Easy Baked Cauliflower with Cheese Sauce Recipe (Comfort Food)

Transform ordinary cauliflower into an irresistible comfort food masterpiece with this incredible baked cauliflower and cheese sauce recipe. Even the most dedicated vegetable skeptics will ask for seconds when tender cauliflower florets are smothered in a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce with just a hint of mustard zing. This dish proves simple ingredients can create extraordinary results, making it the perfect side dish for any occasion.

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Cheesy cauliflower bake

I don’t know what cauliflower is about. Even if you live with a household of people not in love with vegetables, this one can turn those who don’t love vegetables into people who are asking for seconds.

This baked cauliflower with cheese sauce is a great side dish to make any time. You can make it ahead of time and serve it whenever you like. Not all side dishes reheat as well as this one does. This recipe is made with simple ingredients, and I can’t think of a better comfort food than a side of baked cauliflower with cheese. This recipe is the perfect side for picky eaters. 

What makes this dish special

A touch of dry mustard powder adds just the right amount of zip and zing to this classic side dish. Cheddar cheese sauce needs a touch of heat to make it just right.

Cauliflower has such a mild taste on its own. That’s why it benefits so much from this delicious cheese sauce that enhances its subtle yet yummy qualities.

I know you are going to love this way of preparing cauliflower.

Why you’ll love this recipe

The secret to this dish’s success lies in the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The cauliflower is cooked just until fork-tender, maintaining a pleasant bite while absorbing the rich cheese sauce. A touch of dry mustard powder elevates the cheddar cheese sauce from ordinary to extraordinary, adding just enough zip to complement cauliflower’s naturally mild flavor. The final baking step creates that irresistible golden, bubbly top that makes this dish so visually appealing.

Cheesy cauliflower recipe ingredients

Here’s a list of what you need for this cheesy cauliflower casserole:

• Head of cauliflower – Provides the mild, versatile base that absorbs the rich cheese sauce beautifully
• Salt – Enhances the natural flavor of cauliflower during cooking
• Butter – Creates the rich foundation for the smooth cheese sauce
• All-purpose flour – Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency for coating cauliflower
• Milk – Provides the creamy liquid base for the cheese sauce
• Dry yellow mustard – Adds the perfect hint of tang and complexity to balance the rich cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese – Creates the star attraction with its rich, melty goodness

How to make baked cauliflower with cheese

To make this cauliflower with cheese recipe, you will cook the cauliflower in boiling salted water and then pour a cheese sauce over the top. Click on the recipe card for the exact ingredients and the full recipe write-up.

1. Cut the cauliflower into large bite-size pieces.
2. Boil the cauliflower in a large pot of salted water.
3. Cook the cauliflower until fork-tender, then drain it and place it on a baking sheet.

4. Make a béchamel sauce. 
5. Melt butter in a small saucepan.
6. Whisk the flour into the melted butter and stir to combine the mixture.
7. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Slowly begin to add milk, whisking constantly until the sauce has thickened.
9. Add the dry mustard and stir to combine.
10. Add half of the cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
11. Place the cooked cauliflower into a large baking dish.
12. Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower.
13. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the cauliflower.
14. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

If desired, you can garnish it with chopped fresh parsley.

Recipe notes

You can buy cauliflower whole from the grocery store, or you can purchase bags of cauliflower florets.

If you want to make this keto-friendly, leave out the flour and substitute heavy cream for the milk.

What to serve this cheesy cauliflower bake with

I suggest serving this side dish with comfort foods such as smoked chicken, baked ham, or pork ribs. Honestly, even a homemade sloppy joe or kielbasa sausage tastes amazing with it, too. There are so many routes you can take.

Pair it with other sides, too: mixed salad, glazed carrots, creamed corn, broccoli salad, or baked beans are all top-tier accompaniments.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerator Storage: Store covered in refrigerator for up to 4 days in the same baking dish or an airtight container
• Freezer Storage: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months, though the texture may change slightly
• Oven Reheating: Reheat covered at 350°F until thoroughly heated, adding a splash of milk if needed
• Microwave Reheating: Heat individual portions covered, stirring every 45 seconds until hot

More cauliflower recipes

• Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
• Cauliflower au Gratin
• Roasted Cauliflower
• Twice Baked Cauliflower

Favorite vegetable recipes

• Asparagus Casserole
• Baked Broccoli and Cheese
• Baked Red Potatoes
• Boiled Carrots
• Calico Beans
• Crock Pot Cheesy Potatoes
• Fried Okra
• Scalloped Corn

Check out my easy vegetable side dish recipes and the best low carb recipes here on CopyKat!

Easy Baked Cauliflower with Cheese Sauce Recipe

Make the ultimate comfort food with this baked cauliflower in cheese sauce! Tender cauliflower florets smothered in rich cheddar cheese sauce.

5 from 7 votes

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Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Baked Cauliflower with Cheese, Cheesy Cauliflower, Low Carb

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 276kcal

Author: Stephanie Manley

Ingredients

• 3 pounds cauliflower cut into large bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon dry yellow mustard
• 8 ounces cheddar cheese divided use

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Boil the cauliflower in a large pot of salted water until tender but firm, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Drain the cauliflower and place it in a 2-quart casserole dish.
• While the cauliflower is boiling, prepare the cheese sauce: Melt the butter in a small saucepan. When the butter has melted completely, add the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly. The sauce should thicken with each addition of milk. Add the dry yellow mustard and stir to combine. Add 4 ounces of cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
• Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower in the casserole dish, sprinkle with the remaining 4 ounces of cheese, and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is slightly browned.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 276kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 743mg | Potassium: 768mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 560IU | Vitamin C: 109.3mg | Calcium: 368mg | Iron: 1.3mg