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Creamy Four-Cheese Cauliflower Bake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 66 reviews
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Western
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Creamy Four-cheese Cauliflower Bake is a decadent and comforting vegetarian dish featuring tender cauliflower florets smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce made from a blend of vintage cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, and cream cheese. The casserole is topped with a crunchy thyme breadcrumb topping for added texture and flavor, baked until golden and bubbling. Perfect as a hearty side or a vegetarian main, this bake combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a crispy herb-infused crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Cauliflower and Topping

  • 1 cauliflower (1.2 kg/2¾ lb), trimmed and torn into florets
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) water
  • 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup (15 g) panko breadcrumbs for topping
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • ¼ tsp sea salt flakes

Cheese Sauce

  • 1 cup (125 g) freshly and coarsely grated vintage (sharp) cheddar
  • ¾ cup (110 g) freshly and coarsely grated mozzarella
  • ½ cup (50 g) freshly and coarsely grated parmesan
  • 50 g (1¾ oz) unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup (35 g) plain (all-purpose) flour
  • 2 tsp mustard powder (optional)
  • 2 cups (500 ml) full-cream (whole) milk
  • 250 g (9 oz) tub cream cheese
  • Sea salt flakes, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) or 200°C (400°F) if using a fan-forced oven to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Prep the cauliflower: Place the cauliflower florets in a large microwave-safe container with ¼ cup (60 ml) of water. Cover with the lid slightly ajar and microwave on high for 6–8 minutes until easily pierced with a fork, continuing in 2-minute intervals if necessary for additional tenderness.
  3. Make the cheese blend: In a medium bowl, combine the cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses and mix to combine. Set aside 1 cup of this mixture for topping the casserole.
  4. Prepare the cheese sauce: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, then add the mustard powder if using, stirring to combine. Gradually whisk in ¼ cup of milk to form a thick paste. Slowly add the remaining milk while whisking until the mixture is smooth. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly for 4–6 minutes until the sauce thickens and bubbles around the edges.
  5. Incorporate cream cheese and cheeses: Add cream cheese to the sauce and whisk until smooth. Stir in the reserved cheese mixture except the 1 cup saved for the topping. Season with sea salt flakes and freshly cracked black pepper, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
  6. Assemble the bake: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of panko breadcrumbs evenly over the base of a baking dish (about 30 x 20 cm). Layer the microwaved cauliflower florets on top, then pour over the cheese sauce. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top.
  7. Bake: Place the dish on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake on the middle rack for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.
  8. Make thyme crumb topping: While the bake is cooking, scatter ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs onto a separate baking tray lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and ¼ teaspoon sea salt flakes, and toss with your fingers to evenly distribute.
  9. Toast thyme crumbs: Add the thyme breadcrumbs to the top rack of the oven during the last 3 minutes of the cauliflower bake’s cooking time until golden brown. Remove and note they will continue to brown slightly after removal.
  10. Rest: Allow the cauliflower bake to rest for 5 minutes after baking to settle.
  11. Serve: Sprinkle the baked cauliflower with the toasted thyme crumb topping and serve warm for a creamy, cheesy, and crunchy delight.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
  • Mustard powder adds a subtle tang and depth to the cheese sauce but is optional.
  • The cream cheese contributes to the creamy texture and richness of the sauce.
  • Microwaving the cauliflower first ensures it cooks evenly and stays tender in the bake.
  • The thyme crumb topping adds a herbaceous crunch that perfectly contrasts the creamy cheese sauce.
  • The recipe yields 6 servings, perfect for a family meal or for leftovers.

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Find it online: https://easymealgenius.com/creamy-four-cheese-cauliflower-bake-recipe/