Baked Cauliflower with Cheese and Herb Sauce

This Baked Cauliflower with Cheese and Herb Sauce has quickly become a favorite, with its creamy, cheesy, and herb-infused flavors that are simply irresistible. The combination of tender cauliflower, rich sauce, and melted cheese creates a dish that is both comforting and delicious. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a light main course, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

For the Cauliflower:

• Cauliflower: 1, divided into florets
• Lemon: 3 slices
• Fresh Dill: 2 sprigs
• Hard Cheese: Amount to taste, grated (e.g., Parmesan)
• Semi-Hard Cheese: Amount to taste, grated (e.g., Cheddar or Gruyère)
• Rosemary: To taste
• Salt: To taste

For the Sauce:

• Butter: 150 g (5.3 oz)
• Milk: 250 ml (8.5 fl oz)
• Flour: Around 2 tablespoons, to thicken the sauce
• Salt: To taste
• Black Pepper: To taste
• Nutmeg: To taste
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cauliflower

• Divide the Cauliflower: Start by dividing the cauliflower into florets. Cut the florets into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Cook the Cauliflower: Place the sliced cauliflower in a tall pot with plenty of water. Add 3 slices of lemon and 2 sprigs of fresh dill. These additions will infuse the cauliflower with a fresh, zesty flavor. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 5 minutes until the cauliflower is slightly tender but still firm.

2. Prepare the Sauce

• Melt the Butter: In a saucepan, melt 150 g of butter over low heat. Once melted, add 2 tablespoons of flour and stir continuously to create a smooth roux. This will thicken the sauce.
• Add Milk and Seasonings: Gradually pour in 250 ml of milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue to cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
• Season the Sauce: Season the sauce with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a dash of nutmeg for warmth. Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

3. Assemble the Dish

• Drain the Cauliflower: Once the cauliflower is cooked, drain it thoroughly and place it in a baking dish.
• Add the Cheese and Sauce: Sprinkle a generous handful of grated hard cheese (like Parmesan) over the cauliflower. Add a pinch of rosemary for an aromatic touch. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the cauliflower.
• Top with More Cheese: Sprinkle a handful of grated semi-hard cheese (like Cheddar or Gruyère) over the top. This will melt beautifully and form a golden crust.

4. Bake the Cauliflower

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
• Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

5. Serve

• Serve Hot: Remove the baked cauliflower from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This dish is best enjoyed hot, with the cheese bubbly and the cauliflower tender.

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg

This Baked Cauliflower with Cheese and Herb Sauce is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings out the best in simple ingredients. The combination of creamy sauce, melted cheese, and tender cauliflower makes it a perfect choice for a cozy dinner. Enjoy this dish with your loved ones, and watch it quickly become a new favorite in your household!