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
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- 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
- While the cauliflower is roasting, prepare the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- 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.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
- Once the cauliflower is roasted, transfer it to a baking dish.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
- In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter until combined.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cauliflower and cheese.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- 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.
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