Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This creamy cauliflower casserole is a comforting and flavorful side dish perfect for any meal. With tender cauliflower, melted cheddar, and a crunchy cornflake topping, it’s a simple recipe that delivers big on taste.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower, broken into florets
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crushed cornflakes
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Paprika, for dusting
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place 1 inch of water in a saucepan and add the cauliflower florets. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the cauliflower is crisp-tender, about 5 to 10 minutes. Drain well.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooked cauliflower, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, crushed cornflakes, chopped green and red peppers, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly.
- Step 3: Transfer the mixture to a greased 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top and lightly dust with paprika for additional color and flavor.
- Step 4: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the top is golden brown.
Tips & Variations
- Add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or artichokes for a heartier casserole.
- Mix diced onions or garlic into the filling for deeper flavor.
- Try different cheeses such as Gruyere or mozzarella to change up the taste.
- For a complete meal, stir in diced ham, cooked chicken, or bacon before baking.
- Top with a mixture of breadcrumbs and herbs for added crunch instead of cornflakes.
Storage
Store leftover cauliflower casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals until hot.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower for this casserole?
Yes, frozen cauliflower can be used. Just thaw and drain it well before combining with the other ingredients to avoid excess moisture.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.
PrintCauliflower Casserole Recipe
A creamy and cheesy cauliflower casserole combining tender cooked cauliflower florets with sour cream, cheddar cheese, and crunchy cornflakes, baked to golden perfection and topped with Parmesan and paprika for added flavor and color. This comforting dish makes a versatile side or a satisfying main when loaded with additional vegetables or proteins.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower, broken into florets
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crushed cornflakes
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Paprika, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the cauliflower: Place 1 inch of water in a saucepan and add the cauliflower florets. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook the cauliflower until crisp-tender, about 5 to 10 minutes. Drain the cauliflower well to remove excess water.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked cauliflower, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, crushed cornflakes, chopped green and red peppers, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Transfer to baking dish: Grease a 2-quart baking dish and spread the cauliflower mixture evenly inside. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top, followed by a light dusting of paprika to add color and flavor.
- Bake the casserole: Place the uncovered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the top is golden brown.
Notes
- For a more vegetable-rich casserole, add spinach, mushrooms, or artichokes along with diced onions or garlic to enhance flavor.
- Experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyere or mozzarella for varied cheesy tastes.
- Make this casserole a full meal by adding diced ham, cooked chicken, or bacon.
- For extra crunch and herb flavor, top with breadcrumbs mixed with herbs before baking.
- Ensure cauliflower is well drained after boiling to avoid a watery casserole.
Keywords: Cauliflower casserole, cheesy cauliflower bake, vegetable casserole, baked cauliflower, side dish, vegetarian casserole
