Cheesy Stuffed Cauliflower Head (Print Version)

Whole cauliflower roasted with a creamy cheese center and crispy breadcrumb topping

# Ingredients List:

→ Cauliflower

01 - 1 large whole cauliflower head (approximately 2.2 pounds), leaves and stem trimmed but intact
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Cheese Filling

05 - 5.3 ounces cream cheese, softened
06 - 3.5 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
07 - 1.8 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
09 - 1 garlic clove, minced
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
12 - 1 tablespoon milk

→ Topping

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

# Directions:

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 the florets remain intact.
03 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Submerge the cauliflower head and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until just tender. Drain well and allow to cool slightly.
04 - In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, chives, minced garlic, smoked paprika, nutmeg, and milk. Stir until smooth and well blended.
05 - 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.
06 - Gently distribute the cheese mixture into the crevices and center of the cauliflower, pressing firmly with a spoon or your fingers to ensure even distribution.
07 - Brush the outside of the cauliflower with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper.
08 - In a small bowl, combine shredded cheddar cheese with gluten-free breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the entire cauliflower surface.
09 - Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden brown, cheese is bubbling, and the vegetable is tender when pierced with a knife.
10 - Allow to rest for 5 minutes. Slice into wedges and serve warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks restaurant-quality but takes less time than you'd think, which means you can actually impress people on a weeknight.
  • The contrast between the tender cauliflower and that rich cheese filling is genuinely addictive, and it works as a main course or a show-stopping side.
02 -
  • Don't skip the parboiling step—raw cauliflower won't cook through in the time it takes for the topping to brown, and you'll end up with a crunchy center instead of tender.
  • The filling will seem loose when you're stuffing it, but it firms up as the cheese melts together; trust the process and don't add more milk thinking it needs help.
03 -
  • Room temperature cream cheese mixes smooth without leaving lumps that won't blend into the other cheeses.
  • The smoked paprika and nutmeg are secret weapons—they add complexity that makes people ask what they're tasting without being able to name it.
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