This Baked Cauliflower recipe is a quick, easy, and flavorful way to enjoy a healthy and comforting dish. The cauliflower florets are blanched and then coated in a creamy mixture of sour cream, egg, and cheese before being baked to golden perfection. It’s a perfect side dish or light main course that’s both delicious and nutritious.
Ingredients
- 1.3 lbs (600 g) cauliflower, separated into florets
- 1 egg
- 5.3 oz (150 g) sour cream
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Dried garlic, to taste
- 1.8 oz (50 g) cheese (grated)
- Olive oil, for greasing the baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cauliflower
- Separate the cauliflower into florets: Begin by cutting the cauliflower into bite-sized florets to ensure even cooking. Set them aside.
2. Boil the Cauliflower
- Blanch the cauliflower: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 1-2 minutes. This will slightly soften the cauliflower without overcooking it. Drain and set the florets aside.
3. Prepare the Creamy Mixture
- Whisk the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, sour cream, grated cheese, salt, black pepper, and dried garlic. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine the Cauliflower and Creamy Mixture
- Coat the cauliflower: Add the blanched cauliflower florets to the creamy mixture. Gently fold the florets in, ensuring that each piece is well coated with the sauce.
5. Grease the Baking Dish
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a baking dish generously with olive oil. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier after baking.
6. Bake
- Transfer to the baking dish: Pour the cauliflower and creamy mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly so that everything cooks uniformly.
7. Baking Time
- Bake the cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and remove the dish from the oven once the top is golden brown and crispy.
Serve
- Enjoy: Let the baked cauliflower cool for a few minutes before serving. The crispy, cheesy topping pairs beautifully with the tender cauliflower, making this dish a perfect side for any meal or a stand-alone delight.
Cooking Tips and Variations
- Add some herbs: Try sprinkling fresh parsley or chopped chives on top before serving for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Cheese variations: Use different types of cheese like cheddar, Parmesan, or mozzarella for added flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of paprika or chili flakes to the creamy mixture for a hint of heat.
This Simple Baked Cauliflower is an easy way to turn humble ingredients into a delicious, cheesy, and satisfying dish!
