Company Cauliflower
A creamy, cheesy cauliflower dish with toasted sesame seeds, perfect as a comforting side or vegetarian main that combines rich flavors and crunchy textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a shallow pan, toast sesame seed for 10 minutes or until browned, shaking the pan occasionally.
- Rinse cauliflower and separate into small flowerets.
- Cook cauliflower in a 2-quart covered saucepan in 1-inch boiling, salted water for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender; drain well.
- Place half of the cauliflower in a 1-quart casserole; season with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over the cauliflower.
- Spread sour cream evenly over the cheese.
- Top with toasted sesame seeds.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding minced garlic or chopped green onions to the sour cream layer. If you're looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be used instead of sour cream. For a bit of crunch, try adding toasted walnuts or sunflower seeds on top before baking. Ensure your cauliflower is tender but not mushy to maintain a good texture in the final dish.
Serving Suggestions
This dish makes for a delightful side, pairing wonderfully with main courses like roasted chicken or grilled fish. For a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside a fresh salad or alongside dishes like Golden Brown Chive Roasted Potatoes. You can also sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Company Cauliflower can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Company Cauliflower contains roughly 26 calories, with 1g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1788mg per serving (78% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it's heated through.
What can I substitute for Cheddar cheese?
If you're looking for alternatives, Monterey Jack or Gouda cheese can work well in this recipe. For a different flavor profile, try using a sharp cheese or a mix of cheeses to add complexity.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, this Company Cauliflower recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat-based ingredients. Just ensure that any additional toppings or sides you serve with it are also gluten-free.
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).