🥦 Cheesy Baked Cauliflower
Tender roasted cauliflower coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce and baked until golden and bubbling.
🛒 Ingredients
1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1½ cups milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp onion powder
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, optional
👩🍳 Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the cauliflower: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cauliflower and cook for 4–5 minutes, just until slightly tender. Drain very well.
Make the cheese sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder.
Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
Assemble: Place cauliflower in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top and gently toss to coat.
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and golden brown.
For an extra-crispy top, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
💡 Tips
Make sure the cauliflower is well drained so the casserole doesn’t become watery.
Add cooked bacon, ham, or shredded chicken for a heartier version.
For a crunchy topping, mix ½ cup breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp melted butter and sprinkle over the Parmesan before baking.
