Comforting Cauliflower Cheese Recipe: A Must-Try Classic

Cauliflower cheese brings comfort and warmth to any dinner table, turning simple ingredients into something truly satisfying.

Tender florets are coated in a silky, rich cheese sauce, then baked until the topping turns golden and bubbling, offering both creaminess and gentle crunch in every bite.

This classic recipe often stirs memories of family kitchens, where straightforward cooking created lasting traditions and flavors worth savoring.

The pairing of cauliflower and cheese delivers a balance of hearty and smooth, making each serving feel both comforting and indulgent.

Minimal effort and a few pantry staples are all it takes to create a dish that feels special enough for gatherings, yet simple enough for weeknights.

Cheese lovers will enjoy how the sauce wraps itself around each floret, promising a spoonful that’s rich, warm, and deeply satisfying.

Why Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese Is a Family Favorite

• Conquer Comfort Food: A classic British dish that transforms simple cauliflower into a creamy, cheesy treat perfect for satisfying hunger and warming souls.
• Master Easy Cooking Technique: Learn a straightforward method requiring basic kitchen skills, making this recipe ideal for beginners wanting to build culinary confidence without complex steps.
• Create Versatile Meal Option: Serve as a hearty side dish, vegetarian main course, or potluck favorite that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table feels delighted.
• Customize with Creativity: Experiment by adding herbs, different cheese varieties, or crispy toppings to personalize the recipe and match your taste preferences while keeping the core technique intact.

Ingredients Needed For Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese

• Cauliflower: A classic vegetable that provides the hearty base for this comforting dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and flavorful cheese that creates a rich and creamy sauce.

• Butter, Flour: These ingredients form the classic roux that thickens the cheese sauce and provides a smooth texture.
• Milk: A creamy liquid that helps create the base of the cheese sauce.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Extra Cheese, Breadcrumbs: Optional toppings that add a crispy and golden finish to the cauliflower cheese.

How To Cook Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese Easily

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Heat your oven to a toasty temperature. Set the dial to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a standard oven or 180 degrees Celsius for a convection oven.

Step 2: Blanch The Cauliflower

Drop the whole cauliflower head into boiling water. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until slightly tender. Drain the water completely and let the cauliflower cool down.

Step 3: Create A Smooth Roux

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle flour into the melted butter and stir continuously. Cook this mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns slightly golden and smells nutty.

Step 4: Build The Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour milk into the butter and flour mixture. Whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Goodness

Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in grated cheddar cheese until it melts completely. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.

Step 6: Combine Cauliflower And Sauce

Transfer the blanched cauliflower to a baking dish. Pour the rich cheese sauce over the vegetable, ensuring every piece is generously coated.

Step 7: Add Extra Toppings

Sprinkle additional shredded cheese or breadcrumbs on top for a crispy, golden crust.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the sauce bubbles around the edges.

Helpful Tips For Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese

• Blanch Perfectly: Avoid overcooking cauliflower by timing it precisely between 5-6 minutes to maintain a crisp texture and prevent mushiness.
• Create Smooth Sauce: Whisk milk slowly and consistently to prevent lumps, ensuring a silky, creamy cheese sauce that coats the cauliflower evenly.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Use sharp cheddar for deeper flavor or mix cheeses like gruyère for a more complex taste profile.
• Crispy Topping Trick: Sprinkle extra breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter for a golden, crunchy top layer that adds texture contrast.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace flour with cornstarch or almond flour to make the dish suitable for low-carb and gluten-free diets without compromising richness.

Fun Ways To Switch Up Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese

• Vegan Cauliflower Bake: Replace dairy cheese with nutritional yeast and cashew cream sauce, using plant-based butter and almond milk for a dairy-free version.
• Spicy Mexican Cauliflower Casserole: Add jalapeños, chili powder, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, topping with crushed tortilla chips instead of breadcrumbs.
• Low-Carb Keto Cauliflower Gratin: Use heavy cream instead of milk, increase cheese quantity, and replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds for extra protein.
• Gluten-Free Herb Cauliflower Cheese: Substitute wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, adding fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary for extra flavor.

Best Sides To Serve With Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah that cuts through the creamy cheese sauce, complementing the rich, savory flavors of the cauliflower dish.
• Match with Crisp Green Salad: Create a refreshing side with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a sour vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the cheesy cauliflower, adding brightness and acidity.
• Serve with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Select a rustic, slightly sour bread to soak up the delicious cheese sauce, providing a perfect textural contrast and additional flavor dimension.
• Complement with Roasted Chicken: Add a simple roasted chicken breast seasoned with herbs to transform the cauliflower cheese into a complete, satisfying meal that enhances the overall dining experience.

How To Store Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese The Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled cauliflower cheese to a freezer-safe dish. Wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 180C. Place leftovers in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil to prevent burning.

Answers To Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese Questions

• What makes the cheese sauce creamy and smooth?

The key is whisking constantly while gradually adding milk to the butter and flour roux, which prevents lumps and creates a silky, velvety texture.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, while cheddar is traditional, you can experiment with gruyère, gouda, or a cheese blend for unique flavor profiles.

• How do I know the cauliflower is perfectly blanched?

Blanch until the vegetable is just tender but still firm, with a bright color – typically around 5-6 minutes. It should be easily pierced with a fork but not mushy.

• Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! Cauliflower cheese is a classic vegetarian main or side dish that’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor.

Cauliflower Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 104 mins
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

This classic British Cauliflower Cheese features creamy white sauce embraces tender florets under a golden, crispy cheese blanket. Hearty and indulgent, you’ll savor each rich, cheesy bite of this timeless side dish that warms both plate and soul.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 large cauliflower (leaves removed), cut into pieces
• 100g strong cheddar, grated
• 50g butter

Sauce Base:

• 500 milliliters (2 cups) milk
• 4 tablespoons flour

Seasoning:

• Optional salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 200C (fan 180C) / 400F, ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle.
2. Cut cauliflower into uniform florets and immerse in boiling salted water for 4-6 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
3. Drain cauliflower thoroughly in a colander and transfer to a baking dish, spreading evenly.
4. Create a roux by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then sprinkle flour and whisk continuously for 2 minutes until smooth and golden.
5. Gradually pour milk into the roux, stirring constantly to prevent lumps, and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
6. Remove sauce from heat and fold in grated cheddar cheese until fully melted and integrated, then season with salt and black pepper.
7. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower, ensuring all florets are generously covered.
8. Sprinkle additional grated cheese or breadcrumbs on top for extra texture and golden crust.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and sauce is bubbling around the edges.

Notes

• Blanch cauliflower carefully to maintain its crisp texture without overcooking, ensuring it remains firm and doesn’t become mushy.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend when making the cheese sauce.
• Create a richer flavor by adding a pinch of mustard powder or nutmeg to the cheese sauce for depth and complexity.
• Transform this classic side dish into a main course by adding cooked bacon, ham, or roasted chicken for extra protein and heartiness.

• Prep Time: 79 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 357 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 310 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg