This rich and satisfying Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole transforms humble cauliflower into a creamy, indulgent side dish that rivals any potato casserole. With layers of melted cheddar, tangy cream cheese, and a golden-brown top, this comforting dish makes cauliflower irresistible even to the pickiest eaters. Perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners when you want something special.
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add cauliflower florets and cook 5-7 minutes until tender but still firm. Drain thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cream cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Gently fold the drained cauliflower into the cheese mixture, coating evenly.
- Transfer to prepared baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and Parmesan if using.
- Bake 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Variations
- Loaded Cauliflower Casserole – Add crispy chopped chicken, green onions, and extra shredded cheese for a heartier main dish version that mimics loaded potato skins.
- Herb-Crusted Version – Mix fresh chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley with the breadcrumbs, and add a layer of mozzarella cheese for an Italian-inspired twist.
- Spicy Jalapeño Style – Stir in diced jalapeños and use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar, then top with crushed tortilla chips for a Mexican-flavored variation.
Cooking Notes
- Perfect Texture Control – Steam the cauliflower instead of boiling to prevent wateriness, and always drain thoroughly before mixing with the cheese sauce to avoid a watery casserole.
- Make-Ahead Strategy – Assemble the casserole completely and refrigerate up to 2 days ahead; just cover tightly with foil and add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
- Cheese Melting Mastery – Let cream cheese come to room temperature for easier mixing, and add the shredded cheese gradually while the mixture is still warm to ensure smooth incorporation.
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Feast Pairing – Serve alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, or beef roast with cranberry sauce and green beans for a complete holiday spread.
- Weeknight Comfort Meal – Pair with grilled chicken breast, roasted vegetables, and a simple garden salad for a satisfying yet lighter dinner option.
- Brunch Enhancement – Serve as a savory side with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and buttered toast for an indulgent weekend brunch that feels special.
Tips
- Size Matters – Cut cauliflower florets into uniform 1-2 inch pieces to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain firm.
- Flavor Boost Secret – Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce to the cheese mixture for extra depth of flavor that complements the richness perfectly.
- Golden Perfection – For the most beautiful golden-brown top, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 16g
- Sodium: 480mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh? – Yes, but thaw and drain thoroughly first. Frozen cauliflower tends to be more watery, so pat it completely dry with paper towels before mixing with the cheese sauce to prevent a soggy casserole.
- How do I store leftovers and can I reheat them? – Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the whole dish covered in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Can I make this casserole dairy-free or lower in calories? – Substitute the dairy ingredients with cashew cream, nutritional yeast, and unsweetened plant milk. You can also use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and reduce the cheese by half for a lighter version.
- What’s the best way to prevent the casserole from becoming watery? – The key is properly draining the cauliflower after cooking and letting it cool slightly before mixing with the cheese sauce. Also, avoid overcooking the cauliflower initially since it will continue cooking in the oven.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole proves that vegetables can be just as indulgent and satisfying as any comfort food classic. With its creamy texture, rich cheese flavors, and golden-brown top, it’s the perfect way to make cauliflower the star of your dinner table. Whether you’re serving it as a holiday side dish or elevating a weeknight meal, this casserole delivers restaurant-quality results with simple home cooking techniques. The versatility of this recipe means you can easily adapt it to your family’s preferences, making it a reliable go-to dish that everyone will request again and again.
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Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This rich and satisfying Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole transforms humble cauliflower into a creamy, indulgent side dish that rivals any potato casserole. With layers of melted cheddar, tangy cream cheese, and a golden-brown top, this comforting dish makes cauliflower irresistible even to the pickiest eaters. Perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners when you want something special.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add cauliflower florets and cook 5-7 minutes until tender but still firm. Drain thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cream cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Gently fold the drained cauliflower into the cheese mixture, coating evenly.
- Transfer to prepared baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and Parmesan if using.
- Bake 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra richness, substitute heavy cream for milk. Don’t overcook the cauliflower in step 2 as it will continue cooking in the oven. This casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking – just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: cauliflower, casserole, cheesy, creamy, comfort food, vegetables