Cauliflower bake
This cauliflower bake combines tender florets with a creamy cheese sauce, topped with melted cheddar for a comforting dish. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it's perfect as a meal or side.
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
2 tbsp butter1 cauliflower
2 tbsp all-purpose white wheat flour
2 cups milk (1% fat)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp fresh thyme
1 tsp black pepper
1/3 cup cheddar cheese
Cauliflower bake is a comforting and delicious dish that showcases the versatility of cauliflower. This recipe combines creamy cheese sauce with tender cauliflower florets, resulting in a satisfying and nutritious meal or side dish. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can easily create this delightful bake in your own kitchen.
Instructions:
- Wash and trim the cauliflower, removing the leaves and core. Cut it into small florets.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for about 5 minutes, until they’re just tender. Drain the cauliflower well and set it aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted, add the flour and whisk continuously to form a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, but do not let it brown.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, fresh thyme, and black pepper. Mix well until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Place the cooked cauliflower florets in a large baking dish.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower, ensuring all florets are well coated.
- Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the cauliflower and sauce mixture.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the cauliflower bake cool for a few minutes before serving.
Your creamy and cheesy cauliflower bake is now ready to be enjoyed. This dish is perfect as a side for your favorite main courses or as a comforting main dish on its own. The combination of flavors from the parmesan, cheddar, and fresh thyme makes it a delightful treat for any meal.
Cauliflower bake FAQ:
Bake the cauliflower bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
You can substitute parmesan cheese with pecorino romano, nutritional yeast for a vegan option, or any hard cheese that melts well.
Yes, you can prepare the cauliflower bake ahead of time, assemble it, and then refrigerate it. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, but it may require a few extra minutes in the oven.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
The cauliflower should be just tender after boiling for about 5 minutes. It should not be mushy, as it will continue to cook while baking with the cheese sauce.
Cooking Tips:
- For a crispier top, you can sprinkle some additional cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- Make sure not to overcook the cauliflower initially; it should be tender but still maintain a bit of texture.
- If you prefer a stronger cheese flavor, consider using a sharp cheddar cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the texture.
- Feel free to add other seasonings or herbs like garlic powder, paprika, or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
6 ServingsCalories 180kcal
Protein 10g
Carbohydrates 16g
Fiber 3.35g
Sugar 7g
Fat 9g
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