The Best Cauliflower Cheese Recipe
If you’re searching for a dish that embodies comfort and satisfaction, look no further than this creamy cauliflower cheese recipe. This delightful dish features tender cauliflower enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce and baked until golden and bubbling. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it transforms simple ingredients into a memorable experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether served as a side or the star of a vegetarian meal, this dish is sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Boil salted water in a large pot. Add cauliflower florets and cook for 5-6 minutes until tender but firm. Drain well.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add warmed milk while whisking until thickened (about 4–5 minutes). Stir in mustard, nutmeg, salt, pepper, cheddar, and Parmesan until smooth.
- Place cooked cauliflower in a baking dish and pour the cheese sauce over it. Top with extra cheddar.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly. For an extra crispy top, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg