Why Cheesy Cauliflower Bake is Perfect for Your Christmas Spread
Adding this Cheesy Cauliflower Bake to your Christmas menu is a no-brainer! It’s hearty, packed with comforting flavours, and feels just festive enough for a holiday spread. Plus, it’s a dish everyone loves – even the kids who aren’t usually fans of cauliflower. Roasted cauliflower coated in a creamy cheese sauce and topped with a crunchy, buttery panko-Parmesan layer – every bite is indulgent!
Tips and Tricks for the Ultimate Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
- Roast for Extra Flavour: Start by roasting the cauliflower florets with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roasting caramelises the edges and brings out a wonderful sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cheese sauce.
- Use a Mix of Cheeses: The right cheese can elevate this dish to the next level. A mix of pizza cheese (mozzarella and cheddar) creates a stretchy, melty effect, while a sprinkle of Parmesan in the sauce adds a subtle sharpness. Gruyère is another delicious option for a nutty flavour.
- Make the Topping Extra Crunchy: The panko-Parmesan crumb is crucial. Panko breadcrumbs stay crispier than regular breadcrumbs, and the Parmesan adds a salty kick that complements the creamy sauce.
Serving Suggestions for a Festive Christmas Table
This Cheesy Cauliflower Bake is a standout side for any Christmas table, but it pairs especially well with other festive mains and sides:
- Mains: Serve it alongside roasted meats like a classic Christmas ham, juicy turkey, or even a festive roast lamb. The bake’s creamy richness balances beautifully with savoury, herbed roasts.
- Other Sides: Round out the menu with garlic mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, and maybe a vibrant cranberry salad to cut through the richness.
Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme) on top before serving for a pop of colour that makes it look extra festive!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Christmas Preparations
One of the best things about this Cheesy Cauliflower Bake is how well it fits into holiday prep. Here’s how to make it easier on yourself:
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the dish a day ahead, then cover and refrigerate. On Christmas Day, simply bake it in the oven before serving, and you’re all set!
- Storing Leftovers: If you somehow have any leftovers, they’ll keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes to get the topping nice and crispy again.
- Freezing: Assemble the dish (but don’t bake it yet), then cover and freeze. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven straight from the freezer, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 35–40 minutes or until heated through.
Other Recipes to Brighten Up Your Christmas Feast
If you loved this Cheesy Cauliflower Bake you will enjoy these other festive recipes:
Take a Snap and Share!
I’d love to see this Cheesy Cauliflower Bake on your Christmas table! Tag me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff and share your festive spread – it’s always a treat to see your creations. Happy Christmas cooking, and may your holiday table be full of deliciousness!
More Holiday Recipes to Love
If you enjoyed this Cheesy Cauliflower Bake, you’ll love these festive recipes:
Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
This is the one dish my family begs for every Christmas – my Cheesy Creamy Cauliflower Bake! And I’m extra excited to make it using my gorgeous new Cast Iron Pans from @harrisscarfe. These pans aren’t just stunning in festive colours, but they cook like a dream and go straight from the oven to the table. Here’s how you can whip up this deliciousness at home.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 220°C. Toss the cauliflower florets in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes.
- While that’s in the oven, melt your butter in a pan. Whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to get rid of any lumps. Add garlic powder, onion flakes, nutmeg, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Once the sauce starts bubbling, turn off the heat and stir in the cheese until melted and smooth.
- Pour the sauce over your roasted cauliflower, then top with a mixture of panko crumbs, Parmesan, and melted butter.
- Pop the dish back in the oven at 180°C for 15 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use almond or oat milk, and try a dairy-free cheese that melts well.
Try adding a few crushed cornflakes or even finely chopped nuts to the panko-Parmesan mix for an added layer of crunch.
The best way to reheat it is in the oven at 180°C. This way, the topping stays crispy, and the cheese sauce heats evenly without becoming watery.