Baked Cauliflower with Cheese Casserole Recipe
Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 76 reviews

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Baked Cauliflower with Cheese Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delicious combination of tender cauliflower florets smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, baked to golden perfection with a delightful topping of crispy bacon and melted cheddar. The blend of Gruyere and cheddar cheeses creates a symphony of flavors that is both sophisticated and homey. Whether you’re serving it as a side or a main, this casserole promises to be a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone back for seconds.

A clean, light wooden surface with all main ingredients for baked cauliflower cheese casserole carefully arranged in an artful flat lay. Two small cauliflower heads, one whole and one cut into florets showcasing their creamy white, textured curds next to a small slab of pale yellow butter melting slightly on a rustic dish. Three cloves of garlic, some whole and some finely minced, revealing their smooth white skin and translucent interior. A small glass bowl filled with thick, glossy white heavy cream paired with a soft block of cream cheese with a creamy, slightly crumbly texture on a white ceramic plate. Two small piles of shredded Gruyere cheese and shredded cheddar cheese, showcasing their rich yellow and orange hues with soft, curly strands. Six slices of cooked bacon, crumbled, with crispy edges and deep reddish-brown color scattered artfully nearby. A small ramekin of finely chopped fresh green chives providing a bright color contrast. Lastly, small bowls of salt and pepper grains add subtle texture. Natural soft lighting casts gentle shadows to emphasize textures, with minimal props to keep focus on the ingredients. The composition is neat, balanced, and inviting, capturing the essence of fresh, rich, and hearty components ready for cooking. Overhead shot, top down view, flat lay photography, professional food styling --ar 1:1 --q 2 --s 750 --v 6.1 this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, fresh, and flavorful ingredients come together beautifully in this dish. Each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and a little savory crunch.

  • Cauliflower: Fresh, firm heads cut into florets, serving as the healthy and hearty base of the casserole.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps bring together the garlic and cream to form a luxurious sauce.
  • Garlic: Minced cloves provide a subtle kick of aromatics to enhance the flavor depth.
  • Heavy Cream: The key to that silky, decadent sauce coating every floret perfectly.
  • Cream Cheese: Softened to melt smoothly, it brings thickness and tang to the sauce.
  • Gruyere Cheese: The star cheese with its nutty, slightly sweet flavor that melts beautifully.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and hearty, adding a rich sunset color and an irresistible finish.
  • Cooked Bacon: Crispy, crumbled for a smoky, savory crunch on top that adds texture contrast.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and waking up all those layered flavors.
  • Chives: Finely chopped, offering a fresh, mild onion note and a pop of green for garnish.

How to Make Baked Cauliflower with Cheese Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cauliflower

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready when your casserole is assembled. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil and toss in your cauliflower florets. Boil them for about 5 minutes just until they’re slightly softened but still hold their shape—this step ensures the cauliflower cooks evenly and stays tender in the final bake.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan on medium-high heat, melt the butter and then add the minced garlic, cooking it just until fragrant—about a minute. Pour in the heavy cream next and bring it to a gentle boil before reducing to a simmer. Then it’s time for the magic: add the softened cream cheese and the shredded Gruyere. Stir until you have a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth sauce. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to bring out every bit of flavor.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

Keep stirring the sauce over medium heat for about 10 minutes. This patience pays off because the sauce gradually thickens, becoming velvety and perfect for clinging to the cauliflower.

Step 4: Assemble Your Casserole

Grease your casserole dish lightly and spread the drained cauliflower evenly across the bottom. Pour the luscious cheese sauce over the florets, making sure each piece is well covered. Then sprinkle the crumbled cooked bacon and the shredded cheddar cheese on top to create that irresistible, golden crust.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole dish with foil and pop it into the oven for 30 minutes. This baking time allows the cauliflower to finish cooking until fork-tender and the cheese to melt into a bubbly, flavorful blanket. Once out of the oven, sprinkle the top with fresh chopped chives for a bit of color and a mild, fresh bite before serving.

