Velvety Cauliflower Dream: A Buttery Smooth Recipe

Creamy comfort awaits with this silky creamed cauliflower recipe that melts in your mouth.

The velvety technique turns humble cauliflower into a luxurious side dish bursting with rich flavor.

Tender florets surrender to a smooth, luscious cream that coats every bite with indulgence.

Fresh ingredients dance together, creating a simple yet elegant accompaniment to your favorite main course.

Subtle hints of garlic and butter enhance the natural sweetness of the cauliflower.

This dish transforms an ordinary vegetable into an extraordinary culinary experience.

One spoonful will convince you that healthy eating can be deeply satisfying and delicious.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 158 kcal

Servings: 5

All The Basics For Creamed Cauliflower

• Cauliflower: Fresh, firm head with bright white florets that ensures even steaming and best flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and helps season the water during steaming process.

• Butter: Creates rich, smooth foundation for creamy sauce with luxurious mouthfeel.
• Flour: Helps thicken sauce and provides silky, consistent texture.

• Milk: Delivers creamy consistency and adds subtle sweetness to the sauce.
• Salt: Balances and elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and subtle spicy undertone.
• Nutmeg or Cayenne: Optional ingredient that introduces warming, complex flavor notes.

• Parsley: Brings fresh, bright color and herbaceous finish.
• Cheese: Provides extra richness and tangy complement to creamy sauce.

What Tools To Use For Creamed Cauliflower

• Large saucepan: Essential for boiling water and steaming cauliflower with salted water.
• Steamer basket: Crucial for perfectly steaming cauliflower without direct water contact.
• Separate saucepan: Needed for creating smooth cream sauce.
• Whisk: Key tool for blending flour, butter, and milk without lumps.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for precise seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional spices.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for gently stirring cauliflower into cream sauce.
• Serving dish: Perfect for presenting the warm, creamy side dish.

Steps To Make Creamed Cauliflower

• Prepare Cauliflower

Grab your fresh cauliflower and get ready to transform it into a creamy delight. Wash the veggie thoroughly and break it into bite-sized florets that’ll cook evenly.

• Steam to Perfection

Fill a pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Pop the cauliflower into a steamer basket and let it steam until tender and almost melting – about 7-10 minutes. You want it soft but not mushy.

• Craft Silky Sauce

In a separate pan, melt butter until it’s golden and fragrant. Sprinkle in flour and whisk like crazy, creating a smooth paste that’ll be the base of your dreamy sauce. Gradually pour in milk, stirring constantly to prevent any lumps from crashing your party.

• Blend and Season

Let the sauce simmer and thicken, watching it transform into a luxurious cream. Shake in salt, pepper, and a whisper of nutmeg to elevate the flavor. Gently fold the steamed cauliflower into the sauce, coating each floret with velvety goodness.

• Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the creamy cauliflower into a beautiful serving dish. For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle some fresh herbs or grated cheese on top. Dig in while it’s warm and savor every creamy bite!

Tasty Tips For Creamed Cauliflower

• Perfect Steaming Technique: Use a timer to avoid overcooking cauliflower, which can turn mushy and lose nutrients; aim for a tender-crisp texture that maintains its structure in the creamy sauce.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cream sauce and steam the cauliflower separately up to a day in advance, storing them in the refrigerator and combining just before serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness.
• Low-Carb Friendly Option: Replace traditional flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a keto-friendly version that keeps the dish creamy while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Flavor Boost Variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices like roasted garlic, fresh thyme, smoked paprika, or a sprinkle of sharp aged cheddar to elevate the dish's flavor profile and add personal flair.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk and use olive oil or plant-based butter to create a delicious vegan-friendly version that's equally rich and satisfying.

How To Plate Creamed Cauliflower

• Comfort Plate Partner: Pair this creamy cauliflower with roasted chicken or grilled fish for a balanced, satisfying meal that brings warmth to your dinner table.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle sharp cheddar, parmesan, or crumbled blue cheese on top to add a tangy, rich dimension that elevates the dish's creamy texture.
• Herb Garden Boost: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, chives, or thyme to introduce a bright, fresh contrast against the rich, velvety sauce and add a pop of color to the plate.
• Crispy Crunch Topper: Scatter toasted breadcrumbs or sliced almonds over the cauliflower to create a delightful textural contrast that makes each bite more interesting and enjoyable.

Store Creamed Cauliflower The Smart Way

• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover creamed cauliflower in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan with a splash of milk to restore creamy texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Tip: Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring you seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the cream sauce and steam cauliflower separately to maintain optimal texture. Keep components refrigerated and combine just before serving for best results.
• Quick Lunch Solution: Transform leftovers into a delightful base for a vegetarian soup or blend into a creamy sauce for pasta by adding extra broth or milk.

Silky Creamed Cauliflower Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Delectable creamed cauliflower brings Italian comfort to home kitchens with minimal ingredients. Rich parmesan and cream create a silky side dish perfect for weekend meals beside roasted meats or as a standalone vegetable course.

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Ingredients

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• 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 3 tbsps (45 mL) unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480 mL) milk (whole or 2%)
• ¼ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)

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Instructions

1. Steaming Preparation: Fill a large saucepan with salted water and bring to a vigorous boil. Situate a steamer basket inside and delicately arrange cauliflower, allowing it to steam until tender yet resilient, approximately 35-40 minutes.
2. Roux Creation: In a separate saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and gradually sprinkle flour, whisking continuously to develop a smooth, golden base without any pesky lumps.
3. Sauce Development: Progressively introduce milk into the roux, pouring in modest increments while maintaining constant whisking. Simmer the mixture gently, watching it thicken over 5-7 minutes and transform into a velvety sauce.
4. Flavor Enhancement: Elevate the sauce’s profile by incorporating salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a subtle hint of nutmeg or cayenne. Taste and calibrate seasonings to achieve a harmonious flavor balance.
5. Final Assembly: Once cauliflower is perfectly steamed and drained, tenderly integrate it into the creamy sauce, ensuring each floret becomes luxuriously enrobed. Transfer to a serving dish and optionally garnish with finely chopped parsley or a delicate sprinkle of grated cheese for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Control Steaming Time: Cook cauliflower precisely 35-40 minutes to maintain perfect tender-crisp texture without becoming mushy or waterlogged.
• Prevent Roux Lumps: Whisk butter and flour continuously, adding flour gradually to create smooth, golden base without clumping or burning.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Pour milk incrementally while constantly whisking, allowing sauce to simmer and thicken naturally for silky, luxurious texture.
• Customize Seasoning Levels: Experiment with nutmeg, cayenne, or herbs to personalize flavor profile, tasting and adjusting seasonings for individual preference.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Steaming
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 158
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg