Recipe for Cauliflower with Cheese baked in the oven

1. Preparing the Cauliflower

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Roast the Cauliflower: Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread them in an even layer on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes. This pre-roast ensures the cauliflower is tender and slightly caramelized.

2. Making the Cheese Sauce

1. Prepare a Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a smooth paste.
2. Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the warmed milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the Cheese and Seasonings: Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.

3. Assembling the Dish

1. Combine Cauliflower and Sauce: Place the roasted cauliflower florets in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top, ensuring all the florets are coated.
2. Add the Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce. For an optional crispy topping, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.

4. Baking

1. Bake Until Golden: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
2. Cool Slightly: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and enhances the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

• As a Side Dish: Pair with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a hearty meatloaf.
• As a Main Course: Serve with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
• Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or a pinch of paprika for added color and flavor.

Tips for Success

1. Choose Fresh Cauliflower: Look for a firm head with no brown spots for the best flavor and texture.
2. Customize the Cheese: Experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, fontina, or Monterey Jack for a unique twist.
3. Make Ahead: Assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
4. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The combination of roasted cauliflower and rich cheese sauce creates a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. The crispy topping adds a delightful crunch, while the cheesy base keeps everything indulgent. This Oven-Baked Cauliflower with Cheese is a crowd-pleaser you’ll find yourself making again and again!