Ingredients
For the cauliflower:
- 1 large cauliflower (cut into medium florets)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
For the creamy sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (warm)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional but recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
For the topping:
- 1 to 1.5 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or mix)
- 3–4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Small pieces of butter (as seen in your image)
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the cauliflower
Start by washing the cauliflower thoroughly and cutting it into bite-sized florets. Try to keep them similar in size so they cook evenly.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower and cook for about 5–7 minutes. You don’t want it too soft—just slightly tender. It will finish cooking in the oven.
👉 Tip: Overcooking here will make your dish mushy later.
Drain the cauliflower well and set it aside.
2. Make the creamy béchamel sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat:
- Melt the butter
- Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1–2 minutes (this removes the raw flour taste)
- Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking to avoid lumps
Continue stirring until the sauce thickens. This should take about 3–5 minutes.
Now add:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
Mix well until smooth and creamy.
👉 The sauce should coat the back of a spoon. If too thick, add a little milk. If too thin, cook a bit longer.
3. Assemble the dish
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Take a baking dish (glass or ceramic like in your image) and lightly grease it.
- Add the cauliflower evenly
- Pour the creamy sauce over it
- Mix gently to coat all pieces
Now:
- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top
- Add Parmesan cheese
- Place small pieces of butter over the top (this helps browning and flavor)
4. Bake to perfection
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until:
- The top is golden brown
- The cheese is bubbling
- The edges are slightly crispy
👉 For extra golden color, you can broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot, straight from the oven
- Garnish with parsley or a pinch of paprika
- Pair with grilled chicken, steak, or enjoy it alone
This dish is perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Ramadan ftour
- Winter comfort meals
🔥 Tips for Best Results
✔️ Choose the right cauliflower
Fresh, firm cauliflower gives the best texture. Avoid soft or yellowing heads.
✔️ Don’t skip draining
Too much water = watery sauce. Let cauliflower drain well.
✔️ Cheese matters
- Mozzarella → stretchy
- Cheddar → strong flavor
- Parmesan → crispy top
Mixing them gives the best result.
✔️ Add protein (optional)
You can add:
- Cooked chicken
- Ground beef
- Turkey
This turns it into a full meal.
🧠 Variations You Can Try
🥓 1. With Bacon
Add crispy bacon pieces between layers for smoky flavor.
🌶️ 2. Spicy Version
Add chili flakes or harissa to the sauce.
🥔 3. With Potatoes
Mix boiled potatoes with cauliflower for a heavier dish.
🧄 4. Garlic Lovers Version
Add fresh minced garlic sautéed in butter before making the sauce.
🥗 Nutritional Benefits
Cauliflower is:
- Low in calories
- High in fiber
- Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants
Even though this recipe is creamy, it still offers some healthy benefits thanks to the vegetable base.
❗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking cauliflower before baking
- Not seasoning the sauce enough
- Using too little cheese 😄
- Skipping butter on top (important for color and taste)
🏁 Final Thoughts
This creamy baked cauliflower is one of those dishes that looks simple but tastes amazing. The combination of soft cauliflower, rich sauce, and melted cheese creates a perfect comfort food.