Description

If you’re craving creamy, cheesy comfort food without the heaviness of pasta or potatoes, this Queso Cauliflower Bake is about to become your new favorite dish. Tender cauliflower florets are roasted and then smothered in a luscious, mildly spicy queso-style cheese sauce, baked to bubbly perfection. It’s low-carb, crave-worthy, and perfect as a side or vegetarian main.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cauliflower Bake:

1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

For the Queso Cheese Sauce:

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

Chopped cilantro
Sliced jalapeños
Crushed tortilla chips
Diced green onions
Hot sauce drizzle

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Cauliflower
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Roast for 20–25 minutes, until tender and golden at the edges.

Step 2: Make the Queso Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly until smooth.
Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar and pepper jack cheeses until melted and creamy.
Mix in drained tomatoes with chilies, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Remove from heat once thick and smooth.

Step 3: Combine & Bake
Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, gently toss roasted cauliflower with the queso sauce.
Transfer to a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve
Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes.
Top with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, or any optional toppings you like.
Serve hot as a side dish or meatless main.

Notes

Roast First – Roasting gives cauliflower better texture and flavor than steaming.
Use Sharp Cheddar – It brings bold cheesy flavor that stands out.
Drain Tomatoes – Avoid a watery sauce by removing excess liquid.
Make It Spicier – Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
Reheat with a Splash of Milk – Keeps the sauce creamy when reheating.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Cuisine: Tex-Mex Inspired