If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist, Smoky Garlic Aioli Cauliflower Cheese is about to become your new favorite dish. Imagine tender cauliflower enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce, with hints of smoky depth and the rich, garlicky kick of aioli. This is not your average cauliflower cheese—it’s indulgent, flavorful, and packed with personality. Whether you’re serving it as a side or a standalone dish, trust me, you’ll be coming back for seconds!
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Why You’ll Love Smoky Garlic Aioli Cauliflower Cheese
This dish is all about big, bold flavors wrapped in creamy, cheesy goodness. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
Rich and Creamy: A luscious, velvety cheese sauce coats every bite of cauliflower.
Smoky and Garlicky: The aioli adds depth and a burst of roasted garlic flavor.
Easy to Make: Simple steps and pantry staples make this an effortless recipe.
Perfect Comfort Food: Warm, cheesy, and satisfying—exactly what you need on a cozy night in.
Versatile: Serve it as a main dish, side, or even a dip for crusty bread.
Ingredients in Smoky Garlic Aioli Cauliflower Cheese
Here’s what makes this dish so irresistibly delicious:
Cauliflower: The base of the dish—tender, mild, and perfect for soaking up flavors.
Smoky Garlic Aioli: A creamy blend of roasted garlic, mayo, and a hint of smoked paprika.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty, giving the sauce its classic richness.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, umami-packed layer of flavor.
Milk or Cream: Helps create the silky cheese sauce.
Butter: For extra richness and depth.
Flour: A key ingredient for thickening the sauce.
Smoked Paprika: Infuses the dish with a subtle smokiness.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for balancing flavors.
Fresh Herbs (Optional): Chopped parsley or chives add a fresh, finishing touch.
How to Make Smoky Garlic Aioli Cauliflower Cheese
Let’s dive into the simple steps to create this creamy, cheesy masterpiece:
Prepare the Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into florets and steam or boil until just tender. Drain and set aside.
Make the Smoky Garlic Aioli: In a small bowl, mix mayo, roasted garlic, smoked paprika, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Set aside.
Create the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for a minute, then slowly add milk while stirring until thickened.
Add the Cheese: Stir in cheddar and Parmesan, letting them melt into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika.
Combine Everything: Toss the cooked cauliflower in the cheese sauce, coating it evenly.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer to a baking dish, drizzle with smoky garlic aioli, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serve and Enjoy: Sprinkle with fresh herbs and extra cheese if desired. Dig in while hot and melty!
How to Serve Smoky Garlic Aioli Cauliflower Cheese
This dish is delicious on its own, but here are some ways to elevate it even more:
- As a Side Dish: Pairs perfectly with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or steak.
- With Crusty Bread: Scoop up the creamy cheese sauce with a warm baguette.
- Topped with Crispy Bacon: Add crunch and extra smokiness.
- As a Dip: Serve with tortilla chips or veggie sticks for a unique twist.
- With a Salad: Balance the richness with a fresh, tangy side salad.
Additional Tips
Roast the Cauliflower: For extra flavor, roast the cauliflower instead of steaming it.
Use Different Cheeses: Try Gruyère, smoked Gouda, or Monterey Jack for a fun variation.
Make It Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a kick.
Go Low-Carb: Use heavy cream instead of flour-thickened sauce for a keto-friendly version.
Store and Reheat: Keep leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain texture.
FAQ
Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A1: Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Q2: Can I use frozen cauliflower?
A2: Yes, but thaw and drain it first to avoid excess moisture.
Q3: What’s the best way to roast garlic for the aioli?
A3: Wrap a head of garlic in foil, drizzle with olive oil, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes until soft.
Q4: Can I make this dairy-free?
A4: Yes! Use plant-based cheese and coconut milk instead of dairy.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q6: Can I add protein?
A6: Absolutely! Stir in shredded chicken or crispy pancetta.
Q7: What’s the best cheese for a super creamy sauce?
A7: A mix of sharp cheddar and a melty cheese like mozzarella or Gouda works best.
Q8: Can I freeze it?
A8: Yes, but the texture may change slightly. Freeze in an airtight container and reheat in the oven.
Q9: How do I make the aioli less smoky?
A9: Reduce the smoked paprika and add a touch of lemon zest for brightness.
Q10: Can I skip the aioli?
A10: You can, but it adds a fantastic depth of flavor—try it at least once!
Final Thoughts
Smoky Garlic Aioli Cauliflower Cheese takes a classic comfort food and levels it up with bold flavors and creamy textures. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in, a family dinner, or a holiday feast, it’s guaranteed to impress. Give it a try you’ll be hooked after the first bite!
Print
Smoky Garlic Aioli Cauliflower Cheese
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This creamy and smoky plant-based cauliflower cheese is packed with flavor, using Holy Moly Smoky Garlic Aioli, plant-based smoked cheddar, and Parmesan cheese. A quick and easy vegan comfort food recipe, perfect as a side dish or a main course.
Ingredients
- 85g Holy Moly Smoky Garlic Aioli (half a tub)
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 35g Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 200g plant-based smoked cheddar (Violife, chopped into small chunks)
- 100g plant-based Parmesan cheese (Violife, grated)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan).
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Prepare the cheese & cauliflower:
- Chop the smoked cheddar into small chunks.
- Grate the Parmesan cheese and set aside.
- Place the cauliflower florets in a large bowl, cover with plastic wrap, poke a few holes, and microwave for 3 minutes.
- Transfer the steamed cauliflower to an oven-safe dish.
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Make the cheese sauce:
- In a bowl, mix Smoky Garlic Aioli, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and chopped smoked cheddar until well combined.
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Assemble & bake:
- Spoon the cheese mixture over the cauliflower.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake for 5-10 minutes until golden brown.
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Serve & enjoy!
Notes
- Extra Crispy Top: Broil for 1-2 extra minutes at the end for a crispier finish.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with a crusty baguette or a fresh salad.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg