Cheesy Cauliflower

This cheesy cauliflower is healthy and delicious! The fresh cauliflower florets are tossed in oil and seasoned to perfection to give them a delicious flavor. Sprinkled with mozzarella and cheddar cheese, then baked till crispy, there's no better veggie side dish than this!

The Best Cheesy Cauliflower

This cheesy cauliflower bake brings your typical roasted cauliflower to a whole new level.

This cauliflower is tossed with a blend of seasonings that really bring out the natural taste while adding a new delicious flavor. Then the mix of melted shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese takes it to a whole other level of deliciousness. It's just addictive! 

This cheesy cauliflower side dish is perfect to pair with any weeknight dinner, and it's always a welcome side if you're hosting. Not only does everyone always devour it, but it tastes great with literally everything!

You can serve this baked cauliflower cheese side with things like this ham and noodle casserole or these manicotti crepes. Whatever you pair it with, you'll have an irresistible meal that will leave everyone satisfied.

Why This Recipe Works

Easy to customize. This delicious recipe is perfect when made the way it's written. However, you can customize it as much as you'd like. If you want to use a different cheese, add more vegetables, or change the seasoning completely this recipe makes it simple to do that.

Quick and easy. This cheesy cauliflower bake is more like an easy cheesy cauliflower casserole. Everything gets mixed together, transferred to a casserole dish, and baked to perfection. It's a no-brainer!

Family favorite. The first time I made this cheesy cauliflower bake, it instantly became my family's favorite side dish. I was happy, too, because even my pickiest eater was enjoying this healthy vegetable!

Ingredients

Not only is this cheesy cauliflower easy to make, but it's made with simple ingredients. You probably have them in your kitchen already!

Here's what you need to make cheesy cauliflower bake:

• 4 cups fresh cauliflower, separated into florets
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup  sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

You can actually use all of these ingreidents to make my cauliflower casserole. It's made with bacon and a creamy sauce and is definitely another one of the best cauliflower recipes you can make.

How To Make Cheesy Cauliflower

1. Prepare: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200ºC) and lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish or pan with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.

2. Mix the ingredients: Place the cauliflower florets into a large bowl. Add olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the cauliflower, making sure each piece is completely covered. Spread the cauliflower mixture in an even layer in the prepared baking dish.

3: Bake and serve: Bake the cauliflower for 15 minutes. Turn the cauliflower over, top with the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese. Bake for another 12-15 minutes or until the cauliflower is lightly golden brown. Serve immediately while the cauliflower is hot and the cheese is ooey gooey. Enjoy!

Tips To Make The Best Recipe

• Use frozen cauliflower if that's more convenient for you. Make sure to let it thaw in the first and squeeze out the extra moisture.
• Make it saucy. If you want more of a sauce on the cauliflower, make a homemade béchamel sauce or this Taco Bell cheese sauce to give the tender cauliflower a cheesy, saucy coating.
• Use a blend of shredded cheese like monterey jack cheese, grated parmesan cheese, and any other cheese you desire.
• Top the cauliflower with freshly grated nutmeg before baking for another dimension of flavor.

How To Store Cheesy Cauliflower

In the fridge: This baked cheesy cauliflower is so delicious I doubt you'll have any leftovers. However, if you end up with some extra, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.

In the freezer: Transfer the cheesy cauliflower to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 10 months. 

Reheating: The quickest way to reheat the cheesy cauliflower is to microwave it in 30-second increments until it's heated through. You can also bake the leftovers at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until warm. Let the frozen cauliflower thaw in the fridge overnight or add more reheating time. 

FAQs About This Cheesy Cauliflower Recipe

Can I make this cheesy cauliflower ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge for a day. Then just bake it the next day when you're ready to serve it and add some more baking time.

What brings out the flavor of cauliflower?

Different methods of cooking will bring out the flavor of cauliflower. For example, soaking the cauliflower in lemon juice and salt will turn the cauliflower into explosive flavorful bite-sized florets. Caramelizing it will reveal hidden sweetness. And adding seasonings like the ones in this recipe will help enhance the cauliflower's delicious natural flavor.

What to serve with cheesy cauliflower?

This cheesy cauliflower bake is so versatile it can be paired with basically anything. This cooked cauliflower is a tasty side dish with other side dishes like vegetables or paired with a protein-packed entree. Some of my favorite recipes to make are this zucchini pizza casserole, panko breaded pork chops, and Mexican spaghetti.

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