Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole Recipe
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There is something truly magical about the way simple ingredients come together in this Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole Recipe to create a comforting dish that feels both hearty and fresh. Tender, caramelized cauliflower mingles with a luscious, spiced tomato sauce, all crowned with tangy goat cheese and silky baked eggs that hold everything together beautifully. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a spectacular side, this casserole is a soul-warming, flavor-packed celebration of vibrant vegetables and creamy cheese that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole Recipe shines because of its straightforward and unfussy ingredients. Each element adds not only flavor but texture and color, making the final dish as stunning as it is delicious.
- Cauliflower: A medium head cut into slices provides a tender yet slightly crisp base that roasts beautifully for added caramelized depth.
- Olive Oil: Divided into two parts—used for roasting and sautéing—it brings a fruity richness and helps meld the components together.
- Sea Salt: Enhances every ingredient’s natural taste without overpowering.
- Ground Pepper: Adds just a touch of warmth and mild spice to balance the dish.
- Onion: Finely chopped and sautéed, it lends sweetness and a soft texture that pairs beautifully with the cauliflower.
- Garlic: Minced and cooked briefly to release its aromatic punch without bitterness.
- Thyme: An herbaceous note that brings subtle earthiness to the tomato sauce.
- Diced Tomatoes: A canned variety gives the dish a juicy, vibrant base with natural acidity and sweetness.
- Ground Coriander: Offers a gentle citrus undertone that brightens the tomato sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch adds just the right kick of heat to keep the flavor lively.
- Ground Cinnamon: Surprising but essential, it deepens the sauce with a warm, comforting aroma.
- Free-Range Organic Eggs: Beaten together with goat cheese, they bind the ingredients into a rich, custardy topping once baked.
- Goat Cheese: Crumbled for its distinctive tang and creamy texture, it enriches the casserole with lush flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped and sprinkled at the end for a fresh, bright finish that lifts the dish.
How to Make Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Cauliflower
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C) and lining a baking sheet with foil to make cleanup a breeze. Slice the cauliflower into about ⅓-inch thick rounds. Toss those slices with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, sea salt, and ground pepper to coat them evenly. Spread them out on the baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This roasting step is important because it caramelizes the cauliflower, giving it a nutty flavor and a lovely golden color that forms the casserole’s flavorful backbone.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Sauce
While the cauliflower roasts, warm the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion with a pinch of salt and sauté for about 5 minutes until tender and slightly translucent—it’s this gentle cooking that unlocks the onion’s natural sweetness. Then add minced garlic and thyme, cooking for just 30 seconds until the garlic releases its fragrant aroma—be careful not to let it burn. This aromatic base sets the stage for the sauce.
Step 3: Simmer the Spiced Tomatoes
Into the skillet goes the canned diced tomatoes, along with ground coriander, red pepper flakes, cinnamon, plus salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 15 minutes. During this time, the tomatoes develop a rich, complex flavor infused with warm spices, creating a deeply satisfying sauce that perfectly complements the roasted cauliflower.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
When the cauliflower is done roasting, transfer it to a large bowl and pour in the tomato sauce, tossing lightly to marry the flavors. Next, grease a baking dish and spread the cauliflower mixture evenly inside. In a smaller bowl, beat together the eggs and crumbled goat cheese until smooth. Pour this luscious custard over the top of your cauliflower and tomato mixture. Pop the casserole into the oven at 450°F and bake for 30 minutes, until the surface is beautifully browned and set, with the goat cheese melted into the tender eggs for a creamy, tangy finish.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes—this short pause helps the dish set for cleaner slicing and fuller flavor melding. Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top to add a vibrant green pop and a fresh contrast to the rich, cozy casserole beneath.
How to Serve Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple but brilliant choice for garnishing this casserole, providing a lively herbal note that brightens each bite. For an extra touch, a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts can add luxurious texture and richness. A few thin slices of radish or a scattering of microgreens also make for stunning, fresh accents.
Side Dishes
This Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole Recipe is wonderfully versatile at the table. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to add refreshing acidity, or pair with crusty artisan bread—the perfect tool for mopping up every last bit of that delicious sauce. For a heartier meal, steamed quinoa or a light couscous salad also complements the casserole’s bold flavors brilliantly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re cooking for a crowd, bake the casserole in individual ramekins for personalized servings that look stunning and feel special. Alternatively, layer the ingredients in a clear glass dish to showcase the beautiful contrast of roasted cauliflower, vibrant tomato sauce, and creamy goat cheese custard. For an extra-meal appeal, top the baked casserole with thinly sliced cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of smoked paprika before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the casserole has cooled to room temperature, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights when you want something comforting and nutritious without any fuss.
Freezing
This Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the cooled casserole into freezer-safe containers or wrap a whole dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. To avoid sogginess, it’s best to bake it fresh and freeze leftovers rather than freeze before cooking whenever possible.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also gently reheat individual servings in the microwave, but do so at medium power to keep the eggs from overcooking. A sprinkling of fresh parsley on top after reheating will revive the dish’s fresh flavor beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of goat cheese?
Absolutely! While goat cheese adds a distinctive tang and creamy texture, you can substitute with feta for a similar flavor profile, or cream cheese for a milder and richer result. Just be mindful of saltiness when switching cheeses.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, the Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole Recipe is naturally gluten-free since it contains no wheat or gluten ingredients. Just double-check any canned tomatoes or spices to ensure there are no gluten-containing additives.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
To adapt this dish for vegan or dairy-free diets, replace the goat cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative and use a flax or chia egg substitute in place of the eggs. Keep in mind this will change the texture and binding slightly but the flavors will remain delicious.
What can I add to make it more filling?
If you want to bulk up the casserole, adding cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or lentils before baking is a great option. These ingredients bring extra protein and texture while complementing the existing flavors.
Can I prepare parts of this casserole in advance?
Yes! You can roast the cauliflower and make the tomato sauce ahead of time, then store them separately in the fridge. When ready to bake, just combine everything, add the egg and goat cheese mixture, and bake fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole Recipe enough—it’s a treasure of comforting warmth, vibrant flavors, and satisfying textures all layered into one heartening dish. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a treasured favorite in your kitchen. Give it a go, and enjoy every luscious bite!
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Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole combines tender roasted cauliflower with a rich tomato sauce, fragrant spices, and creamy goat cheese for a comforting and flavorful vegetarian main or side dish. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, it’s a wholesome recipe that balances savory and tangy notes with fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium-size head of cauliflower
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz / 411 gr) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
Oils & Spices
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
- A pinch of red pepper flakes
- A pinch of ground cinnamon
Other
- 2 large free-range organic eggs (or 3 medium)
- ¾ cup / 3 oz / 85 gr goat cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Roast Cauliflower: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with foil. Cut the cauliflower into ⅓-inch thick slices. Toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, sea salt, and ground pepper. Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is browned and tender.
- Prepare Tomato Sauce: While the cauliflower roasts, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and a pinch of salt, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer Sauce: Add the diced tomatoes, ground coriander, red pepper flakes, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook on low heat for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
- Assemble Casserole: Combine the roasted cauliflower and tomato sauce in a large bowl. Transfer this mixture into a greased baking dish. In a small bowl, beat the eggs together with the crumbled goat cheese until combined. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the cauliflower and tomato base.
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole back into the oven set at 450°F (230°C) and bake for 30 minutes until the top is set and begins to brown, signaling that the eggs are cooked through and cheese is melted.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set further. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm cauliflower for the best texture after roasting.
- You can substitute goat cheese with feta cheese if preferred, though it will slightly alter the flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- This casserole can be served as a main dish or a hearty side.
- Letting it rest improves slicing and presentation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
