This Cauliflower Casserole is a perfect blend of roasted veggies, creamy sauce, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. It’s hearty, satisfying, and just the kind of comfort food that hits the spot, whether you’re serving it up as a side dish or letting it shine as the main event. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to put together, and once it’s in the oven, your kitchen will be filled with the smell of something seriously delicious.
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Even the pickiest of eaters can’t resist this delicious casserole, and I personally love it as it’s so easy to make; you can prep it ahead, and you can freeze it. Perfect for the holidays, Friendsgiving, potlucks, gameday, and Sunday feasts, this is a dish that is a regular on my menu and is always polished off by my family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This delicious cauliflower recipe uses simple ingredients that the whole family will enjoy.
How to Make Cauliflower Casserole with Step-by-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
This recipe is super simple to make if you follow my simple steps. Let’s get started!
Roast the Cauliflower
Preheat your oven to 180ºC (350°F).
Start by cutting the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Spread them out on a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil, and season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
Pop them in the oven and roast for about 20 minutes until they start to turn golden and crispy at the edges.
Whip Up the Sauce
While the cauliflower is roasting, it’s time to make a creamy sauce.
In a pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking as you go to avoid lumps.
SERIOUSLY GOOD
CASSEROLES
37 EASY RECIPES designed for days when you want one dish to do all the work for you. Expect rich, mouthwatering layers that are just begging to be on your dinner table.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Breakfast Casserole
∙ Cheeseburger Casserole
∙ Four Cheese Ravioli Casserole
∙ Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
∙ Sweet Potato Casserole
...and much more!
Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy, then season with a little more salt and pepper.
Prepare the Crunchy Topping
In a bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, melted butter, paprika, salt, and pepper. This will give your casserole a delicious crispy finish!
Put It All Together and Bake
Once the cauliflower is done roasting, transfer it to a casserole dish.
Pour the creamy sauce over the cauliflower, making sure every piece gets coated. Sprinkle the panko mixture evenly on top. Bake it for another 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy.
Serve it hot, and get ready for compliments!
Easy Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
Add Preferred SourceIngredients
- 1 cauliflower head
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup parmesan cheese shredded
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180ºC (350°F).
- Cut the cauliflower into florets and spread them on a baking sheet. Drizzle the cauliflower with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, or until the cauliflower starts to brown and becomes slightly crispy on the edges.1 cauliflower head, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon paprika, salt and pepper
- While the cauliflower is roasting, melt the butter in a pot over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, whisking constantly. Slowly add the milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside.2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons flour, 2 cups milk
- In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, shredded parmesan cheese, melted butter, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with butter.1 ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon paprika, salt and pepper
- Once the cauliflower is done roasting, transfer it to a casserole dish. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the cauliflower, making sure all the florets are coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top.
- Bake the casserole for an additional 15 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy. Serve hot and enjoy.
Video
Notes
- Roasting Perfection: Roasting the cauliflower gives it a deep, nutty flavor and a nice caramelized texture. This step is key to avoiding soggy cauliflower, so make sure it’s nicely browned before adding the sauce.
- Lump-Free Sauce: When adding the milk to your butter and flour mixture, go slow and whisk continuously to keep the sauce smooth.
- Crispy Topping: For the best crunch, mix your breadcrumbs thoroughly with the melted butter. This ensures that every bit of the topping gets crispy and golden as it bakes, creating a nice contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Cheese Alternatives: Parmesan is great for this dish, but if you prefer a different flavor, feel free to swap it for cheddar, Gruyère, or even mozzarella. Each cheese brings a unique flavor to the casserole, so experiment to find your favorite.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little kick, increase the paprika or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the panko mixture. You can also sprinkle a bit of crushed red pepper flakes on top for extra heat.
- Prepping Ahead: You can roast the cauliflower and make the sauce a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then assemble and bake the casserole when you’re ready to serve. This can save time when you’re hosting or preparing multiple dishes.
Nutrition
SERIOUSLY GOOD
CASSEROLES
37 EASY RECIPES designed for days when you want one dish to do all the work for you. Expect rich, mouthwatering layers that are just begging to be on your dinner table.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Breakfast Casserole
∙ Cheeseburger Casserole
∙ Four Cheese Ravioli Casserole
∙ Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
∙ Sweet Potato Casserole
...and much more!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
I’ve got a few handy tips to make sure your cauliflower casserole turns out just right:
- Roasting Perfection: Roasting the cauliflower gives it a deep, nutty flavor and a nice caramelized texture. This step is key to avoiding soggy cauliflower, so make sure it’s nicely browned before adding the sauce.
- Lump-Free Sauce: When adding the milk to your butter and flour mixture, go slow and whisk continuously to keep the sauce smooth.
- Crispy Topping: For the best crunch, mix your breadcrumbs thoroughly with the melted butter. This ensures that every bit of the topping gets crispy and golden as it bakes, creating a nice contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Cheese Alternatives: Parmesan is great for this dish, but if you prefer a different flavor, feel free to swap it for cheddar, Gruyère, or even mozzarella. Each cheese brings a unique flavor to the casserole, so experiment to find your favorite.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little kick, increase the paprika or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the panko mixture. You can also sprinkle a bit of crushed red pepper flakes on top for extra heat.
- Prepping Ahead: You can roast the cauliflower and make the sauce a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then assemble and bake the casserole when you’re ready to serve. This can save time when you’re hosting or preparing multiple dishes.
How to Store Leftover Cauliflower Casserole
You can easily store leftovers to enjoy later. Once the casserole has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container.
Store in the Fridge
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave for a quick option, or for a crispier topping, place it back in the oven at 180ºC (350°F) until heated through.
Freezer It
Yes, you can freeze this casserole! If you plan to freeze it, wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the oven at 180ºC (350°F) until it’s hot and the topping is crisp again. The sauce may thicken slightly when reheated, but it will still be delicious.
What to Serve With Cauliflower Casserole
Cauliflower casserole makes a versatile side dish, and you’ve got plenty of options when it comes to pairing it with other meals.
This casserole works perfectly alongside roasted or grilled meats like chicken, pork, or even steak. Its rich, creamy texture complements the savory, crispy edges of these proteins.
You could also serve it with baked or grilled fish, such as salmon or cod, for a lighter option that still pairs well with the cheesy, crunchy topping.
If you’re putting together a vegetarian meal or want a lighter dish, pair the casserole with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus, or a hearty grain like quinoa or wild rice.
For a heartier dinner, you could even serve it with garlic bread or dinner rolls on the side to soak up any extra sauce!
More Casserole Recipes For You To Try
I’ve rounded up some other delicious casserole recipes you’ll love making at home!
