Cauliflower Cheese Bake

Recipe modified.  Original recipe from the Essential Canadian Christmas Cookbook, 

by Lovoni Walker.

Cauliflower always tastes great cheesy!  I love the nutmeg and mustard in this recipe.  It puts a spin on your regular cheese sauce, but isn't overpowering.  If you're still looking for ideas, this is a great dish for your Christmas gathering.

What you'll need

2 1/2 lbs Cauliflower florets

Cheese Sauce

2 tbsp Butter

2 tbsp All-purpose flour

2 cups Milk

1 cup White or orange cheddar cheese, grated

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1/4 tsp Nutmeg

Salt and Pepper to taste

Garlic Crumbs

1 1/2 tbsp Butter

3 Garlic cloves, minced

1 cup Fine fresh breadcrumbs

How to

1.  Line a 6 to 8 cup baking dish with parchment paper.  Heat oven to 350°F.

2.  Cook cauliflower in steamer over a pot of simmering water until tender.  Place in prepared dish.

3.  To make the cheese sauce, melt butter in medium saucepan over medium heat.  Add flour and stir until mixture is bubbling. Gradually stir in milk and continue to stir until mixture is smooth.  Simmer, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes or until thickened and boiling.  Remove from heat.

4.  Add the cheese, mustard, nutmeg, salt and pepper and stir until well combined.  Pour over cauliflower.

5.  Melt butter for the breadcrumbs in medium frying pan over medium heat.  Add garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until garlic is softened and fragrant but not brown.  Stir in breadcrubs and cook for about 5 minutes or until golden brown.  

6.  Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the cauliflower and cheese sauce and bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until bubbling and hot.  Remove from oven and let sit for a few minutes.  Serve.