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    Grits and Pinecones » Recipes » Sides » Cauliflower Cheese Bake Recipe

    Cauliflower Cheese Bake Recipe

    December 20, 2020 by Sharon Rigsby, Updated March 27, 2021 1 Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Pinterest pin showing cauliflower cheese bake in a white serving dish.

    Easy Cauliflower Cheese Bake is a rich and creamy, low-carb side dish for your holiday dinner or any dinner when you want to treat your family or guests to something special! This veggie-packed casserole is a true crowd pleaser!

    Cauliflower Cheese Bake in a white baking dish.

    If you like cauliflower, bacon, and gruyere cheese, you will love this flavorful side dish. This creamy baked cauliflower and cheese casserole tastes slightly like a cross between a quiche and a light as air souffle.

    Here’s what’s in it:

    A head of cauliflower, milk, heavy cream, bacon and cheese.

    You will need the following ingredients: a head of cauliflower, heavy cream, bacon, gruyere cheese, all-purpose flour, whole milk, kosher salt, nutmeg, and ground black pepper. 

    How to make this recipe:

    1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
    2. Cut the head of cauliflower in half and then into quarters through the core. Then, run your knife between the florets and the stem and cut the stem out. Discard the stem and cut the florets into smaller pieces.
    3. To par-cook, the cauliflower, add it to a large microwave-safe bowl, cover it, and microwave on high for four to five minutes. You can also toss it in olive oil and roast it in a 425-degree oven for about 15 minutes.A bowl of cauliflower in a microwave.
    4. Add the cooked cauliflower to an 8X8 baking dish that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Sprinkle the bacon over the cauliflower. Set aside.Cauliflower in a baking dish topped with bacon.
    5. Add the eggs to a medium-size bowl and whisk well. Add the flour slowly, constantly whisking to prevent lumps. When the flour is incorporated, add in the milk and cream. Whisk to combine. Add the salt, pepper, and nutmeg and whisk to combine. Add one and one-half cups of the gruyere cheese and mix well.Pouring milk into a measuring cup.
    6. Pour the milk and egg mixture evenly over the cauliflower and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.Pouring cheese sauce over cauliflower in a baking dish.
    7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the gratin is puffed and golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve immediately.

    Baked Cauliflower Cheese casserole in a white baking dish.

    What to serve it with:

    I served this delicious cauliflower recipe with my Roasted Cornish Game Hens with Cranberry Stuffing for a special dinner, and both were delicious and easy to prepare. A tossed salad would round things out nicely. 

    Sharon’s tips:

    • If you don’t have gruyere cheese, which adds a nutty, salty flavor to this dish, you can substitute Swiss, Emmental, Jarlsberg, or Raclette cheese.
    • Easy Cauliflower Cheese Bake is substantial enough that you can also serve it as a meatless main dish. 
    • Make sure to drain your cauliflower thoroughly after cooking if not, your casserole might be watery. 
    • Instead of par-cooking the cauliflower in the microwave, you can add it and two teaspoons of salt to a large pot of boiling water and cook for five minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
    • Leftovers will keep covered in your fridge for up to four days. I don’t recommend freezing them. You can reheat leftovers in the microwave for a minute or so. 

    Related recipes:

    If you like side dish recipes like this, you might also like these other popular recipes:

    • Southern Sweet Onion Casserole
    • Baked Pineapple Casserole
    • Baked Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
    • Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
    • Easy Parmesan Potatoes Au Gratin
    • Baked Mushroom Casserole
    • Easy Spicy Southern Corn Casserole

    Need more ideas? Here is a link to all of my side dish recipes.

    ★ If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and give this recipe a star rating. I would love to know how you liked it!

    Thanks so much for visiting Grits and Pinecones!

     

    A white baking dish holding Cauliflower Cheese Bake casserole.
    Print Pin
    5 from 5 votes

    Easy Creamy Cauliflower Bake Recipe

    Easy Creamy Cauliflower Bake is the perfect rich, creamy side dish for Christmas dinner or anytime you want to treat your family or guests to a special dish!
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 35 minutes
    Total Time 50 minutes
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 323kcal
    Author Sharon Rigsby

    Ingredients

    • 1 head cauliflower
    • 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
    • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
    • 5 large eggs beaten
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • ⅔ cup whole milk
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • 8 oz gruyere cheese grated (about 2 cups)

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
    • Cut the head of cauliflower in half and then into quarters through the core. Then, run your knife between the florets and the stem and cut the stem out. Discard the stem and cut any large florets into smaller pieces.
    • To par-cook the cauliflower in the microwave, add it to a large microwave-safe bowl, and microwave on high for four minutes. You can also toss it in olive oil and roast it in a 425-degree oven for about 15 minutes. 
    • Add the cooked cauliflower to an 8X8 baking dish, which has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Sprinkle the bacon over the cauliflower. Set aside.
    • Add the eggs to a medium-size bowl and whisk well. Add the flour slowly, constantly whisking to prevent lumps. When the flour is incorporated, add in the milk and cream. Whisk to combine. Add the salt, pepper, and nutmeg and whisk to combine. Add one and one-half cups of the gruyere cheese and mix well.
    • Pour the milk and egg mixture evenly over the cauliflower and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
    • Bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is puffed and golden and serve immediately.

    Notes

    If you don't have gruyere cheese, which adds a nutty, salty flavor to this dish, you can substitute Swiss, Emmental, Jarlsberg, or Raclette cheese.
    Easy Cauliflower Cheese Bake is substantial enough that you can also serve it as a meatless main dish. 
    Make sure to drain your cauliflower thoroughly after cooking; if not, your casserole might be watery. 
    Instead of par-cooking the cauliflower in the microwave, you can add it and two teaspoons of salt to a large pot of boiling water and cook for five minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
    Leftovers will keep covered in your fridge for up to four days. I don't recommend freezing them. You can reheat leftovers in the microwave for a minute or so. 

     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 323kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 148mg | Sodium: 329mg | Potassium: 445mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 850IU | Vitamin C: 67.7mg | Calcium: 360mg | Iron: 1.1mg
    Tried this recipe?Please leave a comment below and/or give this recipe a rating. On Instagram? Take a picture and tag @gritsandpinecones or #gritsandpinecones!
    Don't miss any recipes!Subscribe to Grits and Pinecones.

    **This recipe was originally published on December 18, 2017. Republished on December 20, 2020, with new photos, expanded tips, and directions. 

    « Easy Au Gratin Potatoes and Ham
    Cornish Hens with Stuffing »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Linger

      February 02, 2021 at 8:29 pm

      5 stars
      Now this is a recipe that I don’t have to feel guilty about. I do love all the recipes that are springing up with cauliflower. And this one here is definitely a keeper. How can you ever go wrong with gruyere cheese? Thanks so much for sharing.

      Reply

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    Sharon Rigsby, blogger at GritsandPinecones.com

    Hello, I'm Sharon Rigsby, blogger, recipe developer, videographer, and photographer for Grits and Pinecones®. I have well over 50 years of experience in the kitchen, and there is nothing I like better than developing and reimagining recipes for my family, friends, and you!

    More about me →

    Most popular recipes:

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