Cauliflower Casserole is a versatile and comforting dish that can be made in various ways, from creamy and cheesy to lighter and healthier versions. Here's a classic recipe for a creamy cauliflower casserole:
Ingredients:
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or dried rosemary)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup (50g) bread crumbs (for topping, optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook the Cauliflower:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until tender. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels.
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Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
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Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir in the shredded cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season with dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Combine Cauliflower and Sauce:
- Gently fold the cooked cauliflower into the cheese sauce, ensuring the cauliflower is well coated.
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Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Pour the cauliflower and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish.
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Add Topping:
- If using, sprinkle the bread crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
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Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
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Cool and Garnish:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Tips:
- Cheese: You can use different types of cheese based on your preference or what you have on hand. A mix of cheeses can add more depth of flavor.
- Creaminess: For a lighter version, you can use milk instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Bread Crumbs: For added crunch, consider mixing the bread crumbs with a little melted butter before sprinkling them on top.
Cauliflower Casserole is a great way to enjoy the flavors of a classic cheesy dish while using a nutritious vegetable. It's perfect as a side dish or even as a main course for a lighter meal. Enjoy!
