Indulge in the creamy and flavorful combination of cauliflower and cheese with this comfort food classic, Cauliflower Cheese. This dish features tender cauliflower florets smothered in a luscious cheese sauce and baked to golden perfection. It is a perfect side dish for any meal, and even picky eaters will fall in love with this delight. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up this mouthwatering dish in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 cauliflower (about 2 pounds)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Trim the leaves and tough stem from the cauliflower. Cut it into florets and steam them for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender but still slightly firm. Drain the florets and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes to make a roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Place the cauliflower florets in a baking dish and pour the cheese sauce over them. Gently toss the florets to ensure they are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the cauliflower.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable that is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium.
Cheese is a great source of calcium and protein, making this dish not only delicious but also nutritious.
This recipe can be easily customized by adding other vegetables such as broccoli or carrots for extra flavor and texture.
Cauliflower Cheese is a popular comfort food in many households and is often served alongside roast meats or as a vegetarian main dish.