How to Serve Baked Cauliflower with Cheese Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Freshly chopped chives sprinkled right before serving lift the dish visually and add a subtle onion flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese sauce beautifully. You might also add a light dusting of smoked paprika or a small handful of crispy fried onions for extra texture and flair.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted root vegetables to keep the meal well-rounded and full of contrasting textures. For a heartier feast, grilled chicken or pan-seared salmon makes a lovely protein partner to this cheesy vegetable side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try baking the cheese sauce and cauliflower in individual ramekins for personal servings that feel extra special. Alternatively, layer the casserole into a clear glass dish so you can see all the beautiful layers of creamy sauce, tender veggies, and melted cheese topped with bacon. It makes quite the impression when served at gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your casserole has cooled down to room temperature, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days, making it perfect for enjoying as a tasty leftover meal.

Freezing

If you want to save it for longer, this Baked Cauliflower with Cheese Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Simply freeze it after baking or just before baking. Wrap tightly with foil and a layer of plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. It will keep good quality for up to three months.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight if frozen. Warm it up in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven, covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can uncover in the last few minutes if you want to crisp up the cheese topping again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! While Gruyere and cheddar are classic and melt wonderfully, you can swap in mozzarella, fontina, or even Monterey Jack for different flavors and textures. Just aim for cheeses that melt well to keep that creamy consistency.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe naturally contains no gluten since it uses cauliflower and cheese without any flour or breadcrumbs. It’s a great option if you’re aiming for a gluten-free comfort dish.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely. Simply omit the bacon, and if you want, sprinkle chopped nuts or roasted chickpeas on top for added crunch and protein. The cheese sauce itself is rich and satisfying without meat additions.

How can I make this recipe lighter?

Try swapping heavy cream and cream cheese for lower-fat versions or use half-and-half. You can also reduce the cheese quantity slightly or use a strong-flavored cheese in moderation to keep the taste vibrant without extra richness.

What can I add to the cheese sauce for extra flavor?

Seasoning the sauce with a pinch of nutmeg, mustard powder, or even a dash of hot sauce can add subtle layers of flavor that elevate the overall dish. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary stirred in during cooking can also give a delightful aromatic boost.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Cauliflower with Cheese Casserole Recipe is such a wonderful way to transform humble cauliflower into a show-stopping, flavorful dish that brings smiles all around the table. It’s rich and creamy, with the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it ideal for cozy family dinners or special occasions. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how comforting and satisfying cheesy cauliflower can truly be!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Baked Cauliflower with Cheese Casserole Recipe

Baked Cauliflower with Cheese Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 76 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This Baked Cauliflower with Cheese Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender cauliflower florets baked in a rich mixture of Gruyere, cheddar, and cream cheese combined with heavy cream and garlic, topped with crispy bacon and fresh chives. Perfect as a hearty side or a vegetarian-friendly main when bacon is omitted, this casserole offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures, ideal for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 2 small heads Cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons Finely chopped chives

Dairy

  • 2 tablespoons Butter
  • 2 cups Heavy Cream
  • 4 ounces Cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups Shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese

Meat

  • 6 slices Cooked Bacon, crumbled

Seasonings

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Boil Cauliflower: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the cauliflower florets and let them boil for about 5 minutes or until slightly softened but still firm to hold their shape. Drain and set aside.
  3. Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for approximately 1 minute until fragrant without browning.
  4. Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Stir in the softened cream cheese and shredded Gruyere cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
  5. Thicken Sauce: Continue stirring the sauce over medium heat for about 10 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency, perfect for coating the cauliflower.
  6. Assemble Casserole: Grease a casserole dish and arrange the boiled cauliflower evenly inside. Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower, then sprinkle the crumbled cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese on top.
  7. Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cauliflower is fork-tender and the cheese topping has melted and started to bubble.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the foil, sprinkle chopped fresh chives over the top for a burst of color and flavor, and serve warm as a delicious side or main dish.

Notes

  • Make sure not to overcook the cauliflower when boiling; it should be tender but still hold its shape to avoid a mushy casserole.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or substitute it with smoked tempeh or a plant-based bacon alternative.
  • You can use a combination of Gruyere and cheddar cheese for a balanced flavor; feel free to adjust cheese types according to taste.
  • Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps the sauce set slightly and makes serving easier.
  • Chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can be added along with chives for additional flavor variations.

Similar Posts