Smashed Cauliflower With White Cheddar Sauce

Name: Smashed Cauliflower With White Cheddar Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6-8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 small cauliflower heads (or two large); 2 Tbsp butter; 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 clove minced garlic (or more if you prefer); 1 c half and half; 1/2 c milk; 2 tsp minced onion; 6-8 oz Vermont white cheddar cheese, shredded or sliced; salt and pepper, to taste

By Ellen Bales
@Starwriter

This recipe came about because I had accidentally bought two packages of white cheddar cheese instead of the one I had planned to use with potatoes. I happened to have some nice organic cauliflower but no regular cheddar, which is my favorite way to prepare it. So . . . two and two equals four and cheese is always good, anytime, anywhere. And this recipe was born.
02-21-2017

Blue Ribbon Recipe

This is one of those side dishes that is just so good and makes you feel a little less guilty for eating it. Some of the taste testers couldn't even tell it was cauliflower - they thought it was smashed potatoes! It's creamy, buttery, and of course cheesy. If you prefer yours smoother, a whirl through the food processor would create that texture. The Test Kitchen

Rating:

★★★★★ 2 votes5

Comments:

29 Comments

Serves:

6-8

Prep:

15 Min

Cook:

20 Min

Method:

Stove Top

Ingredients

4 small

cauliflower heads (or two large)
2 Tbsp

butter
2 Tbsp

all-purpose flour
1 clove

minced garlic (or more if you prefer)
1 c

half and half
1/2 c

milk
2 tsp

minced onion
6-8 oz

Vermont white cheddar cheese, shredded or sliced
·

salt and pepper, to taste
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How to Make Smashed Cauliflower With White Cheddar Sauce

Step-by-Step

Wash cauliflower and cut into medium-sized florets. Add to a large pot of boiling, salted water. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour, making a paste. Add garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Slowly add milk and half-and-half and stir until it starts to thicken.
Add remaining ingredients and simmer on low heat until cheese melts. If mixture is too thick, add more milk, a little at a time, and mix thoroughly.
Stir the hot cheese sauce into the cooked and drained cauliflower and mix well, smashing with a large spoon as you go.
Serve with your favorite entree.