Description
Delicious and comforting Cauliflower Cheese Toasts feature roasted cauliflower blended with sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and creamy sour cream, spread over crusty toasted bread, then baked to golden perfection. Ideal for a savory snack or light meal, these toasts combine the natural sweetness of roasted cauliflower with rich, melted cheese and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower Mixture
- 1 small head of cauliflower, cut into small florets (about 3 cups)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
- 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
Bread and Garnish
- 4 slices of crusty bread (like sourdough or ciabatta)
- Chopped parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Roast Cauliflower: Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried thyme or oregano. Spread them evenly on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and tender. Allow them to cool slightly before proceeding.
- Mix Cauliflower Cheese Spread: In a mixing bowl, combine the roasted cauliflower, minced garlic, grated sharp cheddar, Parmesan cheese, and sour cream or Greek yogurt. Mash the mixture gently with a fork to blend everything together while retaining some texture for a rustic feel.
- Toast Bread: Lightly toast the slices of crusty bread to give them a slight firmness and prevent sogginess once the topping is added. Arrange the toasted bread slices on a baking tray.
- Assemble Toasts: Spoon the prepared cauliflower mixture evenly over each slice of toasted bread, spreading to cover the surface.
- Bake with Topping: Place the tray back into the oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts and the topping is bubbly. For a golden, browned finish, broil the toasts for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the toasts from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Roasting the cauliflower first enhances its natural sweetness and adds a delicious depth of flavor.
- Use either sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess; Greek yogurt will add a slight tang and is a healthier option.
- If you prefer a spicier twist, add a pinch of chili flakes to the roasted cauliflower mixture.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread.
- Make sure not to over-broil the toasts, as the cheese can burn quickly under the broiler.
