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 Heads Cauliflower (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 Tsp Freshly Grated Nutmeg or ground nutmeg
- 2 Tbsp Gluten-Free Flour
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- ½ Tsp Kosher Salt
- ½ Tsp Freshly ground black pepper divided
- ½ Tsp Chili Flakes optional
- 1-2 Tbsp 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 cauliflower 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 and season with the suggested salt and pepper, 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 oil on medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Add flour and whisk quickly until a white froth begins to appear on the top.
- Carefully and slowly pour the milk; continue whisking until the mixture starts to bubbles. 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 cheddar cheese, grated nutmeg and mix thoroughly, until 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 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 parsley and chili flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
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