Save Elevate your dinner table with this Cheesy Stuffed Cauliflower Head, a show-stopping whole roasted dish that is as visually stunning as it is delicious. This recipe transforms a simple head of cauliflower into a golden, bubbling masterpiece with a rich, creamy center, making it the perfect centerpiece for a vegetarian main course or an impressive side dish.
Save Rooted in Modern European cuisine, this preparation utilizes a pre-boiling technique to ensure the cauliflower is perfectly tender before it hits the oven. The combination of smoked paprika and ground nutmeg provides a warm, aromatic depth that perfectly complements the melting cheese filling.
Ingredients
- 1 large whole cauliflower (about 1 kg), leaves and stem trimmed but intact
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 150 g cream cheese, softened
- 100 g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp milk
- 50 g shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Step 2
- Prepare the cauliflower by removing the outer leaves and carefully trimming the base so it sits flat, ensuring the florets remain intact.
- Step 3
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Submerge the cauliflower head and cook for 8–10 minutes until just tender. Drain well and let cool slightly.
- Step 4
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, chives, garlic, smoked paprika, nutmeg, and milk until smooth.
- Step 5
- Place the cooled cauliflower on the prepared tray. Using a small knife, carefully make deep cuts into the base and between florets to create space for the filling.
- Step 6
- Gently stuff the cheese mixture into the crevices and center of the cauliflower, pressing it in with a spoon or your fingers.
- Step 7
- Brush the outside of the cauliflower with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Step 8
- Mix cheddar cheese with breadcrumbs and melted butter; sprinkle evenly over the cauliflower.
- Step 9
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden, bubbling, and tender when pierced with a knife.
- Step 10
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Slice into wedges and serve warm.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Ensure the cauliflower is drained thoroughly after boiling; excess moisture can prevent the cheese filling from adhering properly. Using a small spoon can help push the cheese filling deeper into the core for maximum flavor in every bite.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra flavor, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms to the cheese filling. You can also swap the chives for fresh parsley or dill depending on your preference.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this dish warm, sliced into generous wedges. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted seasonal vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Save This Cheesy Stuffed Cauliflower Head is a testament to how creative cooking can turn simple ingredients into a gourmet experience. Whether it is the center of a holiday feast or a special weeknight dinner, it is a recipe that promises to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent the cauliflower from becoming watery?
After boiling the cauliflower, drain it thoroughly and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. This allows excess moisture to evaporate before stuffing. Additionally, avoid over-boiling—8-10 minutes is sufficient as the cauliflower will continue cooking in the oven.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can boil and stuff the cauliflower up to a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator, then add the breadcrumb topping just before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
- → What other cheeses work well in the filling?
While the three-cheese blend is delicious, you can experiment with Gruyère for a nutty flavor, sharp Cheddar for more bite, or Fontina for excellent melting. Just maintain a similar total cheese quantity for the best texture.
- → How do I know when it's fully cooked?
The cauliflower is done when the topping is deep golden brown and bubbling, and a knife inserted into the center meets no resistance. The florets should be completely tender. This typically takes 40-45 minutes at 200°C.
- → Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely. Substitute dairy cream cheese with vegan cream cheese, use vegan shredded cheese blends, and replace regular butter with plant-based butter or olive oil. Nutritional yeast can add extra cheesy flavor to the filling.
- → What should I serve with this?
This pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad with vinaigrette, roasted root vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the cheesy juices. For a complete meal, serve alongside quinoa or wild rice pilaf.