Delicious Whole Roasted Cauliflower Recipe with Cheese Sauce (2024)

BlogRecipesDinner

By Amanda Paa – Updated October 1, 2021

4.44 from 16 votes

14 comments

Jump to Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

I’m not a picky eater, but I am a particular eater.

I enjoy fruit and chocolate, but never together (which is how thesecoconut butter dipped strawberries came to be).

I lovepoached eggs, but not super runny yolks. If you eat breakfast with me, I’ll always clarify to the server, “medium poached, like I don’t want yellow oozing everywhere when you I poke it with a fork.” I know some of you are shaking your head and saying, “but that’s the best part!

Hot coffee, never iced. Even when it’s 89 degrees at 7:00 am, and the humidity is already at 65%. To me, it doesn’t have as much flavor, aNd I can’t drink it as fast.

And cheese.Except don’t build me a cold sandwich with a cold piece of cheese. I will pick it off every single time, and have done sosince I was a child. But this only applies to sandwiches.

Now warm, melted cheese… that’s where my true love resides. Injust about every application, such as Hot Buffalo Cauliflower Dip…. but especially savoryfontina cheese sauce that sinks into SMOKINGhot whole roasted cauliflower.

Delicious Whole Roasted Cauliflower Recipe with Cheese Sauce (2)

With edges charred and browned, dried herbs mixed with olive oil and a little dijon mustard giving it a crust that most with associate with meat.

This is the kind of dish that wins friends. Both those who love vegetables, and those who might be convinced to try only because of the cheese.

The Secret to the Best Whole Roasted Cauliflower

I learned from Joy The Baker that simmering the whole head of cauliflower (basically poaching) in a “brine” before roasted partially cooks the cauliflower, so that it is cooked from the inside out. For the brine,

I used (peppercorns, olive oil, garlic, bay leaves) infuses them with initial flavor all the way through.

Now that the cauliflower is partially cooked, roasting will take care of the crispy edges, turn the core tender, and impart delicious. It’s so tender it nearly melts in your mouth.

Delicious Whole Roasted Cauliflower Recipe with Cheese Sauce (3)
Delicious Whole Roasted Cauliflower Recipe with Cheese Sauce (4)

Making Gluten-Free Cheese Sauce

When makingcheese sauces, I like using fontina (made from cow’s milk) because it melts like a gem and is extremelyversatile.Roth Cheese, from my neighbor state, Wisconsin, produce a Swedish-style Fontina. The smooth, creamy body accents the slightly tart flavor and mild, yeasty finish.

This sauce recipe evolved from the rosemary bechamel I used on cauliflower steaks at a recent dinner party, and couldn’t have been more perfect for this whole roasted version. To make it gluten-free, you’ll use brown rice flour to make the roux.

Savory. Rich. A golden, crackly masterpiece. Comfort feelings reminiscent of those I had when eating deep fried cauliflower and cheddar cheese sauce at the local watering hole with my parents when I was young. Except it’s a little more refined, quite impressive to serve, and wholesome,real food magic. Enjoy, xo.

Delicious Whole Roasted Cauliflower Recipe with Cheese Sauce (5)

More Cauliflower Recipes:

  • Hot Buffalo Cauliflower Dip
  • Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad with Sage Butter
  • Marinated Turkey Breast Tenderloin with Garlic Cauliflower Puree

Delicious Whole Roasted Cauliflower Recipe with Cheese Sauce (6)

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Fontina Cheese Sauce

A recipe for whole roasted cauliflower with a delicious crispy crust, finished with a creamy fontina cheese sauce poured on top. Makes for a beautiful vegetarian main dish!

4.44 from 16 votes

PrintSave

Prep Time :20 minutes minutes

Cook Time :1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Total Time :1 hour hour 25 minutes minutes

Yield: 5

Author: Amanda Paa

SCALE:

Ingredients

Cauliflower

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons black peppercorns
  • 1 head of garlic smashed
  • 1/2 lemon
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium head of cauliflower leave removed and core cut off a bit on the bottom so it sits flat

Cauliflower Crust

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley (or oregano)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dijion mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Fontina Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons brown rice flour
  • 2/3 cup heavy cream
  • 2 1/2 cups two percent milk
  • 2 1/2 ounces Roth fontina cheese shredded
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
  • grated fresh nutmeg

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

  • Bring large pot of water (I use a 5 quart dutch oven and fill it about 5 inches to the top. You’re looking to give the cauliflower room to float) to boiling. Stir in all of cauliflower ingredients, then put in cauliflower, core side facing the ceiling (so top of head down). Simmer for 15 minutes, until cauliflower is fork tender.

  • Drain cauliflower, and carefully place it on parchment lined sheet pan. Whisk crust ingredients together and brush all over cauliflower crust (if your cauliflower is really large, use an extra tablespoon of oil when mixing the ingredients up). Bake for 40 minutes, until crust is charred and brown. You can broil for a few minutes at end to really get crispy edges.

  • Meanwhile, heat butter in a saucepan on medium to melt. Whisk in flour, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, so flour can get heated through. Then whisk in cream and milk, until smooth. Add salt and bring to a boil, then turn down to simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, until sauce starts to thicken.

  • Add shredded cheese and whisk, until melted. Cook for one minute, than add rosemary, parsley and a few gratings of fresh nutmeg. Taste, and add a little salt if needed.

