Best 2 Baked Cauliflower And Cheese Recipes

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a delightful culinary creation that seamlessly blends the hearty goodness of cauliflower with the rich, gooey indulgence of melted cheese. Our baked cauliflower and cheese dish is a symphony of flavors and textures, sure to become a favorite among vegetarians, flexitarians, and cheese enthusiasts alike.

This versatile recipe offers a trio of delectable variations, catering to diverse dietary preferences and taste profiles. The classic baked cauliflower and cheese emerges as a comforting classic, while the vegan and gluten-free versions provide equally satisfying alternatives for those with dietary restrictions. Each variation promises a unique gustatory experience, united by the harmonious marriage of tender cauliflower florets enveloped in a luscious cheese sauce.

For the traditionalists, the classic baked cauliflower and cheese stands as a testament to timeless culinary traditions. A creamy cheese sauce, crafted from a medley of cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella, embraces tender cauliflower florets, resulting in a dish that exudes warmth and comfort. A golden-brown crust, achieved through a careful baking process, adds a delightful textural contrast.

For those seeking a plant-based indulgence, the vegan baked cauliflower and cheese emerges as a culinary masterpiece. A rich and flavorful cashew-based sauce takes the place of dairy, delivering a creamy texture and a nutty undertone that complements the cauliflower's mild sweetness. A crispy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful textural dimension, creating a dish that is both satisfying and nourishing.

Last but not least, the gluten-free baked cauliflower and cheese caters to those with gluten sensitivities or preferences. A combination of almond flour and tapioca flour forms the base of the cheese sauce, resulting in a smooth and velvety texture that rivals its wheat-based counterpart. A sprinkle of almond meal adds a subtle nutty flavor and a golden-brown finish, making this dish a delectable treat for all.

These three variations of baked cauliflower and cheese embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the versatility and deliciousness of this humble vegetable. Whether you prefer the classic comfort of the traditional version, the plant-based indulgence of the vegan option, or the gluten-free delight of the alternative recipe, each bite promises a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

BAKED CAULIFLOWER AND CHEESE

Baked Cauliflower and Cheese image

A delicious creamy cauliflower dish with cheese. For a quick version serve without final step of baking!

Provided by RockingItCountryStyle

Categories Side Dish Vegetables Cauliflower

Time 1h10m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
½ cup vegetable broth
1 tablespoon salted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
⅓ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon white sugar
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
⅛ teaspoon onion powder
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add cauliflower, cover, and steam until tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and let cool enough to handle, 5 to 10 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly butter a casserole dish.
Transfer florets into the bowl of a food processor. Add broth and puree on high speed until smooth, but with some very small pieces remaining for just a bit of texture.
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat until a pinch of flour sprinkled into the oil will just begin to bubble. Whisk in flour to form a thick paste the consistency of cake frosting. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, until flour has turned golden and begins to smell like toast, 3 to 5 minutes.
Stir in pureed cauliflower, cream, sugar, salt, white pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Set over medium heat and cook, stirring often, until thick, 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer to the prepared dish and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven until golden and cheese is melted, 10 to 15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 167.2 calories, Carbohydrate 11.8 g, Cholesterol 39.2 mg, Fat 11.9 g, Fiber 3.8 g, Protein 5.6 g, SaturatedFat 7.3 g, Sodium 641.2 mg, Sugar 5 g

BAKED MAC AND CHEESE WITH HIDDEN CAULIFLOWER

Baked Mac and Cheese with Hidden Cauliflower image

"If you're having trouble getting your kids to eat veggies, try this recipe. They'll love how the cauliflower gets all mixed in with the noodles and cheese," says Valerie.

Provided by Valerie Bertinelli

Categories main-dish

Time 55m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

Cooking spray
1 pound elbow macaroni
Kosher salt
1 small head cauliflower, cored
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)
2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (about 8 ounces)
3 tablespoons creamy French onion dip
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups crushed sour cream-and-cheddar potato chips

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to the package directions. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, grate the cauliflower on the large holes of a box grater or chop it into chunks and pulse to rice-size pieces in a food processor.
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the grated cauliflower and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender, another 5 minutes. Add the flour; cook for 1 minute, stirring. Gradually add the milk while stirring constantly, then increase the heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, whisking occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
Take the pot off the heat and stir in the cheddar, Colby Jack, French onion dip, cayenne and 1 teaspoon salt until the cheese and dip melt. Add the cooked pasta and stir to coat. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
Top the pasta with the crushed potato chips. Bake until lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes (be careful, the potato chips can burn easily).

Tips:

Choose fresh and firm cauliflower. Avoid any florets that have brown spots or blemishes.
Cut the cauliflower into uniform florets. This will help them cook evenly.
Use a large baking dish to roast the cauliflower. This will prevent it from overcrowding and steaming.
Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting. This will help them brown and caramelize.
Roast the cauliflower at a high temperature (425 degrees Fahrenheit) for 20-25 minutes. This will help them get tender and slightly charred.
Make the cheese sauce while the cauliflower is roasting. This will save time and prevent the cauliflower from getting cold.
Use a sharp cheddar cheese for the cheese sauce. This will give it a rich and flavorful taste.
Add some Dijon mustard to the cheese sauce for a little bit of tang.
Pour the cheese sauce over the roasted cauliflower and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. This will help the cheese sauce melt and bubble.
Serve the baked cauliflower and cheese immediately. It can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish.

Conclusion:

Baked cauliflower and cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is also a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables. The roasted cauliflower is tender and slightly charred, while the cheese sauce is rich and flavorful. This dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at your table.