This delicious dish combines tender cauliflower with a rich, creamy cheese sauce and a fresh, tangy yogurt topping. Perfect as a side dish or light main course, it’s a flavorful and satisfying meal option.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower:
- 1 cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 lemon slices
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh dill, chopped
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 100 g (7 tbsp) butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 250 ml (1 cup) milk
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 200 g (2 cups) hard cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- Italian herbs, to taste
For the Yogurt Sauce:
- 3 cherry tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Fresh dill, chopped
- Italian herbs, to taste
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add lemon slices and a pinch of salt.
- Blanch the cauliflower florets for 3 minutes in the boiling water.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until smooth and bubbling.
- Gradually add milk, whisking until the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated cheese, minced garlic, and mayonnaise until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- Place the blanched cauliflower florets in the baking pan.
- Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower and sprinkle with Italian herbs.
- In a small bowl, mix any remaining grated cheese with minced garlic and Italian herbs.
- Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the cauliflower.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
Step 4: Prepare the Yogurt Sauce
- In a bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, garlic, salt, black pepper, Greek yogurt or sour cream, dill, and Italian herbs.
- Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the baked cauliflower hot, drizzled with the yogurt sauce and garnished with fresh dill if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with roasted chicken or grilled fish for a complete meal.
- Serve as a light vegetarian main dish with crusty bread.
- Add a side of fresh green salad for a refreshing contrast.
Cooking Tips
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of paprika or cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
- Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyere for a richer taste.
- Ensure the cauliflower is well-drained before adding the cheese sauce to avoid excess moisture.
Nutritional Benefits
- Cauliflower: High in vitamins C and K, and low in calories.
- Cheese: Provides protein and calcium for strong bones.
- Greek Yogurt: Offers probiotics and additional protein.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free if using gluten-free flour
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – Approx. 6 servings):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 9 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 180°C (356°F) until warmed through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the creaminess of cheese sauce with the freshness of yogurt topping.
- Quick and easy to prepare for weeknight meals or gatherings.
- A versatile dish that works as a side or main course.
- Packed with flavor, texture, and nutrition.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Baked Cauliflower with Yogurt Sauce is a delicious and comforting dish that’s sure to please. With its creamy layers and tangy sauce, it’s perfect for any occasion. Try it for dinner and enjoy a wholesome, flavorful meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen cauliflower? Yes, thaw and drain it before blanching.
- Can I skip the mayonnaise? Yes, but the mayonnaise adds a subtle creaminess.
- What type of cheese is best? Cheddar, Gruyere, or a cheese blend works beautifully.
- Can I make this dish vegan? Use plant-based butter, cheese, and yogurt for a vegan version.
- Can I prepare this in advance? Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- What can I substitute for dill? Parsley or chives make excellent alternatives.
- How do I store leftovers? Store in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Can I add other vegetables? Yes, broccoli, carrots, or zucchini make great additions.
- What can I serve this with? Pair with grilled proteins, crusty bread, or a fresh salad.
- Can I skip the yogurt sauce? Yes, but it adds a refreshing contrast to the rich cheese sauce.
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and tangy cauliflower dish!