Our simple cheesy cauliflower bake makes this mild vegetable into the best au gratin cauliflower recipe baked in the oven. If you tried and loved our Slow Cooker Cheesy Cauliflower this is another way you can make it.
This and our Cauliflower Pancakes are great examples of how to transform this head into something wonderful. With a thick sauce layered with parmesan and cheddar cheese, this vegetable side dish is a crowd pleaser during the holidays.
Cauliflower Au Gratin
So this is the third way we have made this. In the Crockpot is above, then we moved on to our Cheesy Instant Pot Cauliflower recipe and this year we experimented with a baked version. I like to provide options depending on what appliance you want to use. Sometimes one is full and you want to use another.
If you want a creative way of How to Cook a Whole Cauliflower this is the one. I mean we really do love it roasted with just some olive oil, salt and pepper too but during Christmas time it is on!! I mean everything in moderation but gooey cheesy with all the flavors is what guests expect on the table with your main dish right??
Ingredient Notes
You are going to use 3 cups fresh cauliflower florets, a medium head of cauliflower is about right
Cheeses that you add are Parmesan grated, cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack. I mean any variety works and you can mix and match with the measurements below.
Then you will add milk to cook it to tender with a bit of all purpose flour to thicken the cheesy sauce so it is like au gratin style.
Can You Use Frozen Cauliflower?
I don’t care for frozen cauliflower but if that is all you have then set out to defrost first and then drain water. From there you can follow the directions below, the texture just will be softer.
Substitutions
If you are lactose intolerant you can make this with vegan products instead. We have done the same thing with our Dairy Free Scalloped Potatoes with Daiya cheeses, almond milk and plant based butter stick from Country Crock.
If you wanted to make this a bit spicy you could do that. A bit of Frank’s hot sauce would do the trick but I would be light handed. You could always add a bit more on top later but too much could make it inedible for some. With another veggie refer to our Broccoli Au Gratin.
If you did want to make a gluten free healthier option on the side, you totally could. Just grab another head at the store and make a batch of Air Fryer Cauliflower for others to enjoy alongside this.
Cheesy Cauliflower Bake Recipe
Equipment
- 1 9×13 pan
- 1 pan
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 360 F. Melt the butter in a saucepan and then add the flour for 2-3 minutes, stirring to get a roux. Pour in the milk, constantly stirring the flour with a spatula until you get a smooth white sauce without lumps. You may need more milk to get the desired consistency. Add salt, spices and mix.
- Place 1 1/2 cups cauliflower florets in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top with half the parmesan, half the cheddar and most of the parsley. You can reserve some of the parsley for serving.
- Add the remaining cauliflower, the remaining cheese and pour the white sauce over the top. Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 until the top is lightly browned and the cauliflower is tender.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
We rarely have any leftovers but if you do allow it to cool to room temperature first. Transfer to an airtight container and into the fridge. Reheat with a tsp of broth over the top to add moisture and warm in microwave for 30 seconds or so.
This was such a unique and unexpected recipe that does not disappoint! Easy, hearty and delicious; my whole family loved it!
This dish is so good. My family loved the creamy, cheesy cauliflower and I know I’ll make this one again.
I love how cheesy this is! Amazing!
So comforting and delicious!! The perfect side dish for any meal!