Best 8 Baked Cheesy Cauliflower Recipes

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Baked Cheesy Cauliflower is a culinary delight that tantalizes taste buds with its exquisite flavors and textures. This vegetarian dish is a symphony of crispy roasted cauliflower florets enveloped in a rich, gooey cheese sauce, creating a harmonious balance between the vegetable's natural sweetness and the cheese's savory indulgence. Prepare to embark on a delightful journey as we explore a collection of Baked Cheesy Cauliflower recipes that cater to diverse dietary preferences and culinary skills.

From the classic Baked Cheesy Cauliflower recipe that showcases the dish's timeless appeal to innovative variations featuring exotic cheeses and tantalizing spices, this article is a treasure trove of culinary inspiration. Whether you're a seasoned home cook seeking to expand your repertoire or a novice seeking a delectable and approachable dish, these recipes will guide you towards baked cheesy cauliflower perfection.

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our featured recipe, which elevates the classic dish with a creamy homemade cheese sauce. Discover the secrets to achieving perfectly roasted cauliflower florets that retain their tender-crisp texture while absorbing the delectable cheese sauce. For those with dietary restrictions, we offer gluten-free and low-carb alternatives that maintain the dish's irresistible appeal.

Explore the culinary artistry of our Pesto Baked Cheesy Cauliflower, where the vibrant flavors of pesto and sun-dried tomatoes add a delectable twist to the classic recipe. Experience the delightful fusion of Mexican flavors in our Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole, which incorporates salsa, corn, and jalapenos for a fiesta of taste.

For those seeking a lighter option, our Air Fryer Cheesy Cauliflower presents a guilt-free indulgence. This recipe utilizes the air fryer's magic to achieve crispy cauliflower florets coated in a flavorful cheese sauce without the added calories.

Embrace the versatility of Baked Cheesy Cauliflower as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a satisfying main course, or an indulgent side dish. Its adaptability extends to various occasions, from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

BAKED CHEESY CAULIFLOWER



Baked Cheesy Cauliflower image

Easy, delicious side dish of cauliflower with cheese.

Provided by Kathy F.

Categories     Side Dish     Vegetables     Cauliflower

Time 45m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

cooking spray (such as Pam®)
3 cups bite-sized cauliflower florets
1 egg
½ tablespoon all-purpose flour
½ cup milk
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 pinch ground paprika

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Place cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl with 1/2 cup water. Microwave until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes. Drain and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
  • Whisk egg and flour together in a bowl. Add milk, salt, and pepper. Pour over cauliflower florets. Sprinkle Cheddar cheese and paprika on top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted and cauliflower is soft, 30 to 40 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 284.4 calories, Carbohydrate 7.1 g, Cholesterol 108.3 mg, Fat 20.8 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 18.3 g, SaturatedFat 12.7 g, Sodium 442.2 mg, Sugar 3.6 g

CHEESY BAKED CAULIFLOWER



Cheesy Baked Cauliflower image

A delicious cheesy cauliflower dish.

Provided by Bea Gassman

Categories     Side Dish     Vegetables     Cauliflower

Time 1h

Yield 5

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 head cauliflower
¼ cup butter, cut into pieces
1 teaspoon mayonnaise
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Steam whole head of cauliflower for 30 minutes. Drain and place on a pie plate.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise and mustard; spread the mixture over cauliflower and dot with pats of butter. Sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) uncovered, for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 162.4 calories, Carbohydrate 6.6 g, Cholesterol 33.6 mg, Fat 13.1 g, Fiber 3.2 g, Protein 6.9 g, SaturatedFat 7.7 g, Sodium 246 mg, Sugar 0.1 g

BAKED SHELLS AND BROCCOLI WITH HAM AND CHEESY-CREAMY CAULIFLOWER SAUCE



Baked Shells and Broccoli with Ham and Cheesy-Creamy Cauliflower Sauce image

Adding toasted whole-wheat breadcrumbs gives this dish a nice crunch that balances out the creaminess of the sauce. Rather than baking the shells with the crumbs on top (which can make them soggy), toast the breadcrumbs separately, and toss a handful over each serving right before you put it on the table.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Pork Recipes

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 small head cauliflower, cored and chopped (3 cups)
6 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
4 medium shallots, roughly chopped
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
4 cups skim milk
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
6 ounces pecorino cheese, grated (2 cups)
1/2 pound medium multigrain pasta shells
1/4 pound sliced smoked ham, chopped
1 medium bunch broccoli, trimmed and cut into florets (5 cups)
1/2 cup toasted whole-wheat panko (Japanese breadcrumbs), for serving (optional)

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add cauliflower, garlic, shallots, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook until softened but not brown, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with flour; stir to coat well.
  • Gradually stir in milk; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; gently simmer until cauliflower is very soft, about 15 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes. Transfer all to a blender, and puree with nutmeg and half the pecorino until smooth, about 2 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta until slightly tender but not fully cooked, about 5 minutes. Drain well; return to pot. Add ham, broccoli, and cauliflower sauce; toss to combine. Transfer to a ovenproof 3 1/2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining pecorino, and bake until bubbling in center, about 30 minutes. Heat broiler, and broil until golden brown on top, 1 to 2 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes. Divide among dishes, top with breadcrumbs, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 358 g, Cholesterol 24 g, Fat 9 g, Fiber 6 g, Protein 25 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 710 g

CHEESY BAKED PENNE WITH CAULIFLOWER AND CRèME FRAîCHE



Cheesy Baked Penne with Cauliflower and Crème Fraîche image

Provided by Bruce Aidells

Categories     Milk/Cream     Cheese     Pasta     Bake     Vegetarian     Kid-Friendly     Back to School     Dinner     Cauliflower     Potluck     Fontina     Bon Appétit     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher     Diabetes-Friendly     Small Plates

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 1 1/2- to 1 3/4-pound head of cauliflower, cored, cut into 1-inch florets
2 large heirloom tomatoes
5 tablespoons butter, divided
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
Coarse kosher salt
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 cup heavy whipping cream
3 cups coarsely grated Comté cheese (or half Gruyère and half Fontina; about 9 ounces), divided
3/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 cup crème fraîche*
1 tablespoon whole grain Dijon mustard
10 ounces penne (3 1/2 cups)
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs (from crustless French bread ground in processor)

Steps:

  • Cook cauliflower in large pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Using large sieve, transfer cauliflower to bowl. Add tomatoes to pot; cook 1 minute. Remove from water; peel and dice tomatoes. Reserve pot of water.
  • Melt 2 tablespoons butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cauliflower; sauté until beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and green onions. Cook 1 minute to blend flavors. Remove from heat. Season with coarse salt and pepper.
  • Melt 2 tablespoons butter in large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add flour and stir 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in cream. Cook until sauce thickens, whisking occasionally, about 4 minutes. Add 2 cups Comté cheese; whisk until melted and sauce is smooth. Whisk in 1/2 cup Parmesan, then crème fraîche and mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
  • Return reserved pot of water to boil. Add pasta and cook until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain; return pasta to same pot. Stir in cauliflower mixture and sauce.
  • Butter 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Spoon in half of pasta mixture; sprinkle with 1/2 cup Comté cheese. Top with remaining pasta mixture and 1/2 cup Comté cheese. Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter in small skillet. Add breadcrumbs and toss to coat. Remove from heat; mix in 1/4 cup Parmesan. Sprinkle crumbs over pasta. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake pasta uncovered until heated through and bubbling, about 35 minutes.
  • *Sold at some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores.

CHEESY BAKED CAULIFLOWER GNOCCHI



Cheesy Baked Cauliflower Gnocchi image

Want to have more veggies at dinner? This easy and delicious veggie-packed recipe will have your family begging for seconds.

Provided by Green Giant

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Casserole Recipes     Vegetable

Time 45m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 pinch Spice Islands® Crushed Red Pepper
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon Spice Islands® Oregano
1 (8 ounce) package curly kale, stemmed and torn into 2-inch pieces
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 (10 ounce) packages Green Giant® Cauliflower Gnocchi
4 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided
6 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, crushed red pepper, salt, and oregano and cook, stirring throughout, 2 minutes. Add kale a handful at a time, stirring occasionally, until wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and balsamic vinegar. Bring just to a boil; remove from heat.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil over high heat. Add gnocchi and cook until tender, about 2 minutes. Drain and add to tomato sauce mixture. Add 2 tablespoons Parmesan, stirring to combine, about 1 minute. Transfer to an 8x8-inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella and remaining Parmesan.
  • Bake until cheese is golden brown and mixture is bubbling, about 15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 605.7 calories, Carbohydrate 88.4 g, Cholesterol 31.6 mg, Fat 18.1 g, Fiber 12.5 g, Protein 29 g, SaturatedFat 6.2 g, Sodium 1637.4 mg, Sugar 20.5 g

CHEESY BAKED CAULIFLOWER II



Cheesy Baked Cauliflower II image

My mother made this growing up and I was not very fond of it, but through time I acquired a taste for it. My husband loves it and I usually make it once a week. It is quick to prepare.

