Baked Cheddar Cauliflower: Discover a Cheesy Delight! Recipe
Indulge in the delightful combination of tender cauliflower florets smothered in a rich and gooey cheddar cheese sauce, baked to perfection. This Baked Cheddar Cauliflower dish is a comforting and flavorful side that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower (about 2 pounds), cut into florets
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2% works best for creaminess)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for a little kick!)
Optional Add-ons
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for a crunchy topping)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for extra cheesiness)
- Chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives (for garnish)
- Cooked bacon bits (for a smoky flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy!)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven – Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking.
- Step 2: Prepare the Cauliflower – Cut the cauliflower into florets, rinse, and pat dry.
- Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce – Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to create a roux for the sauce.
Notes
- Select fresh cauliflower for best results.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties for unique flavors.
- Add optional ingredients to customize the dish to your liking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Baked Cheddar Cauliflower, Cauliflower Recipe, Cheesy Cauliflower, Side Dish
