Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with The Best Cauliflower Cheese Recipe, a delightful dish that seamlessly combines tender cauliflower florets with a rich, creamy cheese sauce. This versatile recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether served as a cozy main course or a festive side dish. With its velvety texture and deliciously cheesy flavor, even picky eaters will be eager to enjoy their vegetables. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, this cauliflower cheese is bound to become a staple in your dinner rotation!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head of cauliflower (cut into florets)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (warmed)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh thyme or parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Boil the cauliflower: In a large pot of salted water, cook the cauliflower florets for 5-6 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Create the cheese sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add warmed milk, stirring constantly until thickened (about 4-5 minutes). Stir in mustard, nutmeg, salt, pepper, cheddar, and Parmesan until smooth.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the drained cauliflower in a baking dish and pour the cheese sauce over it.
- Bake: Top with additional cheddar cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Broil for an extra 2-3 minutes if desired.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if using and enjoy hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 65mg