Microwaving Cauliflower Cheese: Time And Temperature Guide

Microwave cauliflower cheese is a quick and easy dish that can be made in under 20 minutes. It's perfect for a weeknight supper or a Sunday roast side dish. The recipe involves cooking cauliflower in the microwave, making a cheese sauce, and then combining the two. The dish can be customised with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey jack, or American cheese, and additional ingredients like mayonnaise, mustard, and breadcrumbs. The cooking time may vary depending on the microwave and the desired tenderness of the cauliflower.

How to microwave a whole head of cauliflower

Microwaving a whole head of cauliflower is a super easy way to cook this vegetable and makes for a delicious side dish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

Start by rinsing the cauliflower head and removing any leaves. Using a sharp chef's knife, carefully cut around and remove the core. You can do this by placing the cauliflower core-side down and cutting around it in a circle.

Step 2: Microwave the Cauliflower

Place the cored cauliflower in a deep 2-3 quart microwavable casserole dish, core-side down. Add about 2 tablespoons of water to the dish and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap. Make sure to poke a few holes in the plastic wrap if using.

Microwave the cauliflower on high power for 8-10 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the cauliflower and the power of your microwave, so keep an eye on it. The cauliflower is done when it is tender but still slightly crisp.

Step 3: Make the Topping

While the cauliflower is cooking, you can prepare the topping. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, and finely chopped onion. You can also add some grated cheese to this mixture if you like. Mix everything together with a fork until it forms a smooth sauce.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Once the cauliflower is cooked, remove it from the microwave and spoon the sauce over the top, using the back of the spoon to spread it evenly down the sides.

Then, lay slices of cheese over the top, alternating the direction of the slices for even melting. Return the dish to the microwave, uncovered, and cook on high for an additional 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese and heat the sauce.

Let the dish stand, covered, for about two minutes before serving. Cut the cauliflower into wedges and serve immediately.

Tips and Variations:

• You can use any type of cheese you like, such as American cheese, cheddar cheese, or a combination of both.
• If you don't have fresh onion, you can use dried onion flakes. Just mix them into the sauce and let them sit for a few minutes to soften.
• To test if the cauliflower is done, insert a fork into it. If the fork goes in easily and the cauliflower is tender, it is ready. If it feels too crisp, return it to the microwave and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
• If your casserole dish doesn't have a lid, you can cover it tightly with plastic wrap and poke a few holes in it.

Microwaving a whole head of cauliflower is a quick, convenient, and tasty way to prepare this nutritious vegetable. Enjoy!

How to make a cheese sauce

A good cheese sauce is a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. It can be used as a topping for vegetables, a dip for pretzel bites, or even drizzled over nachos or baked potatoes. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make a delicious, creamy cheese sauce.

Ingredients:

• Butter
• Flour
• Milk
• Cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix of your choice)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Cayenne (optional, for a spicy kick)

Utensils:

• Medium-sized saucepan
• Whisk

Method:

Start by melting the butter in your saucepan over medium heat. The butter forms the base of your sauce and gives it a rich flavour. Once melted, add in the flour and whisk until you have a smooth paste. Cooking the flour with butter cooks out the raw flour taste.

Now, slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until you have a nice, bubbly, creamy sauce. The milk thins out the sauce and adds a touch of sweetness.

Once your sauce has thickened, turn off the heat and slowly add the cheese, a handful at a time. Keep stirring until all the cheese has melted. You can use a mix of cheeses, such as Cheddar and Parmesan for a classic mac and cheese, or Swiss and Gruyère for a smooth and creamy dip.

Finally, add salt and pepper to taste, and a pinch of cayenne if you like it spicy. And there you have it—a delicious, versatile cheese sauce ready to be drizzled, dipped, or poured!

Tips:

• For the smoothest sauce, use full-fat cheese and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking additives that can make your sauce lumpy.
• Let the shredded cheese come to room temperature before adding it to the hot sauce to avoid overheating and clumping.
• Make sure to remove the sauce from the heat before stirring in the cheese to prevent overheating and clumping.
• If your sauce tastes floury, it means the roux (butter and flour mixture) didn't cook long enough before adding the milk. Cook it until it turns lightly golden.
• This sauce is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

How to cook cauliflower in the oven

Roasted cauliflower is a tasty, healthy, and quick dish to make. It is also highly versatile and can be customised with your favourite seasonings.

Ingredients:

• Cauliflower
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Lemon juice (optional)

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 425˚F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Cut the cauliflower into traditional florets or into flat cauliflower steaks.
• Place the cauliflower in the centre of your baking sheet, drizzle with oil, and toss to coat.
• Season the cauliflower and toss again, spreading it into a single layer.
• Bake the cauliflower for 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of tenderness and turns golden at the edges.

Tips:

• The baking time may vary depending on the size of your pieces. Smaller pieces will need about 15-20 minutes, while larger florets will bake for 20-25 minutes.
• You can also add cheese to your cauliflower. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of shredded parmesan cheese in the last 5 minutes of cooking for a parmesan-roasted cauliflower.
• For curry roasted cauliflower, add 1 teaspoon of yellow curry powder when you add the rest of the seasonings.
• For parmesan roasted cauliflower, roast the cauliflower until tender, then sprinkle with 1/2 cup of freshly grated parmesan, and cook for another 3-5 minutes or until the cheese melts.
• For lemon roasted cauliflower, stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and lemon zest to taste after roasting.

How to make cauliflower cheese without a microwave

Cauliflower cheese is a classic British dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. Here is a detailed, direct, and instructive guide on how to make cauliflower cheese without using a microwave.

Ingredients

• 1 medium cauliflower
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise or whole milk Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
• Milk (whole or semi-skimmed)
• Cornflour
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic granules or garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Red Leicester cheese, grated (or any strong cheddar)
• Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

First, preheat your oven to 200°C fan/220°C/Gas Mark 7.

Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized pieces or florets. Place the cauliflower in a large saucepan of boiling salted water and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the florets are almost cooked. Be careful not to overcook the cauliflower at this stage.

While the cauliflower is cooking, start making the cheese sauce. Measure out 500ml of milk and pour it into a separate saucepan. Take a small amount of the milk and mix it with cornflour to create a thick, lump-free paste.

Add the cornflour paste to the saucepan with the milk and whisk it in. Cook this mixture for 5-10 minutes on medium heat until it starts to thicken, whisking often. Then, add the mustard, garlic granules, salt, pepper, and grated cheeses. Continue whisking and cooking for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is thick and smooth.

Drain the cauliflower thoroughly and place it in an ovenproof dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower and sprinkle some extra cheese on top.

Finally, bake the cauliflower cheese in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and golden.

Tips and Variations

• You can also add a sprinkling of breadcrumbs on top of the dish before baking for some extra crunch.
• If you want a saucier cauliflower cheese, you can double the sauce quantities.
• This dish can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 48 hours before baking. Simply follow the same baking instructions, allowing for an extra 5-10 minutes of cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
• To make this dish vegetarian, use an alternative to Parmesan cheese, such as a vegetarian hard cheese.

How to make cauliflower cheese for one

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (6 ounces/170 grams or about a quarter of a 2-pound/1 kg) cauliflower florets
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• A pinch of coarsely ground black pepper
• A pinch of cayenne
• A pinch of dry mustard
• 2 tablespoons (1 ounce/30 ml) water
• 1/2 tablespoon (0.25 ounce/7 grams) unsalted butter
• 1/2 packed cup (2 ounces/57 grams) shredded cheddar or other cheese
• 1/4 cup (2 fluid ounces/59 ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch or tapioca flour

Method:

• Place the cauliflower florets in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the salt, pepper, cayenne, dry mustard, and water. Stir to combine. Add the butter.
• Cover the bowl and microwave on full power for 6 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.
• Drain the liquid from the bowl.
• Add the cheese to the bowl. In a separate bowl, stir the milk and cornstarch together. Add this mixture to the bowl and stir to combine.
• Microwave, uncovered, on full power for 2 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and a smooth sauce has formed.

Tips:

• You can use all cheddar, or a combination of cheeses. Using half Monterey jack makes it creamier.
• You can also sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs on top for a pretty finish.
• This recipe can easily be scaled up to serve more people.

Variations:

• For a more indulgent version, try adding some mayonnaise, mustard, and sliced American cheese on top of the cauliflower before the final stage of microwaving.
• If you don't have fresh cauliflower, you can use frozen.
• You can also add some Italian breadcrumbs, garlic, or Indian or Thai curry