Creamy Queso Cauliflower – Looking for a delicious way. To enjoy veggies? This Creamy Queso Cauliflower recipe. Will be your new go-to. For a comforting, cheesy side dish. With a blend of white cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese. And a touch of green chiles. This dish delivers. All the creamy, savory flavors you crave. Perfect for gatherings. Or a family dinner. It’s a crowd-pleaser. That brings together cheesy goodness. And wholesome cauliflower.
The first time I made this Creamy Queso Cauliflower. I wasn’t sure how my family. Would react to such a veggie-forward dish. My husband. A queso enthusiast. Was skeptical. And my kids weren’t sure about cauliflower. But once it came out of the oven. Golden brown and bubbling with cheese. Everyone was intrigued. After just one bite. It became an instant favorite. Now, it’s one of our most requested sides on taco night. And any time we want something rich. And comforting. Without the guilt of heavier options.
What makes this Creamy Queso Cauliflower truly special?
What makes this Creamy Queso Cauliflower recipe truly special? Is how it transforms a simple vegetable. Into a rich, cheesy side dish. Bursting with flavor. The mix of white cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese. Brings the ultimate creaminess. While the green chiles. And taco seasoning. Add a mild kick. That perfectly complements the cauliflower. Plus, it’s a great low-carb alternative. To traditional queso dips or gratins. Making it both indulgent and wholesome.
What You Need To Make This Creamy Queso Cauliflower Recipe?
Cauliflower: Cauliflower is like a blank canvas—it soaks up. All the flavors of the cheese. And seasoning. It gives you that comfort-food feel. Without the guilt of pasta. Or potatoes.
White Cheddar Cheese: The sharpness of white cheddar. Adds a bold, tangy flavor. It’s what gives the dish. A rich depth. Balancing out the creamy texture.
Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella is the stringy hero here! It melts perfectly. And gives that satisfying cheesy pull. When you serve it.
Cream Cheese: This is what makes the sauce ultra-smooth. And creamy. It binds everything together. And adds a luxurious richness. To the dish.
Evaporated Milk: A lighter option. Than heavy cream. Evaporated milk helps achieve that creamy texture. Without weighing it down.
Green Chiles: These add just the right amount of zest. And mild heat. To elevate the cheesy flavors. You can use mild or hot chiles. Depending on your spice preference.
Taco Seasoning: A little spice mix. That brings everything together. Adding layers of flavor. Without overpowering the dish.
Cilantro: The cilantro garnish is optional. But it adds a fresh, herby contrast. To the richness of the cheese.
Steps To Make Creamy Queso Cauliflower:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. And get your baking dish ready. Grease a 9×13-inch dish. With a bit of oil. Or cooking spray—nothing fancy. Just enough. To keep things. From sticking later. Trust me. You don’t want to miss. Any of the cheesy goodness!
Step 2: Chop the cauliflower. Into bite-sized pieces. And scatter them. In an even layer. In your baking dish. This way, each piece. Will get coated. In that creamy cheese sauce. We’re about to whip up.
Step 3: Time to make. The magic happens! In a big bowl. Toss in 1 cup of the white cheddar. All of the mozzarella. And the softened cream cheese. Stir it up. Until it’s a gooey mix. Now, add in the evaporated milk, green chiles, taco seasoning, salt, and garlic powder. Keep stirring. Until everything’s smooth. And ready to pour.
Step 4: Pour that cheesy goodness. All over the cauliflower. Make sure every piece. Gets a little love. Once everything is covered. Sprinkle the rest of the white cheddar on top. For a bubbly, golden finish.
Step 5: Pop it in the oven. For about 30-35 minutes. Or until the cauliflower is tender. And the cheese is beautifully melted. And golden on top. If your kitchen. Smells like a queso-filled dream. You’re on the right track.
Step 6: Garnish with fresh cilantro. For a pop of color. And flavor. And serve it up warm. Trust me. It’s hard to resist. Diving right in!
Tip:
If you’re looking. To take this dish. To the next level. Roast the cauliflower. Before adding the cheese sauce. Spread the cauliflower. On a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. And season with a pinch of salt. And pepper. Roast at 400°F. For about 15 minutes. Until the edges get a bit crispy. And caramelized. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the cauliflower. Adding a whole new layer of flavor to the dish. Then, continue with the recipe as usual. It’ll give your Creamy Queso Cauliflower an added depth. And a slightly nutty taste. That pairs perfectly. With the cheesy, spicy sauce. Trust me. You won’t regret it!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish. Cover it. And store it in the fridge. For up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve. Just bake it as directed. Adding an extra 5 minutes if needed.
Can I use a different cheese?
Feel free to experiment. With different cheeses. Monterey Jack or a sharp yellow cheddar would work well. In place of the white cheddar. Though it may change the flavor slightly.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored. In an airtight container in the fridge. For up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. Until warmed through.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Creamy Queso Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 2 large heads of cauliflower roughly chopped
- 2 c shredded white cheddar cheese divided
- 1 c shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 8 ounces block of softened cream cheese
- 1 12 ounces can of evaporated milk
- 2 4 ounces cans of diced green chiles
- 3 tsp taco seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. And lightly grease. A 9x13-inch baking dish. To prevent sticking.
- Prepare the cauliflower. By chopping it. Into bite-sized pieces. Spread the cauliflower evenly. In the greased baking dish. Making sure each piece. Is ready to soak up. The delicious cheese sauce.
- In a large mixing bowl. Combine 1 cup of the white cheddar. All of the mozzarella. And the softened cream cheese. Stir them together. Until everything. Is well mixed. And smooth. Then, add the evaporated milk, diced green chiles, taco seasoning, salt, and garlic powder. Stir again. Until fully combined.
- Pour the cheese mixture. Evenly over the cauliflower. In the baking dish. Make sure every piece of cauliflower. Is covered with that creamy sauce. Then, sprinkle the remaining white cheddar on top. To create a cheesy, golden crust.
- Bake the casserole. For 30-35 minutes. Or until the cauliflower is tender. And the cheese on top. Is bubbly. And beginning to brown.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. For a pop of color. And flavor. Serve warm. And enjoy!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
