For years, my lovely wife Gail has been gently nudging me toward a deeper appreciation of cauliflower. We’ve explored many farmers markets together, each time finding new varieties and flavors, yet somehow, cauliflower remained low on my list of favorite vegetables. Gail, with her endless creativity and determination, never gave up. She even suggested that I might consider growing this versatile vegetable in our garden. To my delight (and slight trepidation), her perseverance has finally paid off, culminating in a cheesy cauliflower casserole that’s changed my perspective entirely.
Gail’s culinary wizardry has culminated in a cauliflower and cheese recipe so divine that it’s made me reconsider my stance on this humble veggie. Picture this: tender cauliflower florets, perfectly baked in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, sprinkled with Italian spices and topped with a golden breadcrumb crust. This cheesy cauliflower casserole is so good, I could eat it three times a week and still look forward to the next serving!
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Let’s talk texture and flavor, because this isn’t your average veggie side dish. The cauliflower is cooked to perfection – tender but still with a pleasant bite. The cheese sauce is velvety smooth, with the sharp cheddar bringing a flavor punch and the mozzarella adding that irresistible gooeyness. And the breadcrumb topping? It adds just the right amount of crunch to keep things interesting.
Flavor-wise, it’s a beautiful harmony. The Italian seasoning adds a lovely herbal note, while the cauliflower’s subtle nuttiness shines through. It’s comfort food that somehow feels indulgent and wholesome at the same time.
Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “But what about pasta?” Well, let me tell you, cauliflower has some tricks up its sleeve. It’s lower in calories, higher in fiber, and packed with vitamins. Cauliflower crust pizza is pretty good too! Plus, it won’t leave you feeling weighed down after eating.
Now, without further ado, let me share Gail’s magical recipe with you. Whether you’re a cauliflower skeptic or a die-hard fan, this cheesy cauliflower casserole is sure to win you over.
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Gail’s Irresistible Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
This irresistible cheesy cauliflower casserole transforms humble florets into a creamy, golden-crusted delight, blending sharp cheddar and gooey mozzarella with Italian herbs for a comforting dish that will convert even the most ardent cauliflower skeptics and have your family asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Sides & Sauces
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 cups milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (a blend of basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Selecting the Cauliflower: When at your local farmers market or harvesting from your garden, choose a large head of cauliflower that is firm, with tight, white florets. Avoid any with brown spots or a soft texture.
- Preparing the Cauliflower:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets and rinse them under cold water.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 5 minutes, just until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Making the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, until the mixture is smooth and bubbling.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens and comes to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assembling the Casserole:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked cauliflower florets with the cheese sauce. Mix well to ensure the cauliflower is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Preparing the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the olive oil and Italian seasoning.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cauliflower and cheese.
- Baking the Casserole:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serving:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
- This dish pairs beautifully with steaks, chops, chicken, or any other protein of your choice.
Gail’s irresistible cheesy cauliflower casserole has not only won my heart but also has me rethinking my gardening plans for next year. While I might not be able to grow cheese in our garden, I can certainly see a row of cauliflower thriving under Gail’s expert care. Who knows? Perhaps next season, I’ll be the one proudly presenting our home-grown cauliflower for this delightful dish. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself converted too!
How to Mix Up This Irresistible Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
While this classic cheesy cauliflower casserole is delicious as is, there are countless ways to customize it to your taste or dietary needs. For a healthier twist, try substituting half of the cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast for a boost of B-vitamins and a nutty flavor. You could also experiment with different cheese combinations – perhaps a smoky Gouda or a tangy blue cheese for a more complex flavor profile.
For added texture and nutrition, consider incorporating other vegetables into the mix. Broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or diced carrots can add color and variety to the dish.
If you’re looking to make it a complete meal, try adding cooked, diced chicken or crispy bacon bits before baking. For a vegan version, use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives, and top with crushed nuts instead of breadcrumbs. The possibilities are endless with this versatile cheesy cauliflower casserole recipe!
If you’d like to learn more about growing your own cauliflower, check out our Cauliflower Growing Guide. Here are a few more cauliflower recipes you might like:
- Cauliflower Crust Pizza
- Cauliflower Fritters
- Broccoli-Cauliflower Salad
- Cauliflower Fried Rice
- Loaded Cauliflower
- Roasted Garlic Cauliflower
If you try Gail’s Irresistible Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole, let me know what you think in the comments!
Well of course it’s going to be good, blanketed under a mountain of cheese! A lot of cheese/milk for just 6 servings – there are far healthier, equally delicious ways to partake of this humble veggie, ha ha