Randy Chandler
Cauliflower cheese is a classic side dish that can be served with a roast or as a vegetarian main course. The cauliflower is cooked and coated in a cheese sauce, topped with cheese, and baked until golden and bubbling. While most recipes call for boiling the cauliflower before adding the cheese sauce, some suggest roasting it first for extra crispiness and flavor. The cheese sauce is typically made with a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyere, and Red Leicester, thickened with a roux or cornflour, and seasoned with salt and pepper. The dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked when ready to serve, resulting in a comforting and indulgent meal.
Do you cook cauliflower before adding cheese sauce?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking method | Boiling, steaming, or roasting |
| Roasting method | Season with salt, pepper, and olive oil |
| Boiling method | Cook in salted water for 5-7 minutes |
| Sauce preparation | Melt butter, add flour, whisk with milk, and add cheese |
| Sauce consistency | Thickened by cheese, no need for additional cooking |
| Baking instructions | Bake at 200°C for 20-30 minutes, until golden and bubbly |
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What You'll Learn
Roasted vs boiled cauliflower
Roasted cauliflower is a tasty and healthy dish that can be served as a side or a main course. It is simple to make and only requires a few ingredients: cauliflower, olive oil, salt, and pepper. The key to achieving the perfect roasted cauliflower is to ensure that the oven is hot enough—around 220°C or 425°F—so that the cauliflower gets golden brown edges without turning into soggy mush. The florets should be spread out on a baking sheet to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
Boiled cauliflower, on the other hand, is a more traditional method of preparation. To boil cauliflower, simply add the florets to a saucepan of boiling water for around 5-7 minutes until tender. This method can be used as a preliminary step before baking the cauliflower in a cheese sauce, or the cauliflower can be served as-is with a drizzle of sauce.
When deciding whether to roast or boil cauliflower, it is worth considering the desired texture and flavour. Roasting cauliflower gives it a crisp exterior and a soft, nutty flavour, whereas boiling can make the vegetable softer and less crunchy. Roasting is also a good option for those who want to avoid boiling the cauliflower twice—once in water and again in the cheese sauce.
Additionally, roasting cauliflower is a great way to add extra flavour through the use of spices and seasonings. Some popular options include curry powder, za'atar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs can also be added for a savoury boost and crunchy texture.
In conclusion, both roasted and boiled cauliflower are delicious and versatile options. Roasting may be preferable for those seeking a crispier texture and more intense flavour, while boiling is a quicker and simpler method that can be used as a base for baked dishes like cauliflower cheese. Ultimately, the decision between roasting and boiling comes down to personal preference and the desired flavour profile and texture of the dish.
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How to make a cheese sauce
There are several ways to make cheese sauce, and the method you choose will depend on your personal preference and what you plan to use the sauce for. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a basic cheese sauce, followed by some variations you can try.
Basic Cheese Sauce:
- Start by gathering your ingredients: butter, flour, milk, and cheese. You can use any type of cheese you like, but sharper cheeses will add more flavour to your sauce.
- Measure out 2 tablespoons of butter and place it in a medium-sized saucepan. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can use less butter and add a bit of cream or milk to thin it out later.
- Heat the butter over medium heat until it melts. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Once melted, add 2 tablespoons of flour and whisk until it forms a paste, also known as a roux. Cook the roux for a minute or two, whisking continuously, until it thickens and the raw flour smell dissipates.
- Slowly whisk in 1 cup of milk. You can add more or less milk depending on your desired consistency. If you want a thinner sauce, you can add up to 2 cups of milk.
- Continue whisking until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens. This should take around 2 minutes.
- Add your cheese. Freshly grate your cheese and add it gradually, stirring continuously, until it melts and combines with the sauce. Use at least half a cup of cheese, or more if you prefer a stronger cheese flavour.
- Season your sauce with salt and pepper, and any other spices or herbs you like. A small amount of ground mustard can add a nice kick to your sauce.
- If your sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out. If it's too thin, simply add more cheese.
- Once your sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and serve immediately.
Variations:
- For a richer, more indulgent sauce, you can replace the milk with cream or add cream in addition to the milk.
- You can use a variety of different cheeses to suit your taste. Try a combination of cheddar, gruyere, and red Leicester for a unique flavour and a gorgeous golden colour.
- If you're short on time, you can simply add butter and cream to a pan, season it, and add shredded cheese when it's hot. This method is quicker but may not yield the same smooth, creamy results as the traditional method.
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The best cheese to use
The cheese you use for your cauliflower cheese is important, as it is the star of the dish. The best cheeses to use are those with excellent melting qualities that will create a silky-smooth sauce.
Red Leicester is a popular choice, as it has a strong flavour and a distinct orange colour. It is a sharp English cheddar-like cheese, and those in the US can use their everyday cheddar as a substitute. When combined with another cheese, such as Gruyère, it creates a sauce with a gorgeous golden colour and wonderful flavour. Gruyère is a nutty Swiss cheese with superior melting qualities. Alternatives to Gruyère include Swiss cheese, Jarlsberg, Colby, or any other Alpine cheese, such as Emmental or Comte.
Other cheeses that can be used include cheddar, parmesan, or any melting cheese. For a more indulgent dish, you can add cream to the cheese sauce, which will enrich the sauce and give it a luxurious finish.
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How long to bake for
Cauliflower cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a vegetarian main course or a side dish. It is made by coating cauliflower florets in a cheese sauce and baking them in the oven. The baking time for cauliflower cheese can vary depending on the desired level of doneness and the specific recipe followed. Here is a detailed guide on how long to bake cauliflower cheese:
Preparing the Cauliflower:
Before baking, the cauliflower needs to be prepared. Start by washing the cauliflower and removing the leaves. Cut the cauliflower into florets, aiming for relatively even sizes to ensure uniform cooking. Some recipes suggest boiling or steaming the florets before baking, while others recommend roasting the cauliflower to enhance its flavour and texture. Boiling or steaming the cauliflower involves cooking it in a large saucepan of salted water for about 5 to 7 minutes until the florets are almost cooked. On the other hand, roasting involves tossing the florets in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roasting them in the oven for about 20 minutes until crispy and golden.
Making the Cheese Sauce:
While the cauliflower is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. The sauce typically consists of a béchamel base made by creating a roux with butter and flour, then adding milk (and optionally, cream) to create a thick sauce. Different cheeses can be added to the sauce to enhance its flavour, such as cheddar, Gruyere, Red Leicester, or Parmesan. The cheese is stirred into the sauce until melted, resulting in a thick and creamy consistency.
Baking Time:
Once the cauliflower is prepared and coated in the cheese sauce, it's time to bake it. Transfer the coated cauliflower to an ovenproof dish and sprinkle any remaining cheese on top. The baking time can range from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness and the oven temperature. For a simple cheese sauce, baking for 15 to 20 minutes at 200°C to 220°C should be sufficient. The cauliflower cheese is ready when the cheese on top is melted, golden, and bubbling.
For a crispier topping, consider baking for a shorter duration, about 15 minutes, then finishing the dish under the grill for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbly crust. If baking from refrigerated, allow for a longer cooking time, about 25 to 30 minutes, to ensure the centre is piping hot.
Customisation and Serving Suggestions:
Cauliflower cheese can be customised by adding breadcrumbs, almonds, or herbs to the topping for added texture and flavour. It pairs well with roast meats, such as chicken, beef, or lamb, and can be served as a comforting side dish during a Sunday roast or Christmas dinner.
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Can it be made ahead of time?
Yes, cauliflower cheese can be made ahead of time. It is a great dish to prepare in advance and then pop in the oven when you need it. This is a handy way to get ahead when entertaining.
To make cauliflower cheese ahead of time, follow the recipe up until the point where you would put the dish in the oven. Instead, leave the dish to cool, then cover and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. When you are ready to cook the dish, put it in the oven according to the recipe's instructions, allowing an extra 10-15 minutes of cooking time, as the dish will be cold from the fridge.
You can also freeze cauliflower cheese. However, the sauce may become thin and loose once defrosted, so this is not recommended.
If you have leftovers, cauliflower cheese can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, place the dish back in the oven, ensuring it is piping hot before serving.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you don't have to cook the cauliflower before adding the cheese sauce. However, some recipes recommend boiling or steaming the cauliflower before baking it with the cheese sauce.
Bake the cauliflower with cheese sauce for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
Cheddar, Gruyere, and Red Leicester are popular choices for cauliflower cheese sauce. However, any strong-flavoured cheese will work, such as Edam or Gouda for an authentic Dutch flavour.
Yes, you can make cauliflower with cheese sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the oven when you're ready to serve.
You can cook cauliflower by boiling, steaming, or roasting it before adding cheese sauce. Boiling and steaming are more traditional methods, but roasting the cauliflower can give it a crispy texture and enhance its flavour.
