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Baked Cauliflower in Cheese Sauce Recipe
Overview:
Indulge in the creamy goodness of baked cauliflower smothered in a luscious cheese sauce, sans any cream-of-X soup. This recipe offers a healthier twist by using skim milk and low-fat cheese without compromising on flavor. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a side dish for a special occasion, this dish is sure to please both vegetarians and cheese enthusiasts alike! 🧀🥦
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
1 | Cauliflower |
2 tbsp | Butter |
6 tbsp | Flour |
1 pinch | Hot red pepper flakes |
2 cups | Skim milk |
1-2 cups | Low-fat cheese |
1/2 tsp | Garlic powder (optional) |
To taste | Salt and pepper |
Instructions:
-
Prepare Cauliflower:
- Start by cutting the cauliflower into bite-size pieces.
- Steam the cauliflower until just tender. This step ensures the cauliflower is cooked to perfection while retaining its natural crunchiness.
-
Prepare Cheese Sauce:
- While the cauliflower is steaming, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add a pinch of hot red pepper flakes and garlic powder (if using) to infuse the sauce with a hint of spice and aroma.
- Gradually add the flour to the melted butter, stirring continuously to form a smooth paste. This forms the base of the creamy sauce.
-
Cook Sauce:
- Slowly pour in the skim milk, a little at a time, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Continue cooking the sauce over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and becomes creamy. This step requires patience but ensures a silky smooth texture.
-
Add Cheese:
- Once the sauce has thickened, add 1 cup of low-fat cheese and stir until fully melted. The cheese adds richness and depth of flavor to the sauce without overwhelming the dish.
-
Season and Assemble:
- Remove the cheese sauce from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference for a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
- Spread the steamed cauliflower evenly in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
-
Top with Cheese Sauce:
- Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower, ensuring every piece is coated with the luscious goodness of cheese.
-
Bake:
- If desired, sprinkle an additional cup of low-fat cheese over the top for an extra cheesy finish.
- Bake the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a golden crust on top of the cauliflower.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked to perfection, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or additional red pepper flakes for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve the baked cauliflower in cheese sauce as a delightful side dish or as a comforting main course for a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and delicious! 🍽️
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 201.3
- Fat: 11.8g
- Saturated Fat: 7.2g
- Cholesterol: 33.6mg
- Sodium: 285.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 16.2g
- Fiber: 2.2g
- Sugar: 1.9g
- Protein: 9.1g
Recipe Notes:
- For a healthier version, opt for skim milk and low-fat cheese, but be prepared to cook the sauce longer to achieve the desired thickness.
- Feel free to customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of hot red pepper flakes or omitting them altogether for a milder flavor.
- Experiment with different types of cheese to tailor the dish to your taste preferences. Cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère would all work well in this recipe.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving.