Name: The Easiest Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 16 oz. cauliflower (cut into pieces); 2 1/2 tbsp. Dijon mustard; 2 tbsp. mayonnaise; 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese; 1 tbsp. olive oil

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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!

cheesy cauliflower in a baking dish with a serving spoon

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.

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!

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.

raw cauliflower covered in white sauce in a baking dish

Sprinkle cheese on top and drizzle about 1 tbsp. of olive oil over the cheese.

cauliflower topped with cheddar cheese in a baking dish

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.

cauliflower baked in cheese on a plate with a fork

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!