Should I boil cauliflower before making cauliflower cheese?

No, boiling can make it soggy and watery, which affects the texture of the sauce. Roasting or steaming keeps the florets firm and flavorful, giving you that perfect cheesy bite.

What spices go in cauliflower cheese?

Classic seasonings include salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, and sometimes nutmeg for warmth. You can also add paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper for extra depth and spice.

How to crisp up cauliflower cheese?

Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking to brown the top. You can also sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the cheese before baking for a crunchy, golden finish.

How to enhance cauliflower cheese?

Use a mix of cheeses for complexity, roast your cauliflower for better flavor, and finish with a crispy topping like breadcrumbs or extra Parmesan. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley also brighten it up.

How to make cauliflower cheese more interesting?

Add sautéed onions, crispy bacon bits, or a drizzle of truffle oil before baking. You can even fold in cooked pasta for a cauliflower mac and cheese hybrid!

What are the common mistakes with cauliflower cheese?

The most common mistakes are boiling cauliflower (which makes it watery), adding cheese to overly hot sauce (which causes curdling), and not seasoning enough. Always roast or steam instead of boil, add cheese off the heat, and taste the sauce as you go.

How to stop cauliflower cheese from going watery?

Avoid boiling cauliflower and ensure it’s fully roasted or steamed before mixing with the sauce. If your sauce seems thin, simmer a bit longer to thicken before combining.

Is cauliflower cheese healthy for you?

Cauliflower cheese can be a balanced comfort food. It’s lower in carbs than pasta-based dishes, packed with vitamin C, and offers calcium and protein from the cheese. To make it lighter, use reduced-fat milk, less butter, or part-skim cheese.

Can I prep cauliflower cheese ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding an extra 5–10 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.

Can cauliflower cheese be cooked from frozen?

Yes, but for best results, thaw it first overnight in the fridge, then reheat covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through and bubbly.

Can I cook cauliflower cheese in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Use smaller ramekins or oven-safe dishes, air fry at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, and check for bubbling, golden tops. Perfect for quick single servings!

Baked Cauliflower Cheese

Name: Baked Cauliflower Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 2 pounds cauliflower florets; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; ⅓ cup unsalted butter; 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 ½ cups milk; ½ tablespoon dijon mustard; 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated; ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided

Description

Easy Baked Cauliflower Cheese is the ultimate creamy, cheesy, golden comfort food side dish made with roasted cauliflower and rich homemade cheese sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds cauliflower florets
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the cheese sauce:

⅓ cup unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 ½ cups milk
½ tablespoon dijon mustard
2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, add cauliflower florets, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss well until evenly coated. Transfer onto a large baking sheet in a single layer and bake until tender, about 25 minutes.
While the cauliflower roasts, melt butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Whisk in the flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until the roux is light golden and fragrant.
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. The sauce will thicken and clump at first but will smooth out as you add more milk.
Stir in Dijon mustard, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and ½ cup of the mozzarella. Reduce heat to low and mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Add the roasted cauliflower florets to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
Transfer to a 2-quart casserole dish (or 8-inch square pan) and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella evenly on top.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

How to store: Cool completely, then cover or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

How to reheat: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave in short 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

How to freeze: Freeze fully cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Bake
Cuisine: British