Can I make this cheesy cauliflower casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole without the bread crumb topping, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you are ready to bake, pull it from the fridge while the oven preheats, top with gluten free bread crumbs and add 5 to 10 minutes to the bake time.

Do I have to blanch the cauliflower first?

Blanching is an important step and worth the few extra minutes. It partially cooks the cauliflower so it becomes perfectly tender in the oven without releasing excess moisture into the cheese sauce. Skipping it can leave you with undercooked cauliflower or a watery casserole.

What gluten free flour works best for the cheese sauce?

A good all purpose gluten free flour blend works well here. Look for one that contains xanthan gum for the best thickening results. My favorite gluten free flour is King Arthur Measure for Measure Gluten-Free Flour .

Can I use a different cheese?

Cheddar gives you the sharpest, most classic flavor, but you can swap in Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a combination. Just make sure to shred the cheese yourself from a block rather than using pre shredded for the smoothest melt.

Can I add protein to make this a main dish?

Absolutely. Stir in cooked diced chicken, crumbled cooked bacon, or diced ham before pouring the cheese sauce over the cauliflower. It turns this side dish into a hearty, satisfying main course.

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Name: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large head Cauliflower, cut into bite size florets blanched; 2 Tbsp Butter; 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic; 1/4 cup Gluten Free Flour; 2 1/2 cups Milk; 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded; 1 tsp Salt; 1/2 tsp Black Pepper; 1/2 tsp Onion Powder; 1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika; 1 cup Gluten Free Plain Bread Crumbs

Description

This gluten free cheesy cauliflower casserole is pure comfort food. Tender cauliflower florets are smothered in a rich, homemade cheddar cheese sauce and topped with crispy gluten free bread crumbs, then baked until golden and bubbly. It's the perfect easy side dish for weeknight dinners, holidays, and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale

1 large head Cauliflower, cut into bite size florets blanched
2 Tbsp Butter
1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
1/4 cup Gluten Free Flour
2 1/2 cups Milk
2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
1/2 tsp Onion Powder
1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika
1 cup Gluten Free Plain Bread Crumbs

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Fill a large pot halfway with water and bring to a boil. Add the cauliflower for 1-2 minutes to blanch it. The cauliflower will go from matte white to an opaque slightly translucent color when it's blanched.

Pour the cauliflower into a strainer and rinse with cold water to stop the blanching process.

Pour the blanched cauliflower into a 9x13 baking dish and set aside.

In a 2 quart saucepan melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook 1-2 minutes and then sprinkle the gluten free flour in and whisk together.

Next pour the milk slowly in while whisking to you don't get clumps. Simmer the mixture over medium heat 5-7 minutes until it thickens. Add the shredded cheese one cup at a time whisking it until it melts.

Add the salt, pepper, smoked paprika and onion powder. Stir to combine.

Pour the cheese mixture over the blanched cauliflower in the 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle the gluten free bread crumbs over top.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Side Dish, Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American