Queso Cauliflower Bake

Name: Queso Cauliflower Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex Inspired
Ingredients: For the Cauliflower Base:• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets (about 6 cups)• 1 tbsp olive oil• Salt and pepper to taste; For the Queso Sauce:• 2 tbsp butter• 1 small onion, finely diced• 2 cloves garlic, minced• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (or use cornstarch for gluten-free)• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies• ¼ tsp cumin• ¼ tsp chili powder• Salt and pepper to taste; Optional Toppings:• Sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)• Chopped cilantro• Crushed tortilla chips• Hot sauce or salsa drizzle

Posted on May 13, 2025

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Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with bold Tex-Mex flavor, this Queso Cauliflower Bake is the perfect comfort food with a healthy twist. Tender roasted cauliflower is smothered in a homemade queso-style cheese sauce, then baked until bubbly and golden. Whether served as a main dish, side, or game-day snack, this recipe delivers serious flavor without the heaviness of traditional queso dips.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheesy & Comforting – Everything you love about queso in baked form.
Low-Carb Friendly – A great alternative to pasta or rice casseroles.
Family-Approved – Even picky eaters love cheesy cauliflower!
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and under 40 minutes from start to finish.
Perfect Side or Main – Works for dinner, potlucks, or snacking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cauliflower Base:
• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets (about 6 cups)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Queso Sauce:
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (or use cornstarch for gluten-free)
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
• ¼ tsp cumin
• ¼ tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:
• Sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
• Chopped cilantro
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Hot sauce or salsa drizzle

Tools You’ll Need
• Baking sheet
• 9×9 or similar casserole dish
• Saucepan
• Whisk and wooden spoon
• Oven-safe spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Cauliflower
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, until golden and tender.
Remove and set aside. Lower oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Make the Queso Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add diced onion and cook 2–3 minutes until soft.
Stir in garlic and flour, whisking to make a roux. Cook 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in milk, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened (about 3–4 minutes).
Stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack, green chilies, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Reduce heat to low and stir until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Bake
Place roasted cauliflower in a lightly greased casserole dish.
Pour the queso sauce over the cauliflower and gently toss to coat evenly.
Add optional toppings like sliced jalapeños or extra cheese on top if desired.

Step 4: Bake It
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden on top.
For extra crispness, broil for 1–2 minutes—watch carefully!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
Top with chopped cilantro, crushed tortilla chips, or a drizzle of hot sauce for added flavor and texture.
Serve hot as a main dish or side.

Tips for the Best Queso Cauliflower Bake
Roast for Flavor – Roasting the cauliflower adds depth and prevents sogginess.
Use Fresh Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese can be grainy; shred your own for smooth sauce.
Add Protein – Mix in cooked shredded chicken, black beans, or ground turkey for a full meal.
Make It Spicy – Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne to the queso.
Make Ahead – Assemble, cover, and refrigerate before baking for a stress-free meal later.

Serving Suggestions
• With grilled chicken or steak
• As a taco night side
• Over quinoa or rice for a grain bowl
• With tortilla chips or warm pita for dipping
• As a low-carb casserole dinner

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Great for meal prep or leftovers.

Reheating:
• Oven: Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F for 15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry before roasting to avoid sogginess.

2. Is this keto-friendly?
Yes! To make it more keto, replace flour with almond flour or xanthan gum, and use full-fat dairy.

3. Can I make it dairy-free?
Try using plant-based butter, unsweetened almond milk, and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Results may vary.

4. What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar for tang, Monterey Jack for meltiness. Pepper Jack is great for heat!

5. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just use a larger casserole dish and increase bake time by 5–10 minutes.

Final Thoughts
This Queso Cauliflower Bake is the best of both worlds—comforting, cheesy goodness with the wholesome base of roasted cauliflower. Whether you’re looking to lighten up your favorite comfort food or just want something fun and flavorful for dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

Try it tonight and enjoy creamy, spicy, veggie-packed goodness in every bite. Don’t forget to leave a review and share your delicious results!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: Tex-Mex Inspired