Cheesy Stuffed Cauliflower Head (Printer-friendly)

Show-stopping whole cauliflower with creamy cheese filling, roasted until golden and bubbling.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cauliflower

01 - 1 large whole cauliflower head, approximately 2.2 pounds, 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 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 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - ¼ 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

# How-To Steps:

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

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • It's vegetarian but feels so indulgent that no one notices the absence of meat.
  • One stunning centerpiece replaces the need to juggle multiple dishes on a crowded table.
  • The contrast between creamy, melted cheese inside and golden, crispy edges hits every craving at once.
  • Somehow it feels fancier than the twenty minutes of actual hands-on work it requires.
02 -
  • Don't skip the parboiling step—it softens the cauliflower just enough that the cheese can melt into it while the outside gets crispy, but raw cauliflower will be tough no matter how long you roast it.
  • Overstuffing looks generous but actually prevents the filling from staying put; respect the pockets and let the cheese be generous without spilling out the sides.
03 -
  • Invest in a sharp knife for cutting the base and creating the pockets—a dull blade crushes the cauliflower instead of cleanly carving through it.
  • Don't rotate the cauliflower during baking; let one side develop that golden crust against the baking sheet for textural contrast.
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