Comfort food that’s low on carbs, high on flavor, and loaded with nutrients. What’s not to love?
Did you know that cauliflower comes in several pretty colors besides white, including green, purple, and orange? And that all cauliflower (like other cruciferous vegetables) has phytochemicals with antioxidant properties that protect our cells from damage? These health benefits are just part of the reason this casserole is so great. It’s also endlessly versatile—you can customize it with your favorite cheese or mix in extra veggies or even bacon. And let’s not forget how easy it is to prepare, making it perfect for weeknights or potlucks. But the real magic? Turning humble cauliflower into a creamy, cheesy casserole that tastes like pure indulgence.
This dish is the ultimate comfort food. It’s hearty, cheesy, and just so satisfying. I’d liken it to mac and cheese or scalloped potatoes, without all the starchy carbs that go with it. Even better, it’s easy to prepare, and you can even use pre-packaged cauliflower florets to make it simpler. Feel free to use any cauliflower color that you’d like. And if you want to take the flavor up a notch, you also have the option of roasting the cauliflower until it caramelizes instead of steaming it.
Is This Cauliflower Casserole Healthy?
This is a low-carb dish, and cauliflower has a low glycemic index. It’s also rich in fiber and other nutrients, especially vitamin C. That said, this dish is also high in fat and calories, since it contains butter, milk, and cheese. If desired, you can use low-fat milk and cheese, however.
You can easily make this vegetarian casserole vegan by swapping the butter, milk, cheddar, and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives. You can also work more veggies into the dish by adding onions, mushrooms, celery, or leafy greens. Garnishes of chopped chives or parsley would also be welcome additions.
How To Make A White Sauce
Knowing how to make a white sauce (also known as a béchamel) is an essential culinary skill. This versatile base is used in a wide variety of dishes, including creamy casseroles, chicken pot pie, clam chowder, lasagna, and classic mac and cheese. In this cauliflower casserole recipe, cheese is added to the white sauce, transforming it into a creamy, cheesy delight that coats the cauliflower perfectly. Mastering this technique ensures you’ll have a smooth, flavorful sauce every time.
To make a white sauce, start with equal parts fat and flour—typically butter and all-purpose flour. Melt the butter in a saucepan, whisk in the flour, and cook the mixture over medium-low heat until it forms a smooth paste and loses its raw flour taste. This paste is called a “roux.” Next, slowly add milk to the roux, whisking constantly to ensure the mixture stays smooth and lump-free. Gradually incorporating the milk is key to achieving a creamy consistency. Once the milk is fully incorporated, continue stirring as the sauce thickens over low heat. For a light sauce, cook it just a few minutes. For a deeper, nuttier flavor, cook the roux longer before adding the milk or allow the sauce to simmer a bit more.
White sauces can be easily customized to suit different recipes. You can add cheese or herbs and spices for extra flavor. You can even make a lighter version with broth instead of milk.
How To Make Ahead And Store
This dish can be prepped up to 2 days in advance, then covered tightly with plastic wrap and kept in the fridge until ready to bake. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, either before or after baking. Allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Serving Suggestions
To turn this into a main dish, you could incorporate some protein, such as bacon, shredded and cooked chicken or beef, or shredded jackfruit. In this case, serve it with a side of Sautéed Spinach or Steamed Broccoli. Personally, I also love it with Salt-And-Vinegar Chicken Wings and a green salad. Still have room for dessert? Try a refreshing Fruit Soup!
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
- Steam cauliflower florets until tender yet firm, about 5-7 minutes, then transfer to the baking dish.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour to form a roux, and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add milk to the roux, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Remove sauce from heat, stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth, then pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower in the dish.
- Mix panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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