CAULIFLOWER CASSEROLE with Creamy Cheese Sauce

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: ricotta cheese

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheddar

💰Cheaper: colby jack cheese

Colby jack provides a similar flavor at a lower cost.

sour cream

🥗Healthier: plain yogurt

💰Cheaper: mayonnaise

Plain yogurt is lower in calories and fat.

bread crumbs

🥗Healthier: panko breadcrumbs

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

Crushed crackers can provide a similar texture.

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).

Prepare a parchment lined baking tray.

Cut a circle around the stem of the cauliflower and crack it open, removing leaves and discolored pieces.

Pluck the florets off the stem and place them into a large bowl.

Drizzle the florets with 2 tablespoons of neutral oil.

Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, then toss to coat.

Transfer the cauliflower to the parchment lined baking sheet and roast in the oven for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through.

While the cauliflower is roasting, prepare the cheese sauce: In a small saucepan, add 1 cup of whole milk and scald it.

In a second saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over moderate heat, then add 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1 minute.

Gradually add the hot milk to the flour mixture, whisking to remove lumps.

Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of grated cheese (Gruyère) until melted, then season with salt, pepper, and a dash of freshly grated nutmeg.

Butter a casserole dish and place the roasted cauliflower florets inside.

Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower.

In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of seasoned panko crumbs, 1/4 cup of sharp cheese (cheddar or Stilton or Leicester), and 1/4 cup of grated Gruyère, then toss together and sprinkle over the casserole.

Sprinkle 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan on top of the casserole.

Transfer the dish to a lined baking sheet and bake in the oven for 15 minutes until the top is brown and crispy.

Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving, then sprinkle with parsley.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens