Cheesy Stuffed Cauliflower Head (Printable)

Whole roasted cauliflower with creamy cheese filling, golden breadcrumb topping. Vegetarian and gluten-free friendly.

# Ingredient List:

→ Cauliflower

01 - 1 large whole cauliflower (approximately 2.2 lbs), leaves and stem trimmed but intact
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - ½ teaspoon salt
04 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ Cheese Filling

05 - 5.3 oz cream cheese, softened
06 - 3.5 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
07 - 1.8 oz grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
09 - 1 garlic clove, minced
10 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
12 - 1 tablespoon milk

→ Topping

13 - 1.8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
14 - 2 tablespoons gluten-free breadcrumbs
15 - 1 tablespoon melted butter

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
02 - Remove outer leaves and carefully trim the base so the cauliflower sits flat, ensuring florets remain intact.
03 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Submerge the cauliflower head and cook for 8-10 minutes until just tender. Drain thoroughly and let cool slightly.
04 - In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, chives, garlic, smoked paprika, nutmeg, and milk until smooth and well incorporated.
05 - Place cooled cauliflower on prepared tray. Using a small sharp knife, carefully make deep cuts into the base and between florets to create space for the cheese mixture.
06 - Gently distribute the cheese mixture into the crevices and center of the cauliflower, pressing firmly with a spoon or fingers to ensure even distribution.
07 - Brush the exterior of the cauliflower with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper.
08 - Mix cheddar cheese with gluten-free breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the entire cauliflower head.
09 - Bake for 40-45 minutes until the cauliflower is golden brown, bubbling, and tender when pierced with a knife.
10 - Allow to rest for 5 minutes. Slice into wedges and serve warm.

# Tips from the Pros:

01 -
  • The whole cauliflower creates this dramatic presentation that makes people gasp before they even take a bite
  • That cheesy filling gets into every nook and cranny, so each forkful is creamy and flavorful
02 -
  • Do not skip the blanching step, or the cauliflower will still be raw in the middle when the cheese is burning on top
  • Really get that filling into the center of the cauliflower, not just the surface, or you will miss the best part
03 -
  • Pat the blanched cauliflower really dry before stuffing it, or excess water will make the filling slide right off
  • Let the cauliflower cool enough to handle but still slightly warm when you stuff it, the cheese melts into crevices better that way
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