Cauliflower Spinach Bake

Ingredients

• 1 large cauliflower (3 pounds), cut into small florets
• 2 cups milk, divided
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 4 oz. cream cheese, cubed
• 3 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 tsp. paprika
• 1/2 tsp. ground mustard
• 1/2 tsp. Kosher salt, plus more for cooking cauliflower
• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup lightly packed fresh baby spinach
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• Fresh ground black pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350 F degrees.

2. 2

   Cauliflower: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season the water with salt and add cauliflower. Cook cauliflower in the boiling water for no more than 4-5 minutes or just until tender-crisp. Immediately drain over a colander.

3. 3

   Cheese Sauce: In a small saucepan, warm 1 1/2 cups milk, plus a bay leaf over medium heat. Whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup milk and the flour until there are no lumps.

4. 4

   When the milk begins to lightly bubble around the edges, whisk in the flour/milk mixture. Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.

5. 5

   Discard the bay leaf. Stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese and whisk just until melted. Then add 1 more cup of cheese, whisking until melted and smooth.

6. 6

   Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the paprika, mustard, and salt. Season with ground black pepper, to taste. Set aside.

7. 7

   Breadcrumbs: In a medium non-stick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and stir until completely coated with butter.

8. 8

   To Assemble: Add half of the cauliflower to a 10 X 10 baking dish. Top with spinach and then the remaining cauliflower. Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower. Using a spoon, lightly move the cauliflower around so it is evenly coated with the sauce.

9. 9

   Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.

10. 10

    Bake, uncovered, for 13-15 minutes or just until the cheese has melted. Broil for additional 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Serve immediately.