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Cauliflower and Cheese Bake with Crispy Breadcrumb Topping

Cauliflower and Cheese Bake with Crispy Breadcrumb Topping

This Cauliflower and Cheese Bake with Crispy Breadcrumb Topping is a quick and comforting dish the whole family will love, made cheesy and delightful.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Side Dish, Vegetarian
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

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.

Notes

For a creamier texture, add an extra splash of milk to the cheese sauce. You can also mix in some cooked broccoli for added nutrients and flavor.
Feel free to switch out the cheese; cheddar and Gruyère create a fantastic flavor combination!
To make this dish a bit healthier, use whole wheat breadcrumbs or sprinkle some nuts on top for added crunch.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 500mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3g
Keyword Cauliflower Bake, Cheese Bake, Vegetarian Cauliflower Dish
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