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!
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve:
- Serve warm and enjoy this rich, cheesy side dish!
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.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
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