Finnish Cauliflower Custard

Discover the rich, comforting flavors of Finnish Cauliflower Custard—a hearty and elegant dish that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious treat. This classic Nordic-inspired recipe combines tender cauliflower florets with a velvety, cheese-infused custard seasoned with nutmeg and black pepper for a touch of warmth and depth. Baked to golden perfection, the dish features a crispy, cheesy crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy custard below. Whether served as a standalone vegetarian main course or as a decadent side dish, this versatile recipe is ideal for cozy family dinners or special gatherings. With just 20 minutes of prep and a bake time of 40 minutes, this easy yet impressive dish brings Finnish-inspired comfort food straight to your table. Perfect for cheese lovers, cauliflower fans, and those looking to explore new, globally inspired flavors!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 medium head cauliflower
• 4 large eggs
• 250 ml whole milk
• 100 ml heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 0.25 teaspoons grated nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 100 grams grated cheese (e.g., Gruyère, Parmesan, or Finnish leipäjuusto)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish with unsalted butter.

Step 2

Cut the cauliflower into small florets and rinse them under cold water. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the cauliflower florets, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until just tender. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, and heavy cream until well combined.

Step 4

In a small saucepan, melt the tablespoon of butter over low heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk-cream mixture while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture starts to thicken slightly.

Step 5

Remove the saucepan from heat and season the custard mixture with salt, ground black pepper, and grated nutmeg. Stir in half of the grated cheese, allowing it to melt into the custard.

Step 6

Arrange the cooked cauliflower florets evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the custard mixture over the cauliflower, making sure it covers all the florets.

Step 7

Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over the top of the custard. This will create a golden, cheesy crust as it bakes.

Step 8

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.

Step 9

Remove the Finnish Cauliflower Custard from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm as a main dish or as a side to complement your meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1144.6 grams (1144.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1451

Total Fat 106.40g	136%
Saturated Fat 60.10g	301%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.40g
Cholesterol 995mg	332%
Sodium 4105mg	178%
Total Carbohydrate 52.70g	19%
Dietary Fiber 10.30g	37%
Total Sugars 22.10g
Protein 69.30g	139%

Vitamin D 299IU	1494%
Calcium 1258mg	97%
Iron 7mg	38%
Potassium 2171mg	46%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 66.2%

Protein: 19.2%

Carbs: 14.6%