Provided by Laura Dobbins Corbett

Categories     Side Dish     Casseroles     Cauliflower

Time 55m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
salt and pepper to taste
2 medium tomatoes, sliced
½ cup butter, melted
8 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Place cauliflower in a microwave-safe baking dish with just enough water to cover bottom of dish. Cook in the microwave on High for 5 minutes, or until slightly tender. Drain, and season with salt and pepper. Arrange tomato slices around the cauliflower. Drizzle cauliflower and tomatoes evenly with melted butter, and top with cheese.
  • Bake 40 minutes in the preheated oven, until cheese is bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 241.2 calories, Carbohydrate 8.3 g, Cholesterol 56.6 mg, Fat 19.6 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 10.1 g, SaturatedFat 12.4 g, Sodium 169.2 mg, Sugar 3.7 g

CHEESY BAKED CAULIFLOWER TOTS RECIPE - (4.5/5)



Cheesy Baked Cauliflower Tots Recipe - (4.5/5) image

Provided by CarolineNGa

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/2 large head caulflower, coarsely chopped
1/3 cup reduced-fat sharp cheddar
1/4 cup coarsely grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons almond flour
1/2 teaspoon Vege-Sal (or a slightly smaller amount of salt)
1/2 teaspoon Spike Seasoning (Probably optional, but it does add flavor. You can substitute another all-purpose seasoning blend that tastes good with cauliflower)
Fresh-ground black pepper to taste
1 egg

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F/200°C. Spray a Mini Muffin Pan with non-stick spray. Cut away the leaves of the cauliflower, but use most of the inner core part. Coarsely chop the cauliflower, place in a micro-wave proof bowl, cover with cling wrap, and microwave 2 minutes on high. (Microwaves can vary so you may need to experiment with the time, but the cauliflower should be just slightly soft.) Quickly take off the cling-wrap and let the steam escape, and if you see any water in the bottom of the bowl, put the cauliflower into a colander and let the water drain off. Put the steel blade in the food processor, add the cauliflower, and pulse until the cauliflower is finely chopped but still slightly chunky. (Be careful not to over process so you don't end up with cauliflower puree!) If there is any water in the food processor bowl, drain the cauliflower again in the colander. Put finely chopped cauliflower into a bowl and add the reduced-fat sharp cheddar, coarsely grated Parmesan, almond flour, Vege-Sal or salt, Spike Seasoning (if using), and fresh-ground black pepper. Stir until ingredients are well-combined. Add the egg and stir until the ingredients are mostly coated with egg. (You might be tempted to add another egg, but don't. You'll be surprised how well this sticks together.) Use a One Tablespoon Cookie Scoop or a steel one-tablespoon measuring spoon to scoop out rounded spoonfuls of the mixture and place it in the mini muffin pan. Bake 15 minutes. Carefully turn each cauliflower tot over in the muffin tin and bake 15 minutes more, or until tots are nicely browned on both sides. Serve hot; these are best served right out of the oven.

CHEESY BAKED CAULIFLOWER



Cheesy baked cauliflower image

I got this from a garden club friend. I was not a cauliflower fan but this changed my mind. Super easy and gets raves from everyone.

Provided by Constance Dickens

Categories     Vegetables

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 bunch cauliflower
1/2 c dijon mustard
1/2 c mayonnaise
3/4 c sharp cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • 1. Steam whole head of cauliflower and then cut into chunky pieces....it is easier to cut once cooked. Place into a casserole sprayed with cooking spray.
  • 2. Mix Dijon mustard and mayonnaise together and pour over the cauliflower. Toss to give a good coating.
  • 3. Sprinkle the cheese over the top and bake at 350degrees for about 20 minutes. The top should be slightly toasted looking. This is super easy and quick. I am not a cauliflower fan but love this version.

Tips:

  • Choose the right cauliflower: Look for a head of cauliflower that is compact and heavy, with tightly packed florets. Avoid heads with brown spots or wilted leaves.
  • Cut the cauliflower into even-sized florets: This will help them cook evenly.
  • Parboil the cauliflower: This will help to tenderize it and reduce the cooking time.
  • Use a flavorful cheese: The type of cheese you use will have a big impact on the taste of the dish. Try using a sharp cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère.
  • Add some other vegetables: To make the dish more colorful and nutritious, add some other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers.
  • Don't overcook the cauliflower: It should be tender but still have a slight crunch.

Conclusion:

Baked cheesy cauliflower is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. It's a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables, and it's also a good source of protein and calcium. With its cheesy, flavorful sauce and crispy cauliflower florets, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. So next time you're looking for a healthy and delicious meal, give baked cheesy cauliflower a try!

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