  • Pour over warm cauliflower, and reserve some for dipping.

Delicious Whole Roasted Cauliflower Recipe with Cheese Sauce (2024)

FAQs

What brings out the Flavour of cauliflower? ›

If you like the cabbage-like flavor of cauliflower, then boiling it is the best way to bring that flavor out. If you want to tame those cabbage aromas, the best thing to do is to caramelize the cauliflower.

Why do you soak cauliflower before cooking? ›

If you're planning to roast the cauliflower whole or slice it into steaks, slice off the thick stem at the base. Drop the whole cauliflower head upside-down into cool, salted water. Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes to remove dirt, residue and bugs.

Why does cauliflower cheese go watery in the oven? ›

Cauliflower cheese can go watery if the cauliflower is overcooked. Overcooked cauliflower releases water, which will seep into the rest of the dish. So even if your sauce was thick when it went in the oven, if its in there too long, the water from the cauliflower will cause it to go watery.

Why does my cauliflower cheese sauce split? ›

Cook your cauliflower cheese at the right temperature, otherwise your cheese sauce can split. If your cheese sauce splits before that, it can be down to leaving it out too long, or you've boiled the sauce. If this happens, add a splash of milk or cream and whisk vigorously and it should come back to life.

What happens when you add lemon juice to water when cooking cauliflower? ›

Helps retain color: Cauliflower can sometimes turn brown or lose its vibrant white color when cooked. However, the acid in lemon juice can help prevent discoloration and maintain the cauliflower's white appearance.

What does baking soda do to cauliflower? ›

Baking soda is often used as a natural cleaning agent, and it can be used to brighten up your veggies too. Sprinkle a little in the water before boiling to prevent cauliflower from yellowing and make corn look more vibrant.

Why is my roasted cauliflower not crispy? ›

Crowding the Baking Sheet

Cauliflower has a very high water content, so it won't get crispy if you bake the florets crowded together. "Be sure to give each floret a bit of room so that the they have space for airflow. I'd also recommend baking them on a silicone baking mat," says Blay.

Does cauliflower need to be washed before roasting? ›

Preheat oven to 425°F. Wash cauliflower, cut it into medium-sized florets, and dry very thoroughly.

Why can't you reheat cauliflower cheese? ›

Can you reheat cauliflower cheese? Yes you can, and it will taste fine… But just be aware that it will dry out a little and the cauliflower will be a little bit softer… not a deal breaker, but definitely not as good as fresh! Simply place any leftover cauliflower in a lidded container and refrigerate.

Why does cauliflower cheese upset my stomach? ›

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower contain high levels of insoluble fiber, which can quickly lead to digestive upset, especially when consumed raw. Symptoms can include bloating, gas and cramping.

Why is my roasted cauliflower tough? ›

A common problem is either roasting it at too low a temperature or stopping once the cauliflower is tender—both mean that the florets do not caramelize. Roast until the color goes from creamy white to a dark golden brown before removing your vegetables from heat.

How do I make sure my cheese sauce doesn't split? ›

Always add the cheese off the heat. Grate it in advance, add it a bit at a time, whisking until it dissolves, then add more. Don'tget impatient and dump it all in at once. Adding cheese while the pan is on the heat tightens the proteins, which will make lumps in your sauce.

How to prevent cheese sauce from breaking? ›

To temper a cheese sauce, you must take your boiling milk mixture off the heat and let it cool a bit so that the proteins in the cheese don't immediately break bonds with the fat and water. Sara Moulton suggests that you grate your cheese before adding it to minimize the heat required for melting.

How to stabilize cheese sauce? ›

Sodium citrate isn't just a fancy name. It's a culinary superhero, playing the dual role of emulsifier and stabilizer in our cheese sauce. This dynamic duo works wonders by preventing proteins from coagulating, ensuring our sauce stays smooth and velvety even at high temperatures.

How to get the cauliflower taste out of cauliflower? ›

What can I do to make cauliflower taste better? boil in vegetable broth and herbs you like,or make a cheddar cheese sauce or any other cheese you like to pour on the cauliflower. try roasting in oven with barbecue sauce.

What makes cauliflower a super food? ›

It's high in vitamins C and K, and is also a good source of folate, which supports cell growth and is essential during pregnancy. Cauliflower is fat-free and cholesterol-free. And it's low in sodium. A one-cup serving contains only 25 calories, 5 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of dietary fiber.

How do you take the bitterness out of cauliflower? ›

Another way to reduce the bitterness is by lightly blanching cauliflower. Place the cauliflower florets in a bowl, cover with boiling water for about 45 seconds. Drain and rinse in cold water to stop the cooking process.

What is the chemical taste in cauliflower? ›

Various glucosinolates were quantified by HPLC and correlated with bitterness intensity. The results showed that neoglucobrassicin and sinigrin were responsible for the bitterness of cooked cauliflower.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Trent Wehner

Last Updated:

Views: 5751

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (76 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Trent Wehner

Birthday: 1993-03-14

Address: 872 Kevin Squares, New Codyville, AK 01785-0416

Phone: +18698800304764

Job: Senior Farming Developer

Hobby: Paintball, Calligraphy, Hunting, Flying disc, Lapidary, Rafting, Inline skating

Introduction: My name is Trent Wehner, I am a talented, brainy, zealous, light, funny, gleaming, attractive person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.