Tastenexa
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American
Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
37 min total12 prep25 cook4 servings310 cal
KetoLow-CarbVegetarianContains dairy
Tender steamed cauliflower is folded into a garlicky mustard-cheddar cream sauce, topped with more cheese, and baked until bubbly and golden. It's a comforting, low-carb take on a classic casserole that works as a side or a light main.
Ingredients
produce
- 500 gcauliflower florets
- 2 clovesgarlic
dairy
- 150 gcheddar cheese
- 120 mlheavy cream
- 1.5 tbspbutter
pantry
- 1 tspdijon mustard
- 0.75 tspsalt
- 0.25 tspblack pepper
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly butter a baking dish.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the cauliflower florets, and cook for 5-6 minutes until fork-tender but still slightly firm. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Mince the garlic. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and cook the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Whisk in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard, then bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 2 minutes.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in two-thirds of the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with the salt and black pepper.
- Add the drained cauliflower to the baking dish and pour the cheese sauce over it, tossing gently to coat every piece.
- Scatter the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese on top is melted and golden in spots.
- Let the bake rest for 5 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly before serving.
- Serve warm, straight from the baking dish.
Tips
- Steam the cauliflower just until fork-tender-crisp — overcooked florets turn mushy once they hit the oven again.
- Drain the cauliflower really well; excess water will thin out the cheese sauce and make the bake watery.
- A little Dijon mustard doesn't taste like mustard here — it sharpens the cheddar and makes the sauce taste more savory.
- Let the bake rest 5 minutes before serving so the sauce firms up slightly and doesn't run off the plate.
