Hey friends! If you’re looking for a comforting, cheesy dish that’s also kinda healthy, let me introduce you to my Cauliflower and Cheese Bake with Crispy Breadcrumb Topping! This recipe adds a new spin on classic comfort food, making it a great side or even a main dish. Plus, it’s a perfect option for all my veggie lovers out there!
With the added health benefits of cauliflower—like loads of fiber and vitamins—you’re actually doing your body a solid while indulging in melted cheese goodness. And let’s be real, who can resist that savory, golden breadcrumb topping?! This dish is excellent for meal prep or those quick weeknight dinner plans. Trust me, you’ll want to learn how to make this creamy bake that’ll impress your family and friends without breaking a sweat!
Serving and Pairing Suggestions:
This Cauliflower and Cheese Bake is versatile! Serve it alongside Zucchini Noodles with Pesto for a fresh twist, or go classic with Vegetarian Spring Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce for a nice balance.
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not elevate your meal with a drizzle of Yogurt Mint Dressing? The cool, creamy goodness pairs perfectly! You can also enjoy it as a standalone dish or topped with fresh herbs if you’re looking to really bring that flavor out.
Tips and Notes:
- Cheese Variety: Feel free to switch it up! Try using a mix of cheddar, Gruyère, or even vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
- Breadcrumbs: For a crunchier topping, use Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. That extra crispiness is always a win!
- Storage: This dish keeps well in the fridge for about 3 days. Just reheat in the oven until warmed through for best results.
So what are you waiting for? Get ready to dive into this cheesy heaven!
Cauliflower and Cheese Bake with Crispy Breadcrumb Topping
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower - cut into florets (fresh cauliflower for the best texture)
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese - sharp cheddar for more flavor
- 1 cup milk - whole milk or 2% for creaminess
- 1/4 cup butter - unsalted, for the cheese sauce
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - to thicken the cheese sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder - for flavor depth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt - adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - freshly ground preferred
- 1 cup breadcrumbs - for the crispy topping
- 2 tablespoons olive oil - to coat breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add cauliflower florets. Cook for about 5 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in flour, stirring continuously for about 1 minute.
- Gradually add milk while whisking until the mixture is smooth and thick. Stir in cheddar cheese, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until cheese has melted.
- Combine the cooked cauliflower with the cheese sauce and pour into a greased baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle over the top of the cauliflower and cheese mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.