Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower – Easy Low-Carb Side Dish Recipe
This easy cheesy roasted cauliflower recipe is a delicious and healthy low-carb side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a flavorful and satisfying dish on your table in no time. This recipe is also keto-friendly and the leftovers reheat beautifully!
Cheesy Frosted Cauliflower is a whole head of cauliflower, steamed and then frosted with a combination of mayonnaise and mustard and then covered in cheese before quickly roasting in the oven. This vegetable side dish is pure perfection and so easy to make. It is becoming a staple on our meal plan at least once a week.
If you love this simple side dish, be sure also to check out the air fryer broccoli, the cast iron skillet brussels sprouts with bacon and onions, or prosciutto-wrapped asparagus.
Cheese Frosted Cauliflower Ingredients
The simple recipe can also be made over cauliflower pieces if you don’t want to make it as a whole head of cauliflower. The simplicity and versatility of the recipe make it a keeper for sure. This cauliflower recipe uses 4 simple ingredients with a fifth optional ingredient to bring some sweetness to the flavors. The ingredients are fridge staples if you are a regular reader on this blog.
Ingredients:
- Whole Head of Cauliflower – There is no substitute for this. You need a fresh, whole head of cauliflower.
- Mayonnaise – Don’t ask if you can use miracle whip. I don’t have miracle whip in my house, I have not tried it. I only use mayonnaise.
- Dijon Mustard – I like dijon mustard the best for this frosted cauliflower but you could use honey mustard or plain yellow mustard too.
- Colby Jack Cheese Slices – I have always used colby jack cheese because that is what I like. Slices work best but shredded could be used. If you like cheddar, colby, Swiss, or American cheese, feel free to use those options as well.
- Salt and Pepper
- Honey – Optional with the honey, but I love the combination of sweet and savory. If you use honey mustard for your mustard, obviously you don’t need more honey.
How to Make a Cheesy Steamed Whole Head of Cauliflower
To start making this cheesy frosted cauliflower, cut the leaves out of the bottom of the cauliflower before setting it in the steamer. Don’t cut too much of the stem out otherwise the cauliflower will fall apart after it is steamed.
Place the cauliflower in a steamer basket
, salt the cauliflower, and then steam for 12-15 minutes or until the cauliflower is fork-tender when you pierce it with a fork. if you do not have a steamer basket, you can place the cauliflower in a large stockpot with water in it and cook this way as well.
When the cauliflower is steaming, mix together the mayonnaise and dijon mustard. If you want the sauce to be slightly sweet, add some honey to mix as well. This will give it a honey mustard flavor.
Transfer the steamed head of cauliflower into a round 2-3-quart baking dish
. Then spread the creamy mustard sauce over the cauliflower. Season with more salt and pepper. Then layer slices of colby jack cheese over the top of the cauliflower.
Bake for 10 minutes on 350 degrees to melt the cheese and marry the cauliflower, creamy mustard sauce, and cheese together.
This was the perfect side dish for the pork chops we had for supper. The frosted cauliflower is great as a potato substitute if you are trying to eat low-carb or keto. Leftover cauliflower also reheats well.
Tips for Roasting the Perfect Cauliflower
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Make sure the cauliflower florets are spread out in a single layer so they roast evenly.
- Use fresh cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower will have a better texture and flavor than frozen.
- Experiment with different cheeses: Feel free to use your favorite type of cheese, such as Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a blend.
- Add some spice: For an extra kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or garlic powder to the seasoning.
This cheesy roasted cauliflower is a versatile side dish that pairs well with chicken, fish, or beef. It’s also a great addition to potlucks and holiday meals. Enjoy!
Side Dish Recipes
Cheesy Frosted Cauliflower
Equipment
- Vegetable Steamer
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 5 slices colby-jack cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon honey optional
Instructions
- Cut the leaves off the bottom of the cauliflower. Place in the steamer basket with a cup or two of water in the pan. Salt the cauliflower with half the salt. Steam the cauliflower for 12-15 minutes.
- While the cauliflower is steaming, mix the mayonnaise and dijon mustard together. Add honey for a sweeter sauce.
- When the cauliflower is fork-tender, remove from the steamer and place in a round baking dish.
- Spread the creamy mustard sauce over the top of the cauliflower. Season with salt and pepper. Then lay the cheese slices over the top.
- Bake for 10 minutes on 350° to melt the cheese.
Nutrition
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This was absolutely delicious! I could have eaten the whole thing myself! Thank you! I will be making this again and again…
This cauliflower tasted great and was easy to make. Even my non-veggie eating husband liked it!
Second time making this and we love it! So tasty and not heavy filling. It is a great recipe! Thank you!
Alexis