If you’re looking for a delicious, cheesy, and comforting side dish, this Baked Cauliflower Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need! Imagine tender cauliflower florets smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, then baked to golden perfection. This dish is low-carb, keto-friendly, and packed with flavor, making it a fantastic alternative to traditional mac and cheese.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or even as a cozy meal on its own, this classic British-inspired dish is sure to be a hit. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Creamy & Cheesy Goodness – Loaded with melty cheese and a velvety sauce.
✔ Healthy & Low-Carb – A great keto-friendly alternative to pasta dishes.
✔ Super Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and oven-baked to perfection.
✔ Versatile & Customizable – Add your favorite cheeses, spices, or even proteins like bacon!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cauliflower:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling)
- 1 teaspoon butter (for greasing the dish)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or almond flour for keto)
- 1 ½ cups whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Topping:
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (for color and extra flavor)
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for added crunch)
How to Make Baked Cauliflower Cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower and cook for 5 minutes, until slightly tender but still firm.
- Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux.
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat to low, then gradually mix in the cheddar and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble & Bake
- Lightly grease a baking dish with butter.
- Place the drained cauliflower in the dish and pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella, Parmesan, and paprika. Add panko breadcrumbs if using.
Step 4: Bake & Serve
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm!
Tasty Variations & Add-Ins
🔹 Make It Extra Cheesy: Use Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Gouda for added depth.
🔹 Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for heat.
🔹 Protein Boost: Stir in crispy bacon, shredded chicken, or cooked ground beef.
🔹 Herb Infusion: Garnish with chopped parsley or fresh thyme before serving.
What to Serve with Cauliflower Cheese
🍗 As a Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, or roast beef.
🥗 With a Fresh Salad: Serve alongside a crisp green salad for balance.
🥖 With Bread: Enjoy with crusty garlic bread or dinner rolls for an indulgent treat.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Cauliflower Cheese Recipe is creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious! Whether you serve it as a side dish for dinner or enjoy it on its own, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
Will you be trying this recipe? Let us know in the comments! 😊
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