This Creamy Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole is baked in a white sauce (bechamel) with a parmigiano and breadcrumb topping for a crunchy layer of cheesy goodness. It is a delicious side dish that is perfect for any meal. This is the perfect vegetarian comfort food baked casserole recipe. This is one of my top side dishes for the fall and winter seasons. Your family and friends will love it as much as we do!

Serve with Roasted Chicken or Pan Seared Steak.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cauliflower Casserole

• Comfort Food Classic: It’s rich, creamy, and cheesy—everything you want in a comforting dish.
• Versatile: Easily customize with your favorite cheeses and add-ins, or make it lighter with substitutions.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps and basic ingredients come together for a dish that’s sure to impress.
• Great for Any Occasion: Perfect as a side dish for family dinners or the star of a cozy weeknight meal.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it in advance and bake it when ready or enjoy leftovers that taste just as good the next day.

This casserole is a crowd-pleaser that will become a go-to in your recipe rotation!

Simple Ingredients

These ingredients combine to create a creamy cauliflower dish that’s rich, flavorful, and utterly satisfying!

Cheesy Cauliflower

• Cauliflower: The star of the dish, providing a tender, slightly nutty base that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
• Cheese: A blend of your favorite cheeses adds a savory, gooey layer of flavor that melts into every bite.
• Breadcrumbs: Sprinkled on top for a crunchy contrast to the creamy interior, giving the casserole a satisfying texture.
• Garlic: Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor that complements the creaminess of the dish.

Creamy Sauce

• Butter: Adds richness and depth to the sauce, helping to create a velvety texture.
• Flour: Used to thicken the sauce, giving it a smooth and creamy consistency that coats the cauliflower beautifully.
• Milk: The foundation of the creamy sauce, adding a luscious, comforting flavor.
• Cream: Enhances the richness of the sauce, making it extra indulgent and satisfying.
• Nutmeg: A pinch of this warm spice enhances the overall flavor, adding a cozy, comforting note to the casserole.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, bringing out the natural flavors of the cauliflower and the richness of the sauce.

See the recipe card for exact measurements.

How to Make Cauliflower Casserole

This indulgent cheesy cauliflower casserole is easy to make in a few simple steps. See the recipe card for complete instrcutions.

Make the bechamel cream sauce:

Make the roux to start the cheese sauce. Add the spices to the pot with butter and flour.

Add the milk and stir to thicken then sprinkle in the cheese and mix to combine.

Cook the sauce until thick and creamy. Boil the cauliflower until al dente.

Assemble the baked cauliflower dish:

Add the cauliflower to the casserole dish, pour the creamy sauce over it, and top with cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden brown and bubbly.

Variations and Substitutions

Substitutions:

• Cauliflower: Substitute with broccoli or a mix of both cauliflower and broccoli for a slightly different flavor and texture.
• Cream: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or cashew cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.
• Cheese: Swap out the cheese for any of your favorites. Gruyère, fontina, or sharp cheddar work beautifully. For a dairy-free option, use nutritional yeast or a plant-based cheese.
• Butter: Use olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative if you need a lactose-free or vegan option.
• Breadcrumbs: If you want a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs, almond flour, or crushed nuts like almonds or pecans for the topping.

Variations:

• Add Protein: Mix in cooked chicken, bacon, or sausage to make it a more hearty main dish.
• Vegetable Medley: Include other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to add more variety and color.
• Herbs and Spices: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley. Add a pinch of nutmeg to the creamy sauce for a warm, nutty flavor.

Recipe Tips

• Blanch the Cauliflower: To ensure the cauliflower is tender without becoming mushy, blanch it briefly in boiling water for 3-5 minutes, then transfer it to an ice bath. This will stop the cooking process and keep the cauliflower crisp.
• Drain Well: After blanching, make sure to drain the cauliflower well and even pat it dry with a paper towel. Excess water can make the casserole watery.
• Cheese Blend: For the best flavor, use a mix of cheeses. Combining sharp cheddar with something creamier like mozzarella or Gruyère can create a rich, balanced flavor.
• Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce feels too thin, cook it a bit longer on the stove to reduce it before pouring it over the cauliflower. A thick sauce will cling better to the cauliflower.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This will help the flavors meld together and make it easier to serve.

How to Store and Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerator: Cool completely, then cover and store in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze before baking or after cooling, wrapped tightly, for 2-3 months.

Reheating:

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover and bake 20-25 minutes (or 60-70 minutes if frozen).
• Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes, covered.

Is Cauliflower healthy?

Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable with several healthy components.  

• High in fiber and B vitamins
• Contains Antioxidants and phytonutrients that can protect against cancer
• Excellent source of Fiber to enhance weight loss and digestion
• It contains Choline, which is essential for learning and memory, and many other important nutrients!

This recipe is perfect for a Sunday dinner and is a delicious addition to your holiday menu spread. Enjoy!

More Recipes

Authentic Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna (Vegetarian)

Best Italian-Style Chili Recipe

Polenta and Mushrooms (with sage and butter)

Perfect Roast Chicken with Citrus and Fennel

SIMPLE Mashed Potatoes (dairy free) and Caramelized Onions

Creamy Parmigiano Herb and Mushroom Chicken

Creamy Polenta with Polpette al Sugo (meatballs in tomato sauce)

💙 MADE THIS RECIPE AND LOVED IT? 💙 Please leave a ⭐️STAR rating and COMMENT below- I love connecting with you! Tag me with your creations on Instagram and find me on Pinterest.

Print