Bright, creamy, and bursting with Mediterranean flair, the Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole is everything you’d want in a cozy yet elegant vegetarian dish. Each forkful delivers caramelized cauliflower, juicy bursts of tomato, and tangy clouds of goat cheese, all bathed in a gently herbed cream sauce. Whether served as a hearty side dish or a satisfying meatless main, this casserole brings together flavor, color, and texture in a truly irresistible way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity: just a handful of high-quality ingredients, each adding something special. From robust goat cheese to the sweet pop of cherry tomatoes, every element is essential and contributes to a delightful mix of taste and texture.
- Cauliflower: Roasting brings out its natural sweetness and gives the casserole a hearty, satisfying base.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the cauliflower turn golden and slightly crisp around the edges.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Classic seasonings to enhance all the flavors at every layer.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These beauties roast into juicy bursts, adding a touch of acidity and vivid color.
- Goat Cheese: Crumbles melt into tangy, creamy pockets throughout the casserole.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan creates a savory, golden topping.
- Heavy Cream: Allows the casserole to get luxuriously creamy without feeling heavy.
- Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic infuses the entire dish with warm, aromatic flavor.
- Dried Thyme: A little bit grounds the flavors in herby goodness.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who love a hint of heat.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley: A final sprinkle after baking makes everything taste and look extra fresh.
How to Make Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole
Step 1: Roast the Cauliflower
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Spread the cauliflower florets on a large baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and toss them well so every floret gets a light coating. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roasting at this stage ensures your cauliflower will have those deliciously crisp edges and a deeper, sweeter flavor. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring about halfway through, until the florets are golden and tender.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Herb Mixture
While the cauliflower is getting all toasty and golden, whisk together the heavy cream, minced garlic, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you want a little heat) in a medium bowl. This mixture is the secret to the casserole’s creamy, cohesive texture and guarantees every bite is rich with flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Once the cauliflower is roasted to perfection, transfer it to a greased 8×8-inch baking dish. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes over the top, letting some fall between the florets. Then, pour the cream and herb mixture evenly over all the veggies. Don’t forget to nestle in the crumbled goat cheese for tangy pops and sprinkle the grated Parmesan across the surface for a golden finish.
Step 4: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Slide the casserole dish into your still-hot oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbling and the top has turned lightly golden. The aroma will be irresistible, and you might find yourself hovering by the oven!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
When you remove the Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole from the oven, let it cool for about five minutes. Finish with a generous shower of fresh chopped basil or parsley right before serving. This adds that final burst of freshness and color, making the whole dish truly shine.
How to Serve Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole
Garnishes
A handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley on top not only makes the casserole look beautiful but also adds a burst of herbaceous freshness that ties everything together. You could also add a crack of black pepper or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan before serving for a little extra flair.
Side Dishes
While Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole is filling enough to stand alone for lunch or a light dinner, it also pairs well with a simple green salad, crusty sourdough bread for scooping, or grilled chicken if you’re serving a mixed crowd. Try it alongside lemony quinoa or herbed rice for a complete vegetarian meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Make it personal by preparing the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for a rustic dinner party feel. For a brunch buffet, cut the baked casserole into squares and serve on a platter with toothpicks for an easy, elegant appetizer. You can even stuff leftovers into a warm pita with crunchy greens for a next-day lunch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole should be cooled to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, retaining both its flavor and creamy texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze portions of the casserole in tightly sealed containers. The dish freezes surprisingly well, though the texture of the goat cheese may get a little softer after thawing. Be sure to wrap your portions well to avoid freezer burn, and plan to enjoy them within one month for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply bake leftovers in a covered dish at 350°F until hot throughout, which generally takes 15 to 20 minutes. You can also warm individual servings in the microwave, but baking helps restore some crispness to the cheese topping and roasted vegetables.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower florets in this casserole, though you’ll want to roast them a bit longer to ensure they caramelize and don’t release too much moisture. Just be sure to thaw and dry them well before roasting.
Is there a gluten-free alternative if I want to bulk up the casserole?
Absolutely! Try adding cooked quinoa or chickpeas to the mix for extra protein and a more substantial, gluten-free vegetarian main. Both options soak up the creamy sauce beautifully and add even more texture.
What can I use instead of goat cheese if I’m not a fan?
If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, you can easily swap it for crumbled feta for a similar tang, or use your favorite dairy-free cheese for a vegan-friendly option. Each will add its own personality to the casserole.
Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to enjoy, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time if it’s straight from the fridge.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s a fantastic addition to weekly meal prep. The casserole holds up well for a few days in the fridge, making it a flavorful and convenient lunch or dinner option you can reheat as needed.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that’s vibrant, comforting, and just a little bit fancy, the Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole will absolutely delight. Give it a try for your next gathering or as a new weeknight favorite, and let every bite remind you how a few great ingredients can create pure magic!
Print
Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines roasted cauliflower with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy goat cheese, and a hint of Parmesan. A creamy sauce infused with garlic and thyme brings everything together in a delicious medley of flavors. Perfect as a vegetarian main or a side dish.
Ingredients
Cauliflower:
- 1 large head cauliflower (cut into florets)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 4 ounces goat cheese (crumbled)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Roast Cauliflower: Place cauliflower florets on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20–25 minutes until golden and tender, stirring once.
- Prepare Cream Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer roasted cauliflower to a greased baking dish. Add cherry tomatoes, pour cream mixture over the vegetables. Sprinkle with goat cheese and Parmesan.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Add cooked quinoa or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Substitute goat cheese with feta or use a dairy-free alternative.
- This dish pairs well as a vegetarian main or a side dish with roasted meats.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
