Name: Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium head cauliflower (about 2 pounds), cut into bite-size florets; 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for greasing); 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or tapioca flour for gluten-free); 1 ½ cups milk (almond milk or any preferred variety); 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, freshly grated; ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (divided); 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional); 2 tablespoons fresh chives or green onions, sliced

Description

A delicious Cheesy Cauliflower Bake that combines the natural goodness of cauliflower with a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

1 medium head cauliflower (about 2 pounds), cut into bite-size florets
2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for greasing)
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or tapioca flour for gluten-free)
1 ½ cups milk (almond milk or any preferred variety)
1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, freshly grated
⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (divided)
1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh chives or green onions, sliced

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Instructions

Blanch the Cauliflower: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 3–4 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Make Cheese Sauce: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Sprinkle in flour and stir for 1–2 minutes, then gradually whisk in milk and cook until slightly thickened. Lower the heat, add cheddar and half of the Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish. Spread blanched cauliflower in the dish and pour cheese sauce over. Top with remaining Parmesan and crumbled bacon if desired.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 22–25 minutes until bubbling and golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes.
Finish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped chives or green onions over the dish and serve hot.

Notes

For a lighter version, use half-and-half or plant-based milk. Incorporate additional veggies like spinach or broccoli for enhanced nutrition.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 30mg