Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
There’s something about cheesy, bubbly goodness straight from the oven that turns even the simplest vegetable into a comforting, show-stopping dish. This Cheesy Cauliflower Bake has become one of our family favorites because it’s so versatile—it works as a hearty side dish, a satisfying vegetarian main, or even a sneaky way to get picky eaters to love their veggies.
With creamy cheese sauce and golden breadcrumbs, this bake is indulgent yet surprisingly wholesome. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or even a cozy weeknight dinner. Trust me, one bite, and you’ll see why my family requests this again and again!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the bake and refrigerate it (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the cooking time.
Q: Can I use frozen cauliflower?
A: Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before using to avoid excess water in the bake.
Q: What cheese works best for this recipe?
A: Sharp cheddar is a classic choice for flavor, but you can mix it with Gruyere, mozzarella, or Parmesan for added depth.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and use cornstarch instead of flour for the cheese sauce.
Q: How do I make this dish more filling?
A: Add cooked chicken, bacon, or even pasta to turn this side dish into a full meal.
What You Need to Make Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
For the Bake:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk, warmed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
How to Make Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Boil the cauliflower florets in salted water for 5–7 minutes until tender but still firm. Drain well and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in the flour, and cook for 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the warmed milk until smooth and thickened. Stir in the cheeses, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- Assemble the Bake: Place the cauliflower in a greased baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower.
- Add the Topping: Combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives before serving, if desired.
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
- Avoid Soggy Cauliflower: Drain the cooked cauliflower thoroughly and pat it dry with a kitchen towel to prevent a watery casserole.
- Mix Up the Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, fontina, or smoked Gouda for unique flavors.
- Add Protein: Toss in shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked bacon to turn this bake into a full meal.
- Crunchy Topping Options: Substitute crushed Ritz crackers or pretzels for panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.
- Reheat Like a Pro: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes to maintain the crispy topping.
Reader Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I made this for our family dinner, and even the kids loved it! The cheese sauce is perfection.” – Karen
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This recipe is so versatile—I added bacon and it turned out amazing!” – Luke
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “The breadcrumb topping is such a great touch. I’ll be making this again for Christmas!” – Maria
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Super easy to make and the flavor is incredible. A perfect way to dress up cauliflower!” – Jenna
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “As someone who’s gluten-free, I appreciated how simple it was to adapt. Delicious!” – Emily
Printable Recipe
Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
Cheesy Cauliflower Bake combines tender cauliflower with a rich cheese sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping. A comforting side dish that’s easy to make and sure to please!
Ingredients
- For the Bake:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk, warmed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Boil the cauliflower florets in salted water for 5–7 minutes until tender but still firm. Drain well and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in the flour, and cook for 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the warmed milk until smooth and thickened. Stir in the cheeses, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until creamy.
Assemble the Bake:
- Place the cauliflower in a greased baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower.
Add the Topping:
- Combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives before serving, if desired.
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
I hope this Cheesy Cauliflower Bake brings warmth and joy to your table like it has to ours. If you love this recipe, please share it with your family and friends or on social media! Every share means so much to me and helps spread the joy of delicious home-cooked meals. Don’t forget to tag me so I can see your beautiful creations!
