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Cauliflower Cheese Bake

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Ingredients

  • data-end=”1946″>1 large cauliflower, cut into florets

  • d=”1978″><p class=”” data-start=”1949″ data-end=”1978″>2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 1 ½ cups whole milk

  • <p class=”” data-start=”2037″ data-end=”2054″>1 cup heavy cream

  • 2 ½ cups grated sharp cheddar cheese

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • ½ teaspoon ground mustard powder (optional)

  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

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  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Cauliflower: The star of the dish, cauliflower provides a mild, slightly nutty flavor and is a great low-carb alternative to pasta or potatoes in bakes.

  • Cheese: The combination of sharp cheddar and Parmesan gives the sauce a nice depth of flavor and a tangy, rich taste.

  • Butter & Flour (Roux): A roux, made from butter and flour, is used as the base to thicken the cheese sauce and give it a velvety texture.

  • Milk & Cream: Whole milk and heavy cream are the perfect combination to create a rich, indulgent sauce.

  • Breadcrumbs: A crunchy breadcrumb topping gives this bake a beautiful texture contrast to the creamy cauliflower.

Instructions

Prepare the Cauliflower

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ata-start=”3162″ data-end=”3183″>Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or oil.

  1. Boil the Cauliflower: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 6-8 minutes until tender, but still firm enough to hold their shape. Drain well and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. Create the Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns slightly golden. This is your roux.

  2. Add the Milk & Cream: Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes).

  3. Melt the Cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, add the grated cheddar and Parmesan cheeses to the sauce. Stir until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, mustard powder, and garlic powder, if using.

Assemble the Cauliflower Cheese Bake

  1. Combine Cauliflower and Sauce: Add the cooked cauliflower florets to the prepared baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower, ensuring that all the florets are well coated.

  2. Add the Topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the cheese sauce to create a crunchy topping as the dish bakes.

Bake the Cauliflower Cheese Bake

  1. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

  2. Garnish and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired before serving.

Cut and Serve:

 

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Serve: Slice the Cauliflower Cheese Bake into portions and serve hot. It pairs beautifully with roast meats, grilled chicken, or a fresh green salad.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://buttereats.com/cauliflower-cheese-bake/