A comforting and cheesy side dish or vegetarian main course. This recipe features roasted cauliflower topped with a creamy, cheesy sauce and baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roast cauliflower: Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
- Make the cheese sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and nutmeg until melted and smooth.
- Assemble and bake:
- Transfer roasted cauliflower to a baking dish.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower.
- If desired, sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese sauce is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy as a side dish or a vegetarian main course.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the cauliflower while roasting.
- Use a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
- You can substitute broccoli or other vegetables for the cauliflower.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
Enjoy your delicious Baked Cauliflower Cheese!