Cauliflower Say Cheese Recipe

Cauliflower Say Cheese: Recipe Inspired by Alton Brown

• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Yields: 4 to 6 servings
• Nutrition Per Serving (based on 6 servings): 258 calories, 18g total fat, 10g saturated fat, 15g carbohydrates, 4g dietary fiber, 4g sugar, 11g protein, 81mg cholesterol, 492mg sodium
• Total Time: 1 hour 17 minutes
• Preparation: 30 minutes
• Inactive: 10 minutes
• Cooking: 37 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 large cauliflower head (about 2 pounds)
• 4 1/2 ounces grated Cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup coarse, homemade bread crumbs
• 1 whole egg
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Coat an 11-by-7-inch flameproof baking pan with the butter and set aside.
2. Place oven racks in the center and top positions and preheat the oven to 400F.
3. Put the cauliflower, stalk end up, in a microwave-safe bowl. Remove outer leaves and trim the florets from the stem, keeping them as whole as possible. Discard leaves and stem. Cover tightly with microwave-safe plastic wrap and microwave on high for 4 minutes. Let rest, still covered, for another 4 minutes, then unwrap and let sit for about 45 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine 4 ounces of the Cheddar, bread crumbs, egg, salt, dry mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne.
5. With a minute left on the cauliflower's rest time, heat the heavy cream in the microwave for 30 seconds on high. Pour the warmed cream into the cheese mixture and stir to combine.
6. If the cauliflower is still warm, use a clean kitchen towel to break larger florets into smaller curds by hand. Add the curds to the cheesecream mixture and stir until the cheese is fully incorporated.
7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Bake on the center rack for about 20 minutes.
8. Remove the dish, switch the broiler to high, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 ounce Cheddar over the top, and move the dish to the top rack. Broil until the top is bubbling and golden brown, about 6 to 8 minutes.
9. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.