This Cheesy Cauliflower Bake is the ultimate cozy, low-carb, family-friendly side dish. Tender roasted cauliflower is smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, baked until bubbly, and finished with a golden, melty topping. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday spreads, or anytime you want a lighter alternative to traditional potato casseroles without sacrificing flavor.
This recipe is simple, comforting, and guaranteed to win over even the picky eaters at your table.
Table of Contents
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-creamy, cheesy, and satisfying
- Low-carb and keto-friendly
- Ready in under 40 minutes
- Perfect holiday or everyday side
- Easily customizable with add-ins
🥘 Ingredients
For the Cauliflower:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk (whole milk recommended)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Topping:
- ½ cup cheddar or mozzarella, shredded
- 2 tbsp Parmesan
🔪 How to Make Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
1. Prep the Cauliflower
Toss cauliflower florets in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly add milk, whisking until thickened. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season to taste.
3. Combine
Add roasted cauliflower to a baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the top and mix gently.
4. Add Topping
Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar and Parmesan.
5. Bake
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Pair your cheesy cauliflower bake with:
- Roasted chicken or turkey
- Grilled steak or pork chops
- Baked salmon
- Holiday main dishes
❄️ Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Up to 4 days
- Freeze: Freeze before baking for best texture
- Reheat: Warm in oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes
💡 Expert Tips
- Add crumbled bacon for extra savory flavor
- Use heavy cream instead of milk for extra richness
- Stir in cooked broccoli or spinach for a veggie boost
- Use Gruyère for a gourmet cheesy twist
📌 Printable Recipe Card
Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Servings: 6
Instructions
- Roast cauliflower.
- Prepare cheese sauce.
- Combine in baking dish.
- Top with extra cheese.
- Bake until golden and bubbly.
🌼 100-Word Story Version (Sara’s Story)
Hi, I’m Sara—a passionate home cook who loves creating comforting, easy-to-follow recipes for everyday food lovers. This Cheesy Cauliflower Bake is one of my go-to side dishes when I want something cozy without being too heavy. I started making it as a low-carb alternative to potato casseroles, and it quickly became a household favorite. The creamy cheese sauce, combined with tender roasted cauliflower, creates the perfect balance of flavor and texture. It’s a dish I love serving for family dinners or special gatherings because it’s simple, delicious, and always leaves everyone smiling.