Whole Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

Name: Whole Baked Cheese Cauliflower
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Head of cauliflower, washed and base leaves removed; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/4 cup plain flour; 2.5 cups whole milk; 1 tsp chicken stock powder; 2 cups of freshly grated tasty cheese (or any preferred melting cheese, see note 1); 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves for garnish

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Whole Baked Cheese Cauliflower

This whole baked cheese cauliflower is a deceptively easy dish to make but the ultimate crowd-pleaser. The method includes cooking the cauliflower whole in the microwave first, so you’re left with a super soft inside and a creamy, crunchy outside after it’s finished in the oven!

Total Time: 35 mins
Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

Head of cauliflower, washed and base leaves removed
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup plain flour
2.5 cups whole milk
1 tsp chicken stock powder
2 cups of freshly grated tasty cheese (or any preferred melting cheese, see note 1)
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves for garnish

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Instructions

Place whole cauliflower in a microwave-safe dish with 1/4 cup of water.
Microwave on high for 10-12 minutes. It should be easy enough to easily pierce with a fork when it’s done. If not, continue cooking at 2-minute intervals (the length of time it cooks depends on the strength of your microwave). It can take up to 20 minutes.
Preheat the oven grill.
Meanwhile, heat the butter in a small pot on low heat. Once it is melted, add the flour. Stir for 1 minute until a paste is formed.
Slowly add the milk and stir using a whisk. Reduce the heat to the lowest heat setting. Continue stirring for 6-8 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
Once the sauce is nice and thick and coats the back of a spoon, stir through 1 cup of the cheese and the stock powder.
Place the cauliflower in an oven-safe dish, cover it with the cream sauce and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
Grill for 8 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the cauliflower is golden. Keep an eye on it as it will brown quickly! Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves.

Notes

Note 1 – Any melting cheese are suitable for this recipe (cheddar cheese, colby, gruyere) but avoid packaged, shredded cheeses as these will produce a lumpy sauce. Freshly grated is best.

MAKE AHEAD AND LEFTOVERS – Whole Baked Cheese Cauliflower is best prepared and served immediately. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, reheat in the microwave. Not suitable to freeze.