Baked Cauliflower in Cheese Sauce

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Even the pickiest eaters will dig in to Baked Cauliflower in Cheese Sauce. A simple creamy cheese sauce elevates cauliflower to crave worthy.

cheesy cauliflower in white baking dish.

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I've been a cauliflower lover since I was little. My mom used to make it all the time in different ways when we were growing up, mostly with some kind of Velveeta cheese sauce over it. I'll eat cauliflower raw, steamed, drenched in a cheese sauce, riced, roasted, grilled, fried, as a pizza crust, and just about any other way you can think of.

My husband, on the other hand, can take or leave it (mostly leave it). When I first made this cauliflower (the recipe for which I got from my daughter's mother-in-law--thanks Lori!), I really wanted him to at least try it. It wouldn't hurt my feelings if he didn't like it. But when he tasted it for the first time, he loved it so much he said "I'd eat this again any time!" Now that's the kinda response I LOVE to hear when he tries new things.

Much of his life he's been a meat and potatoes kinda person and it can be hard getting him to try new things. Baby steps. I'm slowly introducing him to new-to-him foods and he can't believe how much he's enjoying them (neither can I). If you're new to cauliflower, OR if you've been a die hard lover for a while, you're gonna fall in love with this recipe either way. It's so easy, you can make it in minutes, and I bet even the pickiest of eaters in your family will crave it!

The ingredients you'll need

baked cauliflower ingredients measured out and labeled.

Cauliflower - while you probably could use frozen cauliflower florets for this, it's so easy to buy a large head of cauliflower, cut it up, and blanche it.
Cheddar cheese - shred your own cheese for this recipe. It makes a difference.
Cream cheese - the combination of the butter, heavy cream, and cream cheese make this into a sauce without the need for a roux with butter and flour (or a gf flour blend). That also makes this recipe keto friendly.

Whip up this cheesy cauliflower!

Step 1: Blanche the cauliflower florets in boiling salted water for 2 minutes; drain and set aside.

cheese sauce in pot with red silicone flat whisk.

Step 2: Melt together butter, cream, cream cheese, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, and salt and pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Dump blanched cauliflower into baking pan.

Step 4: Pour cheese sauce all over cauliflower.

sprinkling shredded cheese over cauliflower.

Step 5: Top with remaining shredded cheese.

baked cauliflower with melted cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake at 350 F until bubbly and cheese is melted.

Baked cauliflower FAQs

Is there a way to make baked cauliflower in cheese sauce dairy free?

You may be able to substitute all of the dairy in the recipe with dairy-free alternatives, such as dairy-free butter, dairy-free cream cheese, dairy-free milk or cream, and dairy-free cheddar cheese.

Can baked cauliflower in cheese sauce be made ahead?

Yes, it can be assembled through sprinkling the cheese on top, covered, and refrigerated for a few days, or even frozen for a few months. If baking from frozen, add 10 more minutes to baking time.

Is baked cauliflower in cheese sauce naturally gluten free?

Yes, it is! It's also keto friendly for anyone leading a keto lifestyle.

Make it your own

Make it more of a meal. Add cubed cooked ham or chicken chunks to the cauliflower and bake!
Use different cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Replace the cheddar cheese on top with parmesan cheese for a more crusty, nutty vibe.
Don't like cauliflower? Make this with broccoli florets instead!

More gluten free side dish recipes

Baked Cauliflower in Cheese Sauce is cheesy, creamy goodness and a great way to get your vegetables! You'll love it whether you're a cauliflower lover or not.