Crispy Baked Cauliflower And Cheese: Easy, Delicious Recipe

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Crispy Baked Cauliflower And Cheese Recipe

Crispy Baked Cauliflower and Cheese is a delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-make dish that will delight your taste buds. This recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional comfort food while maintaining the creamy, cheesy goodness that everyone loves. Perfect as a main course or a side dish, this crispy baked cauliflower recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

For the Cauliflower:

  • 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Crispy Topping:

  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well coated.
  3. Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and golden brown.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. While the cauliflower is roasting, prepare the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  2. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
  3. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the sharp cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Step 3: Combine and Bake

  1. Once the cauliflower is roasted, transfer it to a baking dish.
  2. Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter until combined.
  4. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cauliflower and cheese.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

  1. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Tips and Variations

Tips:

  • What goes best with cauliflower cheese? Serve your crispy baked cauliflower and cheese with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
  • Why does cauliflower cheese go watery in the oven? Ensure your cauliflower is thoroughly dried after washing to prevent excess moisture. Also, avoid overcooking the cauliflower to maintain its texture.
  • Why is my baked cauliflower mushy? Over-roasting can cause the cauliflower to become mushy. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven once it’s tender and golden brown.
  • Why does my cauliflower cheese sauce split? To prevent the sauce from splitting, make sure to add the milk slowly and whisk continuously while cooking the sauce.

Variations:

  • Crispy baked cauliflower and cheese BBC Good Food: Add a touch of mustard to the cheese sauce for a tangy twist.
  • Crispy baked cauliflower cornstarch: Toss the cauliflower florets in cornstarch before roasting for extra crispiness.
  • Crispy baked cauliflower with panko: Use seasoned panko breadcrumbs for added flavor in the topping.
  • Crispy baked cauliflower steaks: Cut the cauliflower into thick slices (steaks) instead of florets for a different presentation.
  • Baked cauliflower with cheese and breadcrumbs: Mix some herbs like thyme or rosemary into the breadcrumb mixture for an aromatic touch.
  • Crispy roasted cauliflower with Parmesan: Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over the cauliflower before roasting for a crispier, cheesier finish.
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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250
  • Protein: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
  • Sodium: 400mg

Crispy Baked Cauliflower and Cheese is a comforting, delicious, and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any meal. Its combination of tender roasted cauliflower, creamy cheese sauce, and crispy topping makes it a crowd-pleaser. Try this recipe today and share your experience in the comments below. Don’t forget to follow easycrispyrecipes.com for more tasty and easy-to-make recipes. Enjoy

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