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A super simple side dish, this Cheesy Cauliflower Bake is slathered in mustard and mayonnaise, covered in cheese, then baked until hot and bubbly!
This recipe was originally posted in March 2017. It has been updated for content and photos.
Hands down my favorite way to eat cauliflower, this Cheesy Cauliflower Bake is super simple, cheesy and just delicious. It warms your heart.
Even if you're not a veggie eater, you will love this cheesy cauliflower casserole. It's got tender roasted cauliflower, creamy mayonnaise, tangy Dijon mustard, and ooey, gooey cheese. So much delicious cheese.
Plus, you can make it ahead of time, which is perfect for potlucks and holiday dinners.
Jump to:
Why This Recipe Works
- Roasting the cauliflower in a sauce of mustard and mayonnaise adds flavor and creaminess;
- Copious amounts of cheese ensure the cauliflower is plenty delicious and cheesy;
- It takes only a few minutes to prepare, then it's hands off baking!
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The Ingredients
I prefer to use real mayonnaise as I don't like Miracle Whip (there is just something about the flavor).
I use sharp cheddar cheese for this recipe as I feel it has the most intense flavor and blends well with the mustard and mayonnaise.
I use Dijon mustard because it has the best flavor to add a kick to the cauliflower (which tends to be bland).
Step By Step Instructions
Preheat oven to 375F degrees. Place the cauliflower in a rectangular baking dish (about 9x13 or 8x11).
Mix the mustard and mayonnaise together in a bowl.
Spread the mixture on top of the cauliflower. Use your hands to mix it together well.
Sprinkle cheese on top and drizzle about 1 tbsp. of olive oil over the cheese.
Bake, covered, for 50-60 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly browned, and cauliflower can be pierced with a fork. You can remove the cover during the last 10-15 minutes to help the cheese brown.
NOTE: The browned crispy pieces of cheese are the best parts of this dish.
Expert Tips
- If the cheese isn't browned enough, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two to crisp it up;
- I don't recommend using grainy Dijon mustard as the texture is not great in the cauliflower bake;
- Remove the cover during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to brown the cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this recipe in advance? You can prepare the whole casserole in advance and store it covered int he fridge overnight. Bake according to the instructions. You can also bake it in advance, and reheat it in a 350 degree oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
- What kind of cheese is best for cheesy cauliflower? Personally, I like to use sharp cheddar for it's strong flavor, but a cheese like pepper jack or a milder cheddar would also be great!
- Can you freeze this cheesy cauliflower bake? It can be frozen before or after baking. To freeze before, wrap it in freezer safe plastic wrap and foil and store for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight then bake according to the instructions. To freeze after baking, wrap it in freezer safe and foil and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in a 350 degree oven for 10-15 minutes, until warmed through and the cheese is gooey.
More Cauliflower Recipes
- Spicy Korean Cauliflower Wings;
- Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower;
- Roasted Winter Vegetables;
- Roasted Cauliflower Soup from Cookie & Kate;
- Cauliflower Curry from The Modern Proper.
Did you make this cheesy cauliflower bake? Rate the recipe and leave a comment to let me know how it turns out!
Recipe
The Easiest Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
Ingredients
- 16 oz. cauliflower cut into pieces
- 2 ½ tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp. mayonnaise
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Place the cauliflower in a rectangular baking dish (about 9x13 or 8x11).
- Mix the mustard and mayonnaise together in a bowl and spread on top of the cauliflower. Use your hands to mix it together well.
- Sprinkle cheese on top and drizzle about 1 tbsp. of olive oil over the cheese.
- Bake, covered, for 50-60 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly browned, and cauliflower can be pierced with a fork. You can remove the cover during the last 10-15 minutes to help the cheese brown.
Expert Tips:
- If the cheese isn't browned enough, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two to crisp it up;
- I don't recommend using grainy Dijon mustard as the texture is not great in the cauliflower bake;
- Remove the cover during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to brown the cheese.
Nutrition
Emma
Hi! I’m assuming since it says 16 ox of cauliflower that I can use the frozen bags? And can I double the recipe in a 9x13 pan?
Danielle
Yes, definitely! Just note that when you use frozen, there may be a little more liquid in the pan as it defrosts.
Emma
Thanks so much!! Looking forward to making this!
Danielle
I hope you love it Emma!
Kristine Burgess
Mh family LOVES this recipe! They ALWAYS asks for it. We make it once a week, even in the middle of a hot Phoenix summer!
Danielle
Yay! I'm so glad to hear it!
Jennifer
This looks absolutely fatastic. I have a young lady coming for Thanksgiving and this will be the perfect side dish for her since she is trying to eat a little healthier.
Danielle
Thanks jennifer!
Safira
Absolutely love Cauliflower bake/cheese. It looks and sounds amazing. Love the mustard hit too.
Danielle
Thanks!
Amy
Cheese and cauliflower go so perfectly together, I love the sound of this!
Danielle
Totally!
Jacqueline Debono
Cauliflower and cheese really is a match made in foodie heaven! I love it as a winter or holiday side dish. This version is different to the one I usually follow. Love the idea of the Dijon and mayo. Will give it a try!
Danielle
I totally agree!!
kim
Okay... this was absolutely delicious! It was so easy to make and had the best flavor. Will make again and again!
Danielle
So glad you enjoyed it!
Lisa | Garlic & Zest
Oh, wow -- that looks like cheesy nirvana. I make a cauliflower gratin using a cheese bechamel -- but this method looks so much simpler! This would be perfect with our Thanksgiving bird.
Danielle
Thanks Lisa!
Sharron
I have made this years ago and used the cauliflower whole, as your mom did but lost my recipe sadly. I did boil the cauliflower first and then put it in a baking dish and then put the mayonnaise mustard mix on with the cheese. Everyone loved it so I’ll be making this again tonight as 1 pf my sisters turned VEGATARIAN
Danielle
I used to do it whole all the time, but decided I liked this way better. Glad you liked it!
Cherry
Also learned from my Mom, this is always a family fav. I do use Mayo, nice flavour, and fun to mix different colours of cauliflower, kids like it.
Danielle
Using colorful cauliflower is so fun!
Kathy
I love this recipe! Make it all the time.
Danielle
Glad you like it!
Susan @ Culinary Envy
YUM! I know I can even get my kid to eat this with all your delicious ingredients! Pinned.
Danielle@wenthere8this
I hope you enjoy it. Great for those non-vegetable eaters!