Ultimate Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole: A Crowd-Pleasing Low-Carb Delight
Are you ready to elevate your side dish game to a whole new level? Look no further than this indulgent Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole. Bursting with flavor and creamy goodness, this dish is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle or simply looking to add more veggies to your diet, this casserole is guaranteed to impress. So, let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this cheesy masterpiece!
Ingredients:
- 2 heads cauliflower, cut into florets
- 5 eggs
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Additional ½ cup grated parmesan for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Cut the cauliflower into florets, ensuring they are roughly uniform in size.
- Blanch Cauliflower:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and blanch for 5 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare Egg Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Place the blanched cauliflower florets in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the egg mixture over the cauliflower, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the cauliflower mixture.
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded white cheddar, grated parmesan, and shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
- Top with Parmesan:
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the additional grated parmesan cheese over the top.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Customize the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Gouda, Fontina, or even blue cheese can add a unique twist to this casserole.
- Add Some Heat: Spice things up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture.
- Boost the Veggies: Mix in some sautéed spinach, diced bell peppers, or caramelized onions for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.
- Make it Keto-Friendly: This casserole is already low in carbs, but if you’re following a strict keto diet, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit the onion powder for a fully keto-compliant version.
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh? A: Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower florets. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before blanching.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Q: Can I freeze this dish? A: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
In conclusion, this Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole is a true winner in every sense. With its creamy texture, savory flavors, and cheesy goodness, it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a main course, this casserole is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a taste sensation that’s as comforting as it is delicious!
