A delicious serving of creamy cauliflower cheese topped with golden cheese crust

Cauliflower Cheese Recipe

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Cauliflower Cheese is a classic dish that brings comfort and joy to the dining table. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it a delightful side or even a main course. This recipe is not only delicious but also a great way to enjoy vegetables in a way that even picky eaters will love!

How to Make Cauliflower Cheese

Ingredients:

  • 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
  • 60g / 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3½ tbsp flour (plain / all-purpose)
  • 1 cup milk (full fat is 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)

Directions:

  1. Roasted Cauliflower:
    Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, sea salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking tray and roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden and tender.

  2. Cheese Sauce (Mornay sauce):
    In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir for about a minute to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Add in the cooking salt and nutmeg powder. Remove from heat and mix in the grated cheeses until melted and smooth.

  3. Bake:
    Once the cauliflower is roasted, place it in a baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower, making sure it is well covered. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.

How to Serve Cauliflower Cheese

Cauliflower Cheese is best served hot and can accompany a variety of dishes. It pairs well with roasted meats or can be enjoyed on its own for a hearty vegetarian meal. Garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor.

How to Store Cauliflower Cheese

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through, or microwave it until warm.

Tips to Make Cauliflower Cheese

  • For an even creamier sauce, you can replace some of the milk with additional cream.
  • Experiment with different types of cheese based on your preference.
  • Adding breadcrumbs on top before baking can give a nice crunchy topping.

Variation

You can enhance the dish by adding cooked bacon bits or sautéed onions for a richer flavor. For a spicy touch, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes to the cheese sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
Yes, frozen cauliflower works well. Just ensure it’s thawed and drained before roasting.

2. Is there a substitute for cream?
You can use all milk if desired, but the sauce may be less rich and creamy.

3. Can I prepare Cauliflower Cheese in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it just before serving.