Baked Cauliflower in Cheese Sauce

*Pixie*'s Note:

Baked cauliflower in a creamy cheese sauce that doesn't use cream-of-X soup. Note: I have made this with skim milk and lowfat cheese and it works, but you have to cook the sauce longer to get it to thicken.

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 head cauliflower (large)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 6 tablespoons flour
• 1 pinch hot red pepper flakes
• 2 cups milk
• 1 -2 cup cheese , grated (I like cheddar or marble)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• salt and pepper (optional)

Directions:

1. Cut cauliflower into bite size pieces and steam until just tender.
2. While it is steaming, melt the butter and add the red pepper flakes and garlic powder (if using).
3. Add the flour and mix until smooth and thickened.
4. Mix in the milk a bit at a time stirring each time until smooth.
5. Cook, stirring constantly, over a medium heat until thick and creamy (this takes awhile).
6. Add 1 cup cheese cheese and stir until melted.
7. Remove sauce from heat and salt and pepper the sauce to taste.
8. Spread the cauliflower in a 9 x 13 pan (or casserole dish).
9. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower and then sprinkle with 1 cup cheese (if desired).
10. Bake at 350 F until cheese is melted.

Reviews

[Kikiloveshercop]

It tasted wonderful and it was very simple but it took FOREVER to get the cheese to melt and I used the normal shredded cheese. I actually couldn't get the cheese to completely melt because the sauce got too think from the flour. It was even finely shredded cheese. I think next time (and there will be a next time because it's delicious) I will put less flour in.

[LauraMac]

Delicious! I used Portuguese Spice instead of pepper flakes. The cheese sauce is the same as I use in my mac n cheese. Thanks for sharing!

[NewEnglandCook]

Pretty good recipe. I added diced ham, grated onion, and topped w/ plain bread crumbs. Hubby did not care for it but I ate his. Thanks for submitting.