This Cheese Baked Cauliflower will earn a 5-star rating with your family, even the ones who claim they aren’t fans of cauliflower.
Cauliflower is one of those vegetables that is bland on its own, but can easily be dressed up to be so tasty. This recipe for baked cauliflower with cheese is nothing short of flavor. With simple ingredients, you’ll have to try this next time you aren’t sure what to do with a head of cauliflower.
To learn more about cauliflower, check out the USDA.
MORE CAULIFLOWER RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE
Loaded Cheesy Cauliflower Bake | Roasted Sweet and Spicy Cauliflower | Cauliflower Soup
What We Love About This Whole Cauliflower Cheese Bake Recipe
- 30 Minute Side Dish: Make this side dish in under 30 minutes.
- Easy Ingredients: For this cheesy cauliflower, all you need is 4 ingredients.
- Family Friendly: Your family’s mouths will be watering from one bite of cheese. baked cauliflower. Even those that are not a fan of veggies.
Ingredient Notes for Cheese Baked Cauliflower
- Cauliflower: For this recipe you will need 1 head of cauliflower.
- Mayonnaise: Any brand of mayonnaise will work. For a healthier alternative try using mayonnaise made with avocado oil or olive oil.
- Parmesan: You will need approximately 1 cup of grated parmesan. You can buy a block and grate yourself or get pre-grated for the cauliflower florets.
- All Purpose Seasoning: A nice blend of seasonings including garlic powder.
Equipment Needed for Cheesy Cauliflower Baked
- Baking Dish or Casserole Dish
- Large Pot
- Cutting Board
- Knife
How to Make Whole Cauliflower Cheese Bake
These are the basic steps for making Cheese Baked Cauliflower. Please refer to the recipe card below for more detailed instructions and nutrition information for the roasted cauliflower with cheese.
STEP 1: PREPPING
Start by preheating the oven to 375 degrees f and prepare baking dish with parchment paper or cooking spray. In a small bowl whisk together mayo, parmesan, garlic, salt, and black pepper, then side aside. You can also stir in other seasonings like onion powder.
STEP 2: BLANCH THE CAULIFLOWER
In a large pot of boiling, you will want to blanch the cauliflower to for 2-3 minutes on each side. Then remove from boiling water, pat dry and place in a baking dish.
STEP 3: BAKE CAULIFLOWER
Pour the cheese sauce mixture on the top of the cauliflower and spread evenly. Bake for about 20 minutes and then serve whole cauliflower cheese bake immediately and cut into slices.
Prep and Storage Tips for the Cheesy Cauliflower Recipes
HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE AHEAD OF TIME
I do not recommend make this recipe ahead of time you will need get the result of soft and tender inside, yet crispy outside of the cauliflower.
HOW TO STORE THIS RECIPE
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
HOW TO FREEZE THIS RECIPE
Freeze cauliflower cheese bake that has already been cooked in an airtight container. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
HOW TO REHEAT THIS RECIPE
To reheat this cheese baked cauliflower recipe, you can easily heat back up in the microwave or air fryer. Microwave for 1 minute or until hot. Air fryer at 350 degrees f for 4-5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Cheese Baked Cauliflower
Cheese baked cauliflower is so tasty and a perfect side dish to so many things, such as grilled chicken, steak, pasta, or potatoes.
This recipe can easily be doubled or halved, either use 2 heads to double the recipe or use a small head pf cauliflower to half this recipe.
I strongly recommend blanching the cauliflower as it will help to soften the cauliflower before baking as well as taking away any bitter flavor the cauliflower may have.
Expert Tips for Making This Cheese Baked Cauliflower Recipe
- This Recipe Can be Doubled: This is roasted cauliflower with cheese is perfect to serve as an appetizer at a larger dinner party, to double this recipe, proportionally increase ingredients and use 2 baking dishes.
- Air Fryer: You can also try roasting this cheese baked cauliflower in the air fryer if you have one large enough. Just cook at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes.
- Elote Mexican Style Cauliflower: For a Mexican street corn inspired take on this cheesy baked cauliflower, additionally add chili powder, paprika, and lime juice.
- Toppings: You can sprinkle your cheesy cauliflower casserole with bacon bits, chives, breadcrumbs or cheddar cheese or even butter.
What to Serve with Baked Cheesy Cauliflower
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Cheese Baked Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 cauliflower, A head leaves removed, stem trimmed
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon All-purpose blend
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 and lightly prepare a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a small bowl mix mayonnaise, parmesan, all-purpose blend until well combined – set aside.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Blanch the whole cauliflower for 4 minutes, 2 minutes on each side then pat dry.
- Place cauliflower in baking dish and spread on the mayo/cheese mixture to cover completely.
- Bake for about 20 minutes.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- This Recipe Can be Doubled: This is roasted cauliflower with cheese is perfect to serve as an appetizer at a larger dinner party, to double this recipe, proportionally increase ingredients and use 2 baking dishes.
- Air Fryer: You can also cook this cheese baked cauliflower in the air fryer if you have one large enough. Just cook at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes.
- Elote Mexican Style Cauliflower: For a mexican street corn inspired take on this cheesy baked cauliflower, additionally add chili powder, paprika, and lime juice.
- Toppings: You can sprinkle your cheesy cauliflower casserole with bacon bits, chives, breadcrumbs or cheddar cheese.
Estimated Nutritional Information
The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/
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This cheese baked cauliflower was a hit! The crowd can’t get enough of this, I’m glad they loved it. Thanks for sharing this recipe Christina!
This was an amazing side dish that was super easy to make and tasted delicious.
I love the idea of Mexican elote-style cauliflower – delicious! Thank you for the recipe!
Super highly recommended! This cheese baked cauliflower is really tasty! Loved the seasonings that it turned out really flavorful! Thanks a lot for this delicious recipe!