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Baked Cheddar Cauliflower Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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