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Cauliflower Cheese Recipe

Cauliflower Cheese Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 12 reviews

A comforting classic British dish featuring tender cauliflower florets smothered in a creamy, tangy cheese sauce made with mature cheddar and English mustard, baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 head cauliflower, broken into large florets

Cheese Sauce

  • 40g/1½oz butter
  • 40g/1½oz plain flour (gluten-free plain flour also works)
  • 400ml/14fl oz milk
  • 1 tsp English mustard
  • 100g/3½oz mature cheddar, grated
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 190C/170C Fan/Gas 5 to prepare for baking the cauliflower cheese.
  2. Cook Cauliflower: Wash the cauliflower thoroughly and place it in a large saucepan of salted water. Bring to the boil and cook for 3–5 minutes until the cauliflower is almost tender but still fairly firm. Drain well in a colander.
  3. Make Roux Base: Melt the butter in a heavy-based saucepan over gentle heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
  4. Add Milk: Remove the pan from heat and gradually add the milk in small amounts, stirring well to avoid lumps. Return the pan to medium heat and bring to a boil while stirring constantly. Simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  5. Incorporate Cheese and Mustard: Remove from heat and stir in the English mustard and two thirds of the grated cheddar until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Assemble and Bake: Arrange the cooked cauliflower florets in an ovenproof baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower, ensuring full coverage. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

Notes

  • The cauliflower should be slightly firm after boiling to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
  • Using mature cheddar provides a richer flavor, but you can substitute with other types of cheese if preferred.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free plain flour instead of regular flour.
  • English mustard adds a subtle tang; adjust quantity or omit based on taste preference.
  • Serve this dish as a comforting side or a vegetarian main course with a crisp salad.

Nutrition

Keywords: cauliflower cheese, British comfort food, cheesy cauliflower bake, vegetarian casserole, baked cauliflower, cheddar cheese sauce

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/cauliflower-cheese-recipe/