Baked Cheddar Cauliflower Recipe

Introduction

Baked Cheddar Cauliflower is a comforting and cheesy side dish that’s perfect for any meal. This simple recipe combines tender cauliflower with rich cheddar and creamy sauce, baked to a golden perfection.

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower florets with the shredded cheddar cheese, heavy cream, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
3. Step 3: Transfer the cauliflower mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
4. Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
5. Step 5: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm as a delicious side dish.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
• Try mixing in cooked bacon bits or sautéed onions for a savory twist.
• Use half-and-half or milk instead of cream for a lighter version.
• Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a fresh finish.

Storage

Store leftover baked cheddar cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through, which helps maintain its texture better than the microwave.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this recipe?

Yes, pre-shredded cheddar cheese works well and saves time, but fresh shredded cheese often melts better and produces a creamier texture.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the cauliflower mixture a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated, then bake it just before serving to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Baked Cheddar Cauliflower Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 121 reviews

This Baked Cheddar Cauliflower is a creamy, cheesy side dish featuring tender cauliflower florets baked to golden perfection with rich cheddar cheese and cream. It’s an easy, comforting recipe perfect for a healthy twist on classic cheesy sides.

• Author: Lara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets (about 4 cups)

Dairy

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Spices

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the cauliflower evenly.
2. Prepare the cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into florets and rinse them under cold water. Drain well and pat dry to avoid excess moisture.
3. Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower florets with shredded cheddar cheese, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika if using. Toss everything together until the cauliflower is well coated with cheese and cream.
4. Transfer to baking dish: Spread the mixture evenly in a greased baking dish, ensuring an even layer for uniform baking.
5. Bake until golden: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
6. Serve warm: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This allows the cheese to set a bit for easier portioning.

Notes

• You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option, but the dish will be less creamy.
• Adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top before baking can add an extra layer of flavor and crispiness.
• Make sure to dry the cauliflower well before mixing to avoid watering down the dish during baking.
• This recipe can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven for best results.

Keywords: baked cheddar cauliflower, cheesy cauliflower side dish, healthy cheesy cauliflower, baked cauliflower recipe, easy cauliflower bake