Creamy Cauliflower Jalapeño Popper Casserole
Totally unconventional and wildly delicious, this Creamy Cauliflower Jalapeño Popper Casserole is an easy cheesy veggie gratin with a kick!
Servings 6 servings
Calories 180kcal
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower
- 1-2 cloves of garlic minced
- 2 TBSP flour
- 2 TBSP butter
- 1.5 cup milk brought to room temp. or heated
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp paprika
- 4 oz gouda cheese, grated
- ⅓ cup chopped pickled jalapeños
- 2-3 fresh jalapeños
TOP WITH...
- grated cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup panko toasted with a little butter or oil
- parsley or scallions to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Cook the cauliflower florets in a pot of boiling water with a pinch of salt for about 4-5 minutes until tender yet still firm.
- Drain and rinse with cool water to help halt the cooking process. We want tender, al-dente cauliflower... no mushy wilted veggies here!
- While it chills, start your sauce.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat and add your minced garlic.
- Add flour, slowly, whisking constantly to create your roux.
- Pour warmed or room temperature milk into the butter mixture and whisk constantly until thickened. Add salt, paprika, fresh and pickled jalapeños.
- Remove from heat and grated Gouda cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese melts into the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over your cauliflower and toss to coat.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese, and toasted panko crumbs.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees F for 20-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Sprinkle with parsley or scallions if you'd like a colorful garnish and dive in while it's hot!
Notes
New to toasting panko? I love pre-toasting my breadcrumb toppings vs. letting them toast on top of an uncovered casserole because everything can easily overbrown that way. To make your topping perfectly golden, simply heat a skillet to medium-high heat and add your panko once hot. Toast until golden, stirring often and adding a teeny drizzle of oil if desired.
Nutrition Facts below are estimated using an online recipe nutrition calculator. Adjust as needed and enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories: 180kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 359mg | Potassium: 409mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 438IU | Vitamin C: 52mg | Calcium: 232mg | Iron: 1mg
