Cheesy Mustard-Frosted Cauliflower Bake

Frosted Cauliflower Delight 🥦🧀

Cook Time:

Description:

This delightful cauliflower recipe, handed down from my mother who lives in a cozy retirement facility in Atlanta, GA, is a cherished family favorite. The moment I tasted this dish, I knew I had discovered the ultimate way to enjoy one of my most beloved vegetables. Trust me, this is so good, you’ll want to eat it until you simply can’t move! 🤤💕

Category:

Cauliflower

Keywords:

Vegetable, Microwave, < 30 Mins, Easy, Inexpensive

Ingredients:

• 1 head of cauliflower
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons mustard
• 3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 158.9 kcal
• Fat Content: 11.6 g
• Saturated Fat Content: 4 g
• Cholesterol Content: 19.9 mg
• Sodium Content: 372.2 mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 9.8 g
• Fiber Content: 2 g
• Sugar Content: 3.2 g
• Protein Content: 5.7 g

Servings:

6

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cauliflower:

   • Begin by removing the woody core from the base of the cauliflower head, ensuring to leave the head intact. This step helps the cauliflower cook evenly and keeps it whole for a beautiful presentation. 🌟

2. Cooking the Cauliflower:

   • Place the cauliflower in a 1 1/2 quart covered glass dish, adding 2 tablespoons of water. Pop it into the microwave oven and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per pound of cauliflower.
   • To ensure even cooking, if your microwave doesn’t have a turntable, rotate the dish a quarter turn halfway through the cooking time.
   • Alternatively, you can also cook the cauliflower in a regular oven until it’s just tender. Simply place it in a baking dish, cover, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Let the cauliflower rest, covered, for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the steam to finish the cooking process. 🕰️🍲

3. Prepare the Frosting Mixture:

   • In a small mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of mustard. Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
   • Heat the mixture in the microwave for 1 minute. This step warms up the mayonnaise mixture, making it easier to spread and allowing the flavors to meld together. 🥣🔥

4. Frost the Cauliflower:

   • Carefully frost the entire top surface of the cooked cauliflower with the warm mayonnaise mixture. Use a spatula to spread it evenly over the florets, ensuring that every nook and cranny is covered. This creamy mixture adds a delightful richness and tanginess to the dish. 😋✨

5. Add the Cheese:

   • Generously sprinkle 3/4 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese over the frosted cauliflower. The cheese will melt and create a delicious, gooey topping that perfectly complements the creamy base. 🧀❤️

6. Final Cooking:

   • Return the dish to the microwave and cook until the cheese is completely melted. This should take about 1 to 2 minutes, depending on the power of your microwave. If using a regular oven, you can place the dish under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. 🔥🧀

7. Finishing Touch:

   • For an added pop of color and a hint of extra flavor, you can sprinkle a bit of paprika over the melted cheese. This step is optional but highly recommended! 🌶️✨

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this luscious frosted cauliflower hot as a side dish or even as a main course for a lighter meal. It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy dinner at home. Pair it with a crisp green salad, some crusty bread, or alongside your favorite roasted meats. This dish is sure to become a beloved staple in your household! 🍽️❤️

Pro Tips:

• For a bit of variation, you can add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the frosting mixture for an extra burst of flavor and color.
• If you’re a fan of spice, a dash of hot sauce in the mayonnaise mixture can add a pleasant kick to the dish.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. A mix of cheddar and mozzarella can give you a wonderfully gooey and stretchy topping.

Enjoy this Frosted Cauliflower Delight and relish in the simplicity and comfort of this classic recipe. Happy cooking! 🥦🧀🍴