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

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

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.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/baked-cauliflower-with-cheese-casserole-recipe-2/