Cauliflower with Quick Cheese Sauce
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 176.5
Description
This Cauliflower with Quick Cheese Sauce is a family-friendly side dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe that brings out the best in cauliflower with a rich, creamy cheese sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds. If you’ve got little ones who aren’t quite fond of vegetables, they may just mistake this for mashed potatoes! Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect side dish for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Don’t forget the paprika for a final touch of flavor and color!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cauliflower | 1 head (medium) |
| Butter | 4 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour | 3 tablespoons |
| Milk | 1 1/2 cups |
| Shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice) | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Paprika (for garnish) | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 176.5 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 34.9 mg |
| Sodium | 398 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 11.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.5 g |
| Sugars | 2.3 g |
| Protein | 6.2 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Cauliflower
Start by cutting the cauliflower into florets or cooking it whole. To cook it whole, place the cauliflower in a large pot of salted boiling water. Allow it to cook for about 10–12 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender when pierced with a fork. -
Drain and Transfer
Once the cauliflower is cooked, carefully drain it and place it in a serving dish. Set aside while you prepare the cheese sauce. -
Make the Cheese Sauce
In a double boiler, melt the butter. If you don’t have a double boiler, you can use a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Once the butter is melted, add the flour, stirring constantly to create a smooth paste. -
Add the Milk and Cheese
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens, which should take about 2–3 minutes. Once thickened, add the shredded cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. -
Serve
Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the cauliflower, ensuring it’s well coated. For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle a light dusting of paprika over the top. -
Enjoy
Serve this cheesy cauliflower hot as a perfect complement to any main dish. The rich sauce paired with the tender cauliflower is a comforting, easy-to-make dish the whole family will love.
Tips for the Best Results
- For a slightly sharper flavor, try using sharp cheddar cheese or a blend of cheeses for added depth.
- You can also switch up the cauliflower by adding steamed broccoli or other vegetables for variety.
- For extra creamy texture, increase the amount of butter and cheese in the sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the milk slightly or cook the sauce for a little longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
Enjoy this quick and creamy side dish, and make it a regular on your family dinner table!
