ingredient.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, the curry powder can be adjusted based on your personal preference.
Is this dish good for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish to serve on chilly evenings.
What texture can I expect from the finished dish?
The dish features a creamy, cheesy interior with a delightful crunch from the cracker topping.