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Cheesy Baked Cauliflower

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Are you looking for a healthy yet indulgent dish that satisfies both cheese lovers and veggie enthusiasts? This Cheesy Baked Cauliflower is the perfect solution! It combines roasted, caramelized cauliflower with a rich, gooey cheese sauce, creating a creamy, crispy, and absolutely irresistible dish.

Whether served as a side dish, snack, or even a light main course, this recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Crispy & Creamy – Roasted cauliflower provides a slight crunch, while the cheese sauce delivers a smooth, velvety texture.
✔ Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly – A perfect substitute for mac and cheese with fewer carbs!
✔ Easy to Make – Only 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking!
✔ Customizable – Add bacon, breadcrumbs, or spice it up with chili flakes.
✔ Kid-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love this cheesy goodness!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Roasted Cauliflower:

  • 1 large head of cauliflower (cut into florets)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1 tsp paprika (optional, for a smoky kick)

For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or almond flour for keto-friendly)
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2% works best)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, your choice)
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for extra gooeyness)
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Optional Toppings:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)
  • Crumbled bacon or breadcrumbs (for crunch and extra flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Baking Sheet

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

💡 Pro Tip: Preheating the pan helps the cauliflower roast faster and caramelize beautifully!

Step 2: Roast the Cauliflower

  1. In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with:
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (optional, for depth of flavor)
  • 1 tsp paprika (optional, for a smoky touch)
  1. Spread the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  2. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and tender.

💡 Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, roast at 425°F (220°C) for the last 5 minutes!

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in 2 tbsp flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
  3. Gradually whisk in 1 cup milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
  4. Let the mixture simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Lower the heat and stir in the cheeses:
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  1. Add ¼ tsp garlic powder and ¼ tsp onion powder for extra flavor.
  2. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
See also  Lemon Scones

💡 Pro Tip: For an extra rich sauce, add ¼ cup heavy cream or sour cream!

Step 4: Combine & Bake

  1. Transfer the roasted cauliflower to a baking dish.
  2. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower, ensuring all florets are coated.
  3. If desired, sprinkle extra shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, or crumbled bacon on top.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

💡 Pro Tip: Broil for the last 2–3 minutes for a crispy, cheesy crust!

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

  1. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley or crushed red pepper flakes.
  3. Serve hot and enjoy your cheesy cauliflower goodness!

Why This Recipe Works

✨ Roasting Brings Out Flavor – Caramelizing the cauliflower enhances its natural sweetness and nuttiness.
✨ Perfectly Creamy & Cheesy – A smooth, rich cheese sauce coats every floret.
✨ Better Than Store-Bought – Homemade beats processed cheese sauces any day!
✨ Easily Customizable – Adjust the spices, cheese types, or add bacon for extra indulgence.

Variations & Customizations

✅ Keto-Friendly Version – Swap flour for almond flour and use heavy cream instead of milk.
✅ Spicy Cauliflower Bake – Add chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper for a kick!
✅ Herby Twist – Stir in fresh thyme or rosemary for depth of flavor.
✅ Extra Protein – Add cooked, diced chicken or crispy bacon.
✅ Vegan Alternative – Use dairy-free milk, vegan butter, and plant-based cheese.

Serving Suggestions

🍗 With Grilled Chicken or Steak – A great low-carb side dish.
🥗 As a Main Dish – Serve with a side salad for a light yet satisfying meal.
🍞 With Garlic Bread – For a complete comfort food experience.
🍷 With a Glass of White Wine – Perfect for a cozy dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Yes! Thaw and pat dry before roasting to prevent excess moisture.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

3. How do I reheat it?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or in the air fryer for 5 minutes.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Roast the cauliflower and make the cheese sauce ahead of time. Assemble and bake right before serving.

5. Can I make it without baking?

Absolutely! Simply roast the cauliflower and toss it with the cheese sauce—no baking required.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Baked Cauliflower is the perfect comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s an easy, low-carb alternative to mac and cheese and makes a fantastic side dish or main course.

Try this recipe today and let the cheesy goodness take over your taste buds!