Cauliflower Cheese
why make this recipe
Cauliflower cheese is a classic dish that brings comfort and warmth to any meal. It’s simple to make, and it combines the goodness of vegetables with a rich and creamy cheese sauce. Whether you want a side dish for a family dinner or a comforting meal on its own, cauliflower cheese fits the bill. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy healthy cauliflower while indulging in delicious cheese.
how to make Cauliflower Cheese
Ingredients:
- 1 kg / 2 lb cauliflower florets (1 very large, 1 1/2 medium or 2 small cauliflower heads, Note 1)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 60g / 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3½ tbsp flour (plain / all-purpose)
- 1 cup milk (full fat best)
- 1 cup cream (or more milk)
- 1/2 tsp cooking salt (kosher salt)
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg powder (freshly grated is best)
- 1 cup Red Leicester cheese (or cheddar, grated, Note 2)
- 1/2 cup gruyère cheese (grated or other melting cheese of choice, Note 2)
- 1/2 cup Red Leicester cheese (or cheddar, grated, Note 2)
- 1/2 cup gruyère cheese (grated or other melting cheese of choice, Note 2)
Directions:
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Roasted cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the cauliflower florets on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Roast in the oven for about 25–30 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden and tender.
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Cheese sauce (Mornay sauce): In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add the milk and cream, whisking to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in cooking salt, nutmeg, and grated cheese until melted and smooth.
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Bake: Once the cauliflower is roasted, transfer it to a baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower, ensuring it’s evenly coated. If you like, sprinkle extra cheese on top. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
how to serve Cauliflower Cheese
Cauliflower cheese is best served hot and bubbly straight from the oven. You can enjoy it as a side dish to meats or fish, or serve it as a main dish with crusty bread. For added flair, try garnishing with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for a bit of crunch.
how to store Cauliflower Cheese
To store leftovers, allow the cauliflower cheese to cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until hot throughout.
tips to make Cauliflower Cheese
- For extra flavor, consider adding garlic or onion to the cheese sauce.
- If you like a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Gruyère and cheddar are traditional, but feel free to use your favorites.
variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like broccoli or spinach. Additionally, you can mix in cooked bacon for added richness or swap out the cheeses based on what you have on hand.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare it up to the baking stage, cover it, and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Q: Is it possible to freeze cauliflower cheese?
A: Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the fridge before baking.
Q: Can I make this recipe without cream?
A: Absolutely! You can use all milk instead of cream if you prefer a lighter version.
Cauliflower Cheese
Ingredients
For the cauliflower
- 1 kg cauliflower florets 1 very large, 1 1/2 medium or 2 small cauliflower heads
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
For the cheese sauce
- 60 g unsalted butter
- 3.5 tbsp flour (plain / all-purpose)
- 1 cup milk full fat best
- 1 cup cream or more milk
- 1/2 tsp cooking salt kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg powder freshly grated is best
- 1 cup Red Leicester cheese or cheddar, grated
- 1/2 cup gruyère cheese grated or other melting cheese of choice
- 1/2 cup Red Leicester cheese or cheddar, grated
- 1/2 cup gruyère cheese grated or other melting cheese of choice
Instructions
Preparation of Cauliflower
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the cauliflower florets on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
- Roast in the oven for about 25–30 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden and tender.
Cheese Sauce Preparation
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add the milk and cream, whisking to prevent lumps.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in cooking salt, nutmeg, and grated cheese until melted and smooth.
Assembly and Baking
- Once the cauliflower is roasted, transfer it to a baking dish.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- If you like, sprinkle extra cheese on top.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
