All Recipes

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole (AKA the Side Dish That Steals the Show)

Save This Recipe

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

So listen—this started as one of those “I should probably eat less pasta” moments. You know the kind. After a week of spaghetti, leftover spaghetti, and one too many drive-thru orders, I looked at a head of cauliflower and thought, well, let’s see what you can do, big guy.

I wasn’t expecting magic. But oh my stars—once I smothered it in cream, eggs, and every cheese I had in the fridge? It turned into this rich, bubbly, golden dream. And let me tell you, nobody asked where the noodles went. Not my husband. Not my daughter. Not even my cheese-snob cousin who swears by imported Gruyère.

Now it’s a regular guest at our table—weeknight dinners, potlucks, holidays, you name it. And it’s always one of the first dishes gone.

Why You’re Gonna Fall for This

Here’s the quick version, in case you’re scrolling on your lunch break:

  • Super cheesy and creamy — like mac & cheese’s lighter, sassier cousin

  • Low-carb without feeling like you’re missing anything

  • No fancy ingredients — just the usual fridge suspects

  • Feeds a crowd — or makes killer leftovers

  • Cozy as heck — pairs perfectly with chilly nights and fuzzy socks

What You’ll Need (And What You Can Fudge)

I’m not fussy when it comes to ingredients—use what you’ve got, tweak what you don’t. This casserole’s pretty forgiving, which is more than I can say for pie crust.

Cauliflower

Two big ol’ heads, chopped into florets. Don’t get too precious with the size—bite-sized is good.
Frozen cauliflower? Totally fine, just make sure you drain it really, really well.

Hot tip: After boiling, I lay it out on a clean dish towel for a few minutes to soak up extra moisture. Nobody wants a watery casserole. Trust me.

Eggs & Cream

Five eggs and about a cup and a half of heavy cream. Think of it like making a fancy quiche… except without the crust or the effort.

Cheese, Please

Here’s where the magic happens. You’ll need:

  • 2 cups white cheddar (sharp is best!)

  • ½ cup parmesan (plus a little more for the top)

  • ½ cup mozzarella (for that gooey stretch factor)

But honestly? Use whatever melty cheeses you love. Havarti, Colby Jack, even a little cream cheese works in a pinch. No rules here.

Seasonings

Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder—just the basics. Add paprika or chili flakes if you’re feelin’ bold.

Butter

Four tablespoons, melted and stirred into the mix at the end. Adds richness and helps the top get that beautiful color.

Let’s Make This Thing

Put on your comfy slippers, maybe pour yourself a little glass of wine or iced tea—this is easy stuff.

1. Preheat the oven

350°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with a little butter or spray. Set it aside.

2. Boil the cauliflower

Drop those florets in a big pot of boiling water. Let ‘em cook for about 3–4 minutes—just until they start to get tender.
Drain ‘em well, and let them hang out for a few minutes to dry out. Damp cauliflower makes sad casseroles.

3. Mix the cheesy sauce

In a big bowl, whisk together:

  • 5 eggs

  • 1½ cups heavy cream

  • Salt, pepper, garlic & onion powders

  • All your shredded cheese (save that extra parmesan for topping)

  • Stir in the melted butter (let it cool a minute so it doesn’t cook the eggs)

It’ll look a little thick and lumpy—that’s what you want!

4. Assemble the casserole

Toss your cauliflower into the baking dish. Pour the cheesy mixture all over the top, making sure it gets into all the nooks and crannies.
Sprinkle that last bit of parmesan on top like you’re tucking it in for a nap.

5. Bake it up

Pop it in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and just a little bit crusty.
Let it rest 5–10 minutes before scooping. It’ll thicken up just enough to hold its shape, but still be creamy inside.

Wanna Mix It Up? Here’s How

Once you’ve made it once, you’ll probably start getting ideas (I did). Here are some fun spins:

  • Add bacon. Obviously. About ½ cup cooked and crumbled.

  • Toss in herbs. Chives, parsley, thyme—whatever makes your kitchen smell good.

  • Make it spicy. A chopped jalapeño or a few red pepper flakes kick it up.

  • Throw in broccoli. Half cauli, half broccoli = color and variety.

  • Use ranch seasoning. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it.

Leftovers? You Bet.

This keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3–4 days. Here’s what to do:

  • Reheat in the microwave — 1–2 minutes, covered with a paper towel.

  • Or warm it in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes if you want that crispy top back.

I wouldn’t freeze it though. The texture just doesn’t hold up—gets kinda watery and sad.

That’s a Wrap, Friend

If you’re craving something warm, creamy, and downright comforting—this casserole’s your gal. Whether you’re feeding your family on a Wednesday night or bringing a side to the potluck, it always hits the spot.

Got questions? Leftovers? Wild flavor ideas? Leave a comment, shoot me an email, or heck, send a carrier pigeon. I love hearing from fellow food lovers.

‘Til next time, keep that oven warm and your cheese drawer full.

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Course Casserole, Side Dish

Ingredients
  

  • 2 heads cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 5 eggs
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated parmesan, for topping

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the cauliflower just until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Drain the cauliflower well to remove excess moisture, then transfer to the prepared baking dish.
  • In a medium bowl, beat together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cheeses (cheddar, parmesan, mozzarella).
  • Mix in melted butter (ensure it’s cooled slightly before adding).
  • Pour the cheese mixture over the cauliflower, then top with the additional ½ cup parmesan cheese.
  • Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until top is golden brown.
  • Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

For a little extra kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne or chopped green onions to the mixture before baking.
Love this recipe?Fllow us at @itsnotaboutnutritionrecipes for more

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Share via