Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
Easy baked cauliflower florets recipe with cheesy garlic and nutmeg sauce. Perfect side dish that is wholesome, simple, and so delicious.
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 2 medium Head Cauliflowers (about 3 pounds total)
- 1½ Cups Grated White Cheddar or yellow cheddar cheese (light or fat-free)
- ½ Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1½ Cup Milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 Garlic Cloves minced
- ½ teaspoon Freshly Grated Nutmeg or ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons Gluten-Free Flour
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ½ teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper divided
- ½ teaspoon Chili Flakes optional
- 1-2 tablespoons Freshly Chopped Parsley
- Cooking Oil Spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven on medium broil and line a large baking tray with parchment paper. Grease a 9x13-inch or other 3-quart baking dish with some oil and set aside.
- Thoroughly wash the 2 medium Head Cauliflowers and pat the excess moisture with a paper towel. Trim the stem off the cauliflower and cut into florets.
- Arrange the cauliflower florets in the prepared baking tray, spray with Cooking Oil Spray, and season with the ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt, ½ teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper, and toss to coat well.
- Broil for 12-15 minutes, or until charred and tender-crisp. While the cauliflower is baking, prepare the cheesy sauce.
- In a heavy skillet, heat the 1 tablespoon Olive Oil on medium heat. Add 2 Garlic Cloves and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Add 2 tablespoons Gluten-Free Flour and whisk quickly until a white froth begins to appear on the top.
- Carefully and slowly pour the 1½ Cup Milk; continue whisking until the mixture starts to bubble. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Once the sauce is thick and creamy, remove from the heat, stir in the 1½ Cups Grated White Cheddar, ½ teaspoon Freshly Grated Nutmeg, and mix thoroughly until the cheese is completely melted.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Remove the cauliflower from the oven and carefully transfer it into the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the hot bubbling sauce on top; mix until well combined. Top with ½ Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese.
- Change the oven settings to 375°F fan-assisted. Bake for 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool at room temperature for about 5 minutes. Garnish with 1-2 tablespoons Freshly Chopped Parsley and ½ teaspoon Chili Flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- If you prefer to skip roasting the cauliflower first and save time by cooking everything in one dish, place the cauliflower first in the baking dish you will be using, then after it is cooking just pour in the prepared cheesy sauce.
- Cut the florets into smaller, even sizes to ensure they all bake through,
- Any milk of choice works.
Nutrition
Calories: 151kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 436mg | Potassium: 512mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 249IU | Vitamin C: 70mg | Calcium: 242mg | Iron: 1mg