Baked Cauliflower with Cheese Sauce
User Reviews
5
Baked Cauliflower with Cheese Sauce
Description
Baked Cauliflower with Cheese Sauce starts by cutting cauliflower into sizable pieces and boiling them briefly in salted water until tender yet retaining some firmness. The cheese sauce is prepared through a classic roux process: butter is melted, flour is cooked briefly, then milk is added slowly, whisking to develop a thickened base. Dry yellow mustard is incorporated to add subtle sharpness without overpowering the cheddar flavor.
The sauce is enriched with half the cheddar cheese melted into the sauce before pouring over the cauliflower in a casserole dish. The remaining cheddar is sprinkled on top, then the dish is baked at 350°F until the surface is lightly browned, signaling a lightly crisp cheese crust contrasting with the creamy interior.
This recipe provides an accessible way to include cauliflower in a comforting, cheesy preparation that can accompany main dishes or be served as a hearty side. The balance of mild cheese, tender vegetable, and gently mustard-flavored sauce creates an approachable flavor profile suitable for varied palates.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds cauliflower cut into large bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon dry yellow mustard
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese divided use
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Boil the cauliflower in a large pot of salted water until tender but firm, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Drain the cauliflower and place it in a 2-quart casserole dish.
- While the cauliflower is boiling, prepare the cheese sauce: Melt the butter in a small saucepan. When the butter has melted completely, add the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly. The sauce should thicken with each addition of milk. Add the dry yellow mustard and stir to combine. Add 4 ounces of cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower in the casserole dish, sprinkle with the remaining 4 ounces of cheese, and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is slightly browned.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 276 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 276kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 5% |
| Protein | 15g | 30% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Cholesterol | 53mg | 18% |
| Sodium | 743mg | 31% |
| Potassium | 768mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 560IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 109.3mg | 121% |
| Calcium | 368mg | 37% |
| Iron | 1.3mg | 7% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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