Nigella Cauliflower Cheese is made with fresh cauliflower, Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, butter, flour, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper jack cheese. This recipe takes 75 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people.
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🧡 Why You’ll Love This Cauliflower Cheese Recipe:
- Delicious and Comforting: Indulge in the creamy goodness of cheese sauce paired with tender cauliflower, creating a comforting dish that satisfies cravings.
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- Nutritious Option: Enjoy a guilt-free meal packed with the nutritional benefits of cauliflower, making it a wholesome choice for the whole family.
❓ What Is Nigella Cauliflower Cheese Recipe?
Nigella Cauliflower Cheese is a creamy baked dish made with cauliflower, Parmesan, panko, butter, flour, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper jack cheese.
🥦 Nigella Cauliflower Cheese Ingredients
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets (about 7 cups)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk, at room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup freshly grated pepper jack cheese
🍲 How To Make Nigella Cauliflower Cheese
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt and the cauliflower.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes until tender but firm. Drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix the Parmesan, panko, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Set aside.
- Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it smells nutty. Slowly whisk in the milk.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and some pepper. Whisk and cook until the sauce thickens and simmers. Add the pepper jack cheese and whisk until melted. Turn off the heat.
- Add the drained cauliflower to the sauce and stir until coated. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to a 9-inch square baking dish and top with the panko mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cauliflower is tender and the top is browned. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
💭 Recipe Tips
- Prepping Toppings: Mix Parmesan, panko, and pepper in a bowl for a flavorful topping.
- Creating Sauce: Whisk butter and flour until smooth, then slowly add milk for a creamy sauce.
- Seasoning Sauce: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for rich flavor.
🍗 What To Serve With Cauliflower Cheese?
Serve Cauliflower Cheese with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, fresh salad, garlic bread, steamed greens, Quick Chilli, Potato Salad, grilled fish, rice pilaf, or Pea And Mint Soup.
🎚 How To Store Leftovers Cauliflower Cheese?
- In the fridge: Store leftover cauliflower Cheese in an airtight container for 3 days.
- In the freezer: Store leftover cauliflower Cheese in a freezer-safe container for 3 months.
🥵How To Reheat Leftovers Cauliflower Cheese?
- In the oven: Reheat leftovers cauliflower cheese for 5 minutes at 350°F.
- In the microwave: Heat leftovers cauliflower cheese on high for 2-3 minutes.
- In the air-fryer: Heat leftovers cauliflower cheese for 2 minutes at 350°F.
FAQ’S:
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower, but make sure to thaw it completely and drain it well before cooking. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as frozen cauliflower may cook faster.
How Do I Prevent The Topping From Burning?
To prevent the topping from burning, you can cover the baking dish with aluminum foil during the first half of the baking time.
Can I Substitute Breadcrumbs With Crushed Crackers?
Yes, you can substitute panko breadcrumbs with crushed crackers for a different texture and flavor.
How Can I Make Cauliflower Cheese Crispier On Top?
To make the cauliflower cheese crispier on top, you can broil it for a few minutes at the end of the baking time.
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Nigella Cauliflower Cheese Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 237
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8.7g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.7g
- Cholesterol: 41mg
- Sodium: 252mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 17g
- Dietary Fiber: 3.5g
- Sugars: 3.2g
- Protein: 11g
- Potassium: 366.2mg
Nigella Cauliflower Cheese
Description
Nigella Cauliflower Cheese is made with fresh cauliflower, Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, butter, flour, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper jack cheese. This recipe takes 75 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt and the cauliflower.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes until tender but firm. Drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix the Parmesan, panko, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Set aside.
- Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it smells nutty. Slowly whisk in the milk.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and some pepper. Whisk and cook until the sauce thickens and simmers. Add the pepper jack cheese and whisk until melted. Turn off the heat.
- Add the drained cauliflower to the sauce and stir until coated. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to a 9-inch square baking dish and top with the panko mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cauliflower is tender and the top is browned. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
Notes
- Prepping Toppings: Mix Parmesan, panko, and pepper in a bowl for a flavorful topping.
Creating Sauce: Whisk butter and flour until smooth, then slowly add milk for a creamy sauce.
Seasoning Sauce: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for rich flavor.