Baked cauliflower with a creamy cheese sauce is an easy and delicious way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable. This recipe blends cauliflower with a rich mixture of sour cream, mayonnaise, mustard, and eggs, topped with melted cheese. The result is a comforting dish that is full of flavor and perfect as a side dish or even as a main course. The texture of the tender cauliflower combined with the creamy sauce and melted cheese makes this dish both hearty and satisfying. It’s a great option for a family dinner or a holiday meal, and the simplicity of the recipe makes it easy to prepare.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• Cauliflower – 1 medium head
• Sour cream – 2 tablespoons
• Mayonnaise – 2 tablespoons
• Mustard – 1 teaspoon
• Cheese – 100 g, grated (any cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda)
• Eggs – 2
• Black pepper – To taste
• Salt – To taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

1. Clean and Cut the Cauliflower: Wash the cauliflower thoroughly and remove the leaves. Cut the cauliflower into medium-sized florets, ensuring they are of equal size to cook evenly.
2. Blanch the Cauliflower (Optional): If you prefer a softer texture, blanch the cauliflower by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and set aside. This step can be skipped if you like the cauliflower to have more bite after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

1. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of sour cream, 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, and 1 teaspoon of mustard. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the Eggs: Crack the 2 eggs into the bowl and whisk them into the sour cream and mayonnaise mixture. Continue whisking until the eggs are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
3. Season the Sauce: Add salt and black pepper to taste. This will bring out the flavors in the dish, so feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Step 3: Combine the Cauliflower with the Sauce

1. Coat the Cauliflower: Add the blanched (or raw, if preferred) cauliflower florets into the creamy sauce mixture. Gently toss the florets until they are fully coated in the sauce.
2. Transfer to a Baking Dish: Grease a medium-sized baking dish with oil or butter to prevent sticking. Spread the coated cauliflower evenly in the dish.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake

1. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the cauliflower. This will create a golden, melted cheese crust on top of the dish.
2. Bake the Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
3. Check for Doneness: Once the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the cauliflower is tender when pierced with a fork, remove the dish from the oven.

Step 5: Serve

1. Let it Cool Slightly: Allow the baked cauliflower to cool for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.
2. Garnish and Serve: You can garnish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor. Serve the cauliflower as a side dish or main course, accompanied by your favorite protein or salad.

Cooking Tips:

• Blanching the Cauliflower: Blanching the cauliflower before baking helps to soften it slightly and reduces the overall baking time. If you prefer a crispier texture, you can skip this step and bake the cauliflower raw.
• Use Different Cheeses: You can use a variety of cheeses in this recipe, depending on your preference. Mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, or even parmesan can add different flavors and textures to the dish.
• Add Extra Flavors: Feel free to experiment by adding spices like paprika, chili flakes, or garlic powder to the sauce. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also add an aromatic touch to the dish.
• Make it Healthier: For a lighter version of this recipe, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt and reduce the amount of cheese. This will make the dish lower in calories but still flavorful.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish by wrapping it tightly in aluminum foil or placing it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings):

• Calories: 220-250 kcal
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg

This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates and rich in protein and healthy fats, thanks to the cheese, eggs, and cauliflower. It’s a good option for those following low-carb or keto diets, providing essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the cauliflower.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time by blanching the cauliflower and making the sauce. Combine everything in the baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, simply top with cheese and bake.

2. Can I use frozen cauliflower? Yes, frozen cauliflower can be used in this recipe. Just thaw the cauliflower before using, and make sure to drain any excess water. You may want to reduce the baking time slightly as frozen cauliflower is often pre-cooked.

3. Can I make this dish dairy-free? You can substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or dairy-free yogurt. Use vegan cheese to make the recipe completely dairy-free.

4. What can I serve this dish with? This baked cauliflower dish pairs well with roasted meats like chicken, beef, or pork. It also works beautifully alongside a fresh salad or a grain dish like quinoa or couscous.

5. How do I keep the cauliflower from becoming mushy? To prevent the cauliflower from becoming too soft, avoid over-blanching or over-baking it. Blanching for just 3-4 minutes and baking for around 20-25 minutes should give you tender yet firm cauliflower.

6. Can I add other vegetables to the recipe? Yes, you can add other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or even spinach to the dish for added texture and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the vegetables you choose.

Conclusion:

This Baked Cauliflower with Creamy Cheese Sauce is a versatile and delicious dish that can be served as a side or a main course. The creamy sauce made from sour cream, mayonnaise, and eggs complements the tender cauliflower perfectly, while the cheese adds a rich and flavorful topping. With just a few ingredients and simple preparation, this recipe is a fantastic option for busy weeknights or special occasions. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this cauliflower bake is sure to impress. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this easy-to-make dish, and don’t hesitate to get creative with additional herbs, spices, or vegetables!