Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower

I really didn’t know what to expect when I was making this Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower. I had never tried roasting cauliflower before, so this was something new for me. I’m not a particularly big fan of cauliflower either, but I do love roasted veggies–so I thought it would be worth a try!

When I had my first taste of this, I thought, “Wow, this is good!” I really did. It surpassed my expectations. Who would have thought cauliflower could have tasted so good? The cauliflower is roasted, along with some sliced red onion, in a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice. Sour cream and shredded Cheddar cheese, added after the roasting, give this side dish a rich, creamy flavor. And the crumbled bacon on top is a nice touch, although this is great without the bacon, too, if you want to keep it meatless.

I’m sure this is something everyone in your family will love. It’s definitely worth making!

CHEESY ROASTED CAULIFLOWER by NancyCreative, adapted from Kraft Foods

Makes 4 to 6 servings

8 cups cauliflower florets

1 red onion, cut into 1/4-inch slices

Juice from 1 large lemon (about 1/4 cup)

2 Tablespoons olive oil

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup regular or lite sour cream

2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (8 ounces) , regular or low-fat

Optional: 1 slice of cooked and crumbled bacon or 1 Tablespoon real bacon bits

Preheat oven to 450˚F.

In large bowl, combine first 5 ingredients; spread onto foil-covered rimmed 10 x 15″ baking sheet. Bake at 450˚ for 40 minutes, stirring after 20 minutes for even baking (you may get a few burnt edges on your sliced onions and cauliflower, but that’s okay!).

After cauliflower is roasted, spoon back into large bowl and stir in the sour cream. Then mix in the shredded Cheddar cheese. Spoon mixture into an oven-safe baking dish and bake an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese is all melted. Top with crumbled bacon or bacon bits, if using, and serve.

This is a great dinner side dish. And something to keep in mind for special holiday meals. It’s not the healthiest way to prepare cauliflower, but it sure is good! Do you have a favorite cauliflower side dish?

14 thoughts on “Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower”

Butter, Basil and Breadcrumbs January 31, 2014 at 12:22

Beautiful!! Creamy goodness!! Forget the side dish…I could make a meal out of this!! Yum.. 🙂

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nancyc Post authorJanuary 31, 2014 at 12:26

Yes, this could definitely be a meal for me too! 🙂

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{Main St. Cuisine} January 31, 2014 at 2:05

Beautiful dish and beautifully photographed! I love raw or cooked cauliflower, although I’m the only here who does. Roasting it is one of my favorite methods, but you elevated it with the addition of sour cream, cheddar cheese and bacon. I’m inclined to prepare your recipe and not tell my husband (he’s a meat and potatoes type of guy). I think he’d love it. Shhh. 😉

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nancyc Post authorJanuary 31, 2014 at 7:46

Thank you! 🙂 When the cauliflower is made this way, it reminds me of mashed potatoes–I’m sure your husband would love it! 🙂

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liztiptopshape January 31, 2014 at 8:51

Oh my goodness, this looks like heaven!!!

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nancyc Post authorJanuary 31, 2014 at 9:47

If you like cheesy side dishes, it is kind of like a little heaven on earth! 🙂

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stierneyc February 1, 2014 at 7:41

We LOVE roasted cauliflower and this recipe will be added to my box! XOXO

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nancyc Post authorFebruary 1, 2014 at 12:36

I hope you enjoy the recipe, Susan! Now that I’ve tried roasted cauliflower, I love it too! 🙂

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Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen February 2, 2014 at 9:33

This reminds me of a mac and cheese.. but so much healthier!! If you look at it that way, you’ve cut back on a lot of carbs:) Love the look of this recipe! xx

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