Ultimate Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower (Keto, Low-Carb & Comfort Food!)

• Ultimate Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower (Keto, Low-Carb & Comfort Food!)

  Transform a simple head of cauliflower into an incredibly delicious and comforting side dish with this Ultimate Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower! Perfectly roasted cauliflower florets are topped with an unbelievably rich, savory, and perfectly seasoned multi-cheese sauce. This dish is the epitome of low-carb comfort food, naturally keto-friendly, and gluten-free!

  Yields: 4-6 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 40-45 minutes

  Ingredients:

  For the Roasted Cauliflower:

  • 1 medium-sized cauliflower head (about 2 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil)
  • 1 teaspoon pink salt (or regular salt), or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon paprika

  For the Cheese Sauce:

  • 4 ounces cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
  • 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (or use 12 oz of your favorite keto-friendly cheese blend)
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard (check for no added sugar)

  Equipment:

  • Large baking sheet
  • Large saucepan or deep skillet
  • Whisk
  • Vegetable peeler or brush (for cleaning cauliflower)

  Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
     • Wash the cauliflower head thoroughly. Remove the outer leaves and trim the bottom stem. Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
     • In a large bowl, drizzle the cauliflower florets with avocado oil. Sprinkle with pink salt, black pepper, and onion powder (and optional garlic powder/paprika). Toss well to ensure all florets are evenly coated.
     • Spread the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
  2. Roast Cauliflower: Bake for 35-45 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until the cauliflower is fork-tender and has nice golden-brown, slightly caramelized edges. Remove from the oven.
  3. Prepare Cheese Sauce: While the cauliflower is roasting, prepare the cheese sauce. In a large saucepan or deep skillet, heat the heavy cream over medium-low heat. Do not let it boil vigorously.
     • Add all the seasonings: black pepper, salt, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, and spicy brown mustard. Whisk well to combine the seasonings into the cream.
     • When the cream begins to gently bubble around the edges, reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the shredded cheeses (cheddar, mozzarella, sharp cheddar), a handful at a time, whisking continuously after each addition until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated. Continue until all cheese is added and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
     • Taste the cheese sauce and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
  4. Assemble & Serve: You have two options:
     • Option 1 (Individual Servings): Divide the roasted cauliflower among individual serving plates. Spoon a generous amount of the warm cheese sauce over each portion of cauliflower.
     • Option 2 (Family Style): Pour the roasted cauliflower into a large serving bowl or back into the clean saucepan. Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower and gently toss to coat.
     • Serve hot and enjoy your ultimate cheesy roasted cauliflower!

  Tips for Success:

  • Freshly Shredded Cheese: Shredding your own cheese is highly recommended for cheese sauce. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
  • Low and Slow Sauce: Keep the heat on low when adding cheese to the heavy cream. High heat can cause the cheese to separate or become stringy.
  • Spicy Brown Mustard: This ingredient provides depth and tang to the cheese sauce without a strong mustard flavor. Check its label for any hidden sugars.
  • Don’t Overcrowd Cauliflower: Ensure cauliflower is in a single layer on the baking sheet for best roasting results. If your pan is too small, use two.
  • Cauliflower Doneness: Roast to your preferred tenderness. Some like it softer, some like it with a slight bite.
  • Storage: Store any leftover Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven. The sauce may thicken, so you can add a splash of heavy cream when reheating.

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  Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification

  • High Protein: Yes, from the cheese and heavy cream.
  • Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb. All ingredients are naturally low in carbohydrates.
  • Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet.
    • Spicy Brown Mustard: Crucial to check labels for no added sugars.
  • Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

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