Cheesy Cauliflower With Crunchy Panko Crumbs Made Lite Recipe 445

CHEESY CAULIFLOWER WITH CRUNCHY PANKO CRUMBS, MADE LITE RECIPE - (4.4/5)

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cut the cauliflower into even-sized florets, rinse and drain. Microwave in a bowl, with about 1" of water, covered in plastic for 3-5 minutes (depending on your microwave power). Remove the plastic wrap and set aside-- you want the cauliflowers to be slightly crunchy. For the sauce: Melt the butter and olive oil on medium heat. Whisk the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it becomes very thick. Add the milk and continue whisking-- the sauce should still be very thick. Add the minced garlic. Add the chicken stock, a little at a time, until the sauce is has thinned out enough to be "pourable". Reduce the heat to low and add the grated cheese, stirring until it is completely melted. Add the thyme, then season, carefully, with salt & pepper, mustard and cayenne pepper(if desired). Give the sauce one final taste, and adjust the final seasonings to your preference. For the topping: In a small bowl, drizzle enough olive oil to slightly moisten the panko crumbs (regular bread crumbs are okay, but panko crumbs are much crunchier, and combine with a fork. Set aside. You can also add some additional thyme to the topping if you love that herb! Assembly: Pour the cauliflower into a casserole dish (or individual ramekins). Carefully pour and distribute the cheese sauce, evenly. Sprinkle the panko crumbs on top. Bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden and bubbly. You can broil the topping for 1 minute (keep an eye on it) if desired. By using low-fat milk, healthier olive oil and less butter, and reduced-fat cheese, this otherwise very high caloric dish is equally flavorful and we loved this dish!

CRUNCHY, CHEESY CAULIFLOWER BAKE

Steps:

• 1. Pre heat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare baking pan with cooking spray and set aside. I use a soufflet dish but a 9x9 inch pan works fine. Combine all ingredients (from cooked cauliflower to hot sauce) in a mixing bowl.
• 2. Mix ingredients well and pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Top with Panko and if you're feeling decadent, break apart a tablespoon of butter and add to the top of the bread crumbs. Bake uncovered 45 minutes
• 3. Serve with any protein of your choice. Last time I made this, I served it with meatloaf and mushroom gravy.