Cauliflower Cheese

Calling all cheese lovers! Prepare to fall in love with the ultimate in cheesy creations. Bursting with cheesy goodness and customizable to suit any palate, this homemade cauliflower cheese is a delicious fusion of comfort food and gourmet flair.

From the tender cauliflower pieces to the ooey gooey cheesy sauce, this is one dish that even the harshest vegetable critics will love.

Ready in only 40 minutes, creating this comfort food favorite has never been easier. So, if you are ready to be the star guest at pot luck dinners, get ready to master the tastiest cauliflower cheese ever.

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

This cauliflower cheese recipe is a culinary gem for several reasons.

The creamy, indulgent cheese sauce coats each cauliflower floret, transforming it into a comforting and flavorful dish.

Additionally, its versatility shines as it pairs seamlessly with a variety of other dishes, from hearty meats to lighter salads. Whether served as a side or a main course, its rich and satisfying texture appeals to all palates making it perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions.

Furthermore, Its simplicity and adaptability make it easily customizable, allowing for personal preferences and dietary needs. Serve this cheesy cauliflower bake with additional vegetables or opt for a vegan cauliflower cheese.

With its creamy cheese sauce, tender cauliflower, and endless possibilities for customization, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

Cauliflower:

The cauliflower in the recipe is the star ingredient, providing a nutritious and flavorful base for the cheesy dish. This recipe calls for fresh cauliflower; however, if you have frozen on hand, that can be used, too. Simply thaw and pat it dry to remove any excess moisture before sauteeing it.

While cauliflower is traditional, substitutions like broccoli or a mix of vegetables can offer variety. For added texture and nutrients, consider incorporating diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.

Butter:

This cauliflower cheese recipe uses butter to add richness and flavor to the cheese sauce. However, for those looking to reduce dairy or cholesterol intake, substitutes like olive oil, ghee, coconut oil, or vegan butter can be used.

Flour:

While this recipe calls for all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce, substitutions can be made to accommodate any dietary needs or personal tastes. Cornstarch is suitable for any dietary needs, such as gluten-free and vegan alternatives. You can also use a gluten-free flour blend to help thicken your cauliflower cheese sauce.

Half & Half:

Half & half cream adds creaminess and richness to the cauliflower cheese sauce without being too heavy, resulting in a smooth texture. For dairy-free options, coconut milk or almond milk can provide a creamy consistency while imparting a subtle sweetness. For those preferring dairy alternatives, unsweetened soy or oat milk can also be used, offering a neutral flavor that won't overpower the dish.

Nutmeg:

Nutmeg is used in cauliflower cheese sauce to add warmth and depth of flavor, complementing the richness of the cheese. Other herbs and spices that pair well with cauliflower cheese include thyme, rosemary, parsley, cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, or mustard powder.

Cheese:

If cauliflower is the star of this show, then cheese is the best supporting actor, so the cheese or cheeses you choose to use are very important. In this recipe, we use a couple of our favorites: gouda and Gruyere. These are excellent cheeses to opt for as they melt very well and they add a rich nutty flavor to the cheese sauce. Additionally, you could opt for other bold-flavored cheeses like sharp cheddar, parmesan, or even blue cheese for a unique twist.

How to Make Cauliflower Cheese

Step One: 

Heat the olive oil in a large pan or skillet.

Step Two: 

Add the cauliflower to the hot pan and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon pepper. Saute for 5-7 minutes until the edges start to brown. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step Three: 

Make a roux by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Slowly add the flour, whisking continuously until it comes together and starts simmering.

Step Four:

Slowly whisk in the half & half cream.

Step Five: 

Whisk the nutmeg, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper into the sauce and bring it to a simmer.

Step Six: 

Remove from heat and fold in ½ cup of gouda and ½ cup Gruyere until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step Seven: 

Spread the cauliflower evenly in a greased oven-safe casserole dish and pour the cheese sauce evenly over top.

Step Eight: 

Sprinkle the remaining gouda and Gruyere on top and bake for 30 minutes at 350. Remove from the oven once the cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden brown.

Step Nine: 

Serve on its own or alongside your favorite main dishes, and enjoy!

Tips

• Wash the cauliflower thoroughly and trim away any brown spots or tough stems before cutting it into uniform florets. This ensures even cooking.
• After removing the cauliflower cheese from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly and make it easier to serve.

What to Serve With Cauliflower Cheese

This creamy cauliflower cheese casserole is a rich and comforting dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a balanced meal, serve it alongside roasted meats such as chicken, beef, or pork.

Add a fresh, crisp element with a green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, or incorporate additional vegetables like steamed broccoli, sautéed green beans, or roasted carrots. For a heartier meal, include a serving of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the creamy cheese sauce.

Looking for more ideas? Check out What To Serve With Cauliflower Cheese for 18 delicious recipes.

FAQs

How do I prevent the cauliflower cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

To avoid a grainy cauliflower cheese sauce, it's important to turn off the heat or remove the saucepan from the element to melt the cheese. Ensure the milk or cream is warm before adding the cheese, and stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.

Can I make gluten-free cauliflower cheese?

Yes, you can make gluten-free cauliflower cheese by using a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the cheese sauce instead of regular flour.

For how long can leftover cauliflower cheese be kept fresh?

Leftover cauliflower cheese stays fresh when stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. It can be frozen for up to 3 months by cooling it completely and then storing it in an airtight container.

More Cauliflower Recipes

Cauliflower is a highly versatile, and nutritious vegetable that can be used in a multitude of ways. To learn more about getting creative with cauliflower, check out this collection of more cauliflower recipes to help get you cooking!

Cauliflower Steaks

Cauliflower Pizza Bowl

Cauliflower Tabbouleh

Korean Cauliflower