Cheesy Cauliflower with Peas

Total Time Prep: 20 min. Cook: 15 min.

Yield 8 servings

I couldn't "sell" cauliflower to my daughters until I came up with this saucy casserole. Then they requested it. It appeals to kids' tastes, even with vegetables they don't usually eat.—Barbara Jaggers, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Ingredients

1 large head cauliflower (about 2 pounds), broken into florets
1/3 cup butter, cubed
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2-1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Directions

In a covered saucepan, cook cauliflower in a small amount of water until crisp-tender. Meanwhile, in another saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat. Drain the cauliflower. Add peas, mushrooms, 1 cup of cheese and cauliflower to the milk mixture; stir gently. Transfer to a greased 2-1/2-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover and bake at 350° for 15 minutes. Uncover; bake 10 minutes longer or until heated through.