Cauliflower Cheese
Enjoy a taste of British cuisine with our cauliflower cheese recipe. This dish combines soft cauliflower florets with a creamy cheese sauce and bakes until it boasts a golden crust. It is the definition of comfort food, perfect as a main or a side to your Sunday roast.
Ingredients
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1 tbsp
Olive oil
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120 g
Gluten-free or plain flour
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1 pinch
Nutmeg
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1
Cauliflower
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4
Chicken stock cubes
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Cheddar
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Instructions
FAQ: Questions about cauliflower cheese
Cauliflower cheese is pretty easy to prepare, but if you still have some questions about it, we have compiled a list with answers to commonly asked questions below.
Can you freeze cauliflower cheese?
Yes, you can freeze cauliflower cheese before baking. Prepare the dish as per the recipe, cool it, cover it well, and freeze it. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge and then bake, adding extra time to ensure it is hot throughout. Freezing cauliflower cheese is useful when you are preparing multiple dishes.
How can you ensure cauliflower cheese is not watery?
To prevent the dish from being watery, boil the cauliflower until it is just tender but still firm. Drain the cauliflower well after boiling to get rid of any extra moisture. When you are ready to bake or grill, remember not to overcook the cauliflower since it will cook further in the sauce.
Other recipes
Tips: Get the best cauliflower cheese
Take a look at our tips for cauliflower cheese. We go through what parts of the vegetable to use and how to make it ahead of time.
Embrace the whole vegetable
When making cauliflower cheese, use every part of the cauliflower, including the stems and leaves. Chop the stems and leaves finely and mix them into the sauce with the florets.
Prepare cauliflower cheese ahead
Complete the recipe up to just before you add the final layer of cheese, then cool it down. Seal it tightly with cling film and store it in the fridge for up to two days. When you are ready, take it out, top it with cheese, and grill until it turns a golden colour with a satisfying crunch.
Choosing a fresh and evenly sized cauliflower
For the best cauliflower cheese, choose a cauliflower with white, tightly packed florets. This shows it is fresh. Pick a size that will feed all your guests. Cut the florets evenly to cook them all the same way, giving your dish a uniform texture.
Enjoy our easy cauliflower cheese
Our cauliflower cheese recipe offers simplicity and flavour with minimal effort. Made with just a few ingredients, this dish brings together tender cauliflower and a rich, creamy cheese sauce for a delightful taste. The effortless preparation and delicious outcome have cemented its place as a classic in British cuisine. Enjoy it as a comforting lunch or as a complement to any meal.
Creamy cheese sauce with a hint of nutmeg
To achieve the perfect cauliflower cheese, you really need the perfect creamy cheese sauce. Our recipe brings the best of the best, made from a combination of cheese, milk, flour, and olive oil. Together, they form a luscious texture that envelops and coats the cauliflower wonderfully. A hint of nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the sauce. This sauce not only imparts a beautiful golden-brown hue to the dish but also releases a delightful aroma that fills the kitchen.
A cheesy British classic
With its origins in the British kitchen, cauliflower cheese stretches back far and wide. This dish has warmed countless family dinners with its comforting blend of creamy cheese and cauliflower. The dish is simple, and as a result, it has become a go-to recipe for those who want a cheesy delight as a part of their meal. While traditionally served as a side dish with meats or as part of a Sunday roast, its delightful creamy texture and comforting taste have also made it popular as a main dish.
Want to continue exploring traditional British cuisine? Two excellent choices, both perfect for Sunday roasts, are a delicious shepherd’s pie and a classic toad in the hole.
What to have with cauliflower cheese?
When selecting accompaniments for cauliflower cheese, aim for a balance and a contrast in flavours. Steer clear of additional cheese-laden dishes in favour of lighter, refreshing options. A crisp salad with a zesty dressing, such as a rocket salad or watercress tossed in a simple vinaigrette, can offer a palate-cleansing contrast to the rich cheese sauce. This addition not only provides a refreshing taste but also adds colour to your meal.
Cauliflower cheese was traditionally served as a part of a Sunday roast with meats like juicy chicken, tender beef, or roast pork with crispy crackling. It also goes well with flavourful steaks, especially prime rib, roast lamb, like a leg, or slow-roasted shoulder. It is a versatile side that works wonderfully with rich meats.
Make it your own
Customising this dish to your liking is very easy, so do not hesitate to experiment and find the tweaks that bring you joy. Replacing the cauliflower might feel like a significant change, but numerous vegetables pair beautifully with a rich cheese sauce. Consider using broccoli or Brussels sprouts; their similar textures and vibrant green colour are excellent additions.
If you have a preferred type of cheese, why not introduce it into the sauce? Swap out the cheddar cheese for something like soft Brie or sharp blue cheese. As for the toppings, a blend of panko breadcrumbs with herbs and cheese can achieve that perfect golden crust and crunchy texture. Choose the options that best meet your preferences.
