Description
Comfort meets culinary magic in this classic British Cauliflower Cheese, where 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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 200C (fan 180C) / 400F, ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle.
- Cut cauliflower into uniform florets and immerse in boiling salted water for 4-6 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Drain cauliflower thoroughly in a colander and transfer to a baking dish, spreading evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove sauce from heat and fold in grated cheddar cheese until fully melted and integrated, then season with salt and black pepper.
- Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower, ensuring all florets are generously covered.
- Sprinkle additional grated cheese or breadcrumbs on top for extra texture and golden crust.
- 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