Description of this recipe
Cauliflower Cheese is a classic British comfort food dish, consisting of cauliflower smothered in a rich and creamy cheese sauce, then baked to golden perfection. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect as a side or even a light main course. This recipe elevates the traditional version by roasting the cauliflower first, which brings out its natural sweetness and adds a depth of flavor that complements the creamy cheese sauce beautifully. The combination of textures and tastes is simply irresistible!
Why you will love this recipe
This Cauliflower Cheese recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for several compelling reasons:
- Enhanced Flavor: Roasting the cauliflower prior to baking concentrates its flavors, lending a subtle caramelized sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the savory cheese sauce.
- Creamy Indulgence: The Mornay sauce, a classic French cheese sauce, is lusciously rich and creamy, coating every floret of cauliflower in cheesy goodness.
- Simple Elegance: Despite its sophisticated taste, this recipe is remarkably easy to prepare with straightforward steps and readily available ingredients.
- Versatile Dish: It serves as a delectable side dish alongside roasted meats, grilled fish, or vegetarian mains, and can also be enjoyed as a comforting light meal on its own.
- Comfort Food Classic: Cauliflower Cheese is a quintessential comfort food dish that evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia, making it perfect for cozy nights in.
- Customizable Cheese Blend: The recipe allows for flexibility in cheese selection, enabling you to tailor the flavor profile to your liking by using a combination of cheddar, Gruyère, Red Leicester, or other melting cheeses.
- Perfect Texture Contrast: The tender-crisp cauliflower florets provide a delightful textural contrast to the smooth and creamy cheese sauce, creating a satisfying eating experience.
- Nutritious and Delicious: Cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable that adds fiber and vitamins to the dish, making it a relatively healthy indulgence.
- Impressive Presentation: The golden-brown, bubbly topping of melted cheese creates an appealing visual presentation that is sure to impress your family and guests.
- Easy to Adapt: You can easily customize this recipe by adding other vegetables, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts, or by incorporating herbs and spices to enhance the flavor.
Ingredients:
Roasted cauliflower:
- 1kg / 2 lb 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
Cheese sauce (Mornay sauce):
- 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
- 1/2 cup Gruyère cheese , grated (or other melting cheese of choice)
Topping:
- 1/2 cup Red Leicester cheese (or cheddar), grated
- 1/2 cup Gruyère cheese , grated (or other melting cheese of choice)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 220°C / 430°F (200°C fan). This high temperature is crucial for roasting the cauliflower and achieving that desirable caramelization. Ensure your oven is properly preheated before placing the cauliflower inside to guarantee even cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the cauliflower by washing and cutting it into florets. Aim for florets that are roughly the same size to ensure uniform cooking. Place the florets in a large bowl and drizzle with the olive oil. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper, then toss well to coat the cauliflower evenly with the oil and seasonings. This step is vital for enhancing the flavor of the cauliflower.
Step 3: Spread the cauliflower florets in a single layer on a large baking tray. Avoid overcrowding the tray, as this will steam the cauliflower rather than roast it. If necessary, use two baking trays to ensure the florets have enough space.
Step 4: Roast the cauliflower for 20 minutes. The cauliflower should be slightly tender but still have a bit of bite. Look for a light golden-brown color on the edges of the florets. Remove the tray from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 180°C/350°F.
Step 5: While the cauliflower is roasting, prepare the cheese sauce. In a saucepan, heat the milk and cream until they are hot but not boiling. You can do this on the stovetop or in the microwave. Heating the dairy beforehand helps to prevent lumps from forming in the sauce.
Step 6: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and cook, stirring constantly with a whisk, for 3 minutes. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce. Cooking the roux for the full 3 minutes ensures that the flour taste is cooked out.
Step 7: Gradually add the hot milk and cream mixture to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Start by adding a small amount of the milk mixture and whisking until it is fully incorporated before adding more. This technique is crucial for achieving a smooth and creamy sauce.
Step 8: Continue to cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out.
Step 9: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the salt, nutmeg, Red Leicester cheese, and Gruyère cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. The nutmeg adds a subtle warmth to the sauce that complements the cheese perfectly.
Step 10: Add the roasted cauliflower to the cheese sauce and toss gently to coat. Make sure that all of the cauliflower florets are evenly covered with the sauce.
Step 11: Transfer the cauliflower and cheese sauce mixture to a 2L / 2qt baking dish (approximately 30 x 20 x 5cm / 12 x 8 x 2″). Spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
Step 12: Sprinkle the remaining Red Leicester cheese and Gruyère cheese over the top of the cauliflower. This will create a golden-brown and bubbly crust during baking.
Step 13: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Keep an eye on the dish during the last few minutes of baking to prevent the cheese from burning.
Step 14: Remove the Cauliflower Cheese from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and prevents it from being too runny.
Step 15: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
Cauliflower Cheese is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:
- Side Dish: Serve alongside roasted meats such as chicken, beef, or lamb. It also pairs well with grilled fish or vegetarian mains like lentil loaf or nut roast.
- Light Main Course: Enjoy it as a comforting light meal on its own, perhaps with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the cheese sauce.
- Potluck Dish: Bring it to potlucks or gatherings as a crowd-pleasing side dish that is sure to be a hit.
- Holiday Meal: Include it as part of your holiday meal spread, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
Tips:
- For a smoother cheese sauce, use a fine-mesh sieve to strain the sauce after cooking.
- If you don’t have Gruyère cheese on hand, you can substitute it with other melting cheeses such as Emmental, Jarlsberg, or Fontina.
- To add a bit of extra flavor, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the cheese sauce.
- For a crispier topping, broil the Cauliflower Cheese for the last few minutes of baking, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Leftover Cauliflower Cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- You can prepare the cauliflower and cheese sauce ahead of time and assemble the dish just before baking.
- Add breadcrumbs to the cheese topping for extra crunch.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
50 minutes
Total Time:
70 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Calories:
Approximately 450 per serving
Protein:
Approximately 20g per serving
Sodium:
Approximately 600mg per serving
Conclusion
Cauliflower Cheese is more than just a simple side dish; it’s a comforting culinary experience that brings joy to any table. With its creamy cheese sauce, perfectly roasted cauliflower, and golden-brown topping, it’s a dish that appeals to both young and old. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing addition to your holiday spread, this Cauliflower Cheese recipe is sure to deliver. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a taste of pure comfort food bliss. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe
Q1: Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
A: While fresh cauliflower is recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen cauliflower in a pinch. Be sure to thaw the cauliflower completely and pat it dry before roasting to remove excess moisture. This will help it to brown properly in the oven. You may also need to adjust the roasting time depending on the size and density of the florets.
Q2: What can I substitute for Red Leicester cheese?
A: If you don’t have Red Leicester cheese on hand, you can substitute it with other cheddar cheese. Cheddar is another great option.
Q3: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
A: Absolutely! Cauliflower Cheese is a versatile dish that can easily be customized with other vegetables. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, or peas would all be great additions. Simply add them to the roasting pan along with the cauliflower and roast until tender.
Q4: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: This recipe is already vegetarian as it does not contain any meat products. However, if you want to ensure that the cheese is vegetarian-friendly, be sure to check the label for rennet. Some cheeses contain animal rennet, which is not suitable for vegetarians.
Q5: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the cauliflower and cheese sauce ahead of time and assemble the dish just before baking. Simply roast the cauliflower as directed, prepare the cheese sauce, and then combine the two in a baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, and then bake as directed.
