Cauliflower With Almonds
Creamy cauliflower with toasted almonds and melted Cheddar offers a comforting, nutty flavor profile perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim leaves from the cauliflower, leaving 1-inch of stem for support.
- Place the cauliflower in a Dutch oven.
- Add hot water that covers the stem but does not touch the head.
- Cover and steam until tender, about 12 to 15 minutes.
- While steaming, prepare a cheese sauce by melting butter, stirring in flour and salt, then gradually adding milk to make a smooth sauce.
- Add shredded Cheddar cheese to the sauce and stir until melted.
- Toast sliced almonds until golden brown.
- Remove cauliflower from steamer, drain excess water if necessary.
- Pour cheese sauce over the cauliflower, sprinkle with toasted almonds and paprika.
- Serve hot, optionally alongside cooked green beans.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic or onion powder to the cheese sauce. If you're looking for a lighter version, you can substitute the butter with olive oil and use low-fat milk. For a nut-free option, replace almonds with sunflower seeds. Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor, so don’t skip that step.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot as a delightful side to roasted chicken or grilled fish. It pairs beautifully with cooked green beans, making a colorful plate. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a refreshing salad or a slice of Easy Vegetable Quiche for a vegetarian option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the cauliflower in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely, and heat in 30-second increments until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cauliflower With Almonds contains roughly 434 calories, with 12g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (34% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 840mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the cheese sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before pouring it over the cauliflower.
What can I substitute for Cheddar cheese?
You can substitute Cheddar cheese with Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different flavor. For a vegan option, try using a plant-based cheese that melts well.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add a kick to your cauliflower, consider mixing in a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce. You can also serve it with a spicy dipping sauce on the side.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).