Cheesy & Creamy Baked Cauliflower – A Comforting Dish You’ll Love! 🧀🌱
This cheesy and creamy baked cauliflower dish is the perfect combination of rich, melty cheese and tender cauliflower, baked to golden perfection. Whether you enjoy it as a main course or a side dish, it’s bound to be a hit! The flavors are so comforting, and it’s easy to prepare with just a few simple ingredients.
Preparation and Cooking Times:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Dish:
- 1 medium cauliflower, cut into small florets
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large eggs
- 30 ml (2 tablespoons) cream
- Black pepper, to taste
- 50 g grated Parmesan cheese (or more to taste)
- 100 g soft mozzarella, torn into small pieces
- Paprika, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Bring a pot of water to a boil, adding 1 teaspoon salt. Blanch the cauliflower florets for 5 minutes.
- Drain the cauliflower thoroughly, and pat dry with a kitchen towel to remove any excess moisture.
2. Roast the Cauliflower:
- Spread the cauliflower florets on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Toss the florets to coat them evenly.
- Roast the cauliflower in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the florets are slightly golden.
3. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, a pinch of black pepper, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Set this aside for assembling the dish.
4. Assemble the Dish:
- Transfer the roasted cauliflower to a greased baking dish.
- Pour the egg and cream mixture evenly over the cauliflower.
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top, and distribute the torn mozzarella pieces evenly.
- Lightly dust with paprika for added color and flavor.
5. Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
6. Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the dish cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed as a standalone dish or paired with a fresh green salad, grilled meat, or fish for a complete meal.
Tips for Best Results:
- Dry the Cauliflower: After boiling, make sure the cauliflower is well-dried to avoid excess moisture in the dish, which can make it watery.
- Cheese Substitutes: If you don’t have mozzarella, feel free to use cheddar, gouda, or any other melting cheese you prefer.
- Breadcrumb Topping: For extra crunch, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese on top before baking for a delightful crunch.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbs: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
Storage and Reheating:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warm, or use the microwave for convenience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Simple to Make: With minimal prep and basic ingredients, this dish is quick and easy to prepare.
- Cheesy and Creamy: Perfect for satisfying comfort food cravings.
- Healthy: Packed with fiber, protein, and the natural goodness of cauliflower.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a main dish or as a flavorful side to complement your favorite meals.
Try this Cheesy & Creamy Baked Cauliflower recipe today and enjoy the perfect blend of cheesy goodness and the mild, nutty flavor of cauliflower. It’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation! 🧀