Roasted Cauliflower with Cheese Sauce

This Roasted Cauliflower with Cheese Sauce is a decadent and satisfying side dish that pairs tender roasted cauliflower with a rich, cheesy mornay sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest!

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Ingredients

For the Cauliflower:

• 1 1/2 heads cauliflower, trimmed into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

For the Mornay Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 8 oz English white cheddar, grated

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Instructions

1. Roast the Cauliflower:
   • Preheat your oven to 450°F and line two sheet trays with parchment paper.
   • In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
   • Spread the cauliflower evenly on the sheet trays and roast for 15 minutes, or until just tender.
2. Prepare the Mornay Sauce:
   • In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly toasted.
   • Gradually whisk in the milk and cream. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, until a thick béchamel sauce forms.
   • Add the nutmeg, a pinch of white pepper, and season with salt to taste.
3. Add Cheese to the Sauce:
   • Reduce heat to low and slowly whisk in the grated cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, until melted and smooth.
4. Combine and Bake:
   • Add the roasted cauliflower to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
   • Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and bake at 450°F for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
5. Serve:
   • Serve warm and enjoy this rich, cheesy side dish!

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Tips

• For a deeper flavor, roast the cauliflower until slightly caramelized.
• Use a high-quality white cheddar for the best results, or substitute with Gruyère for a nutty twist.
• Add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crispy crust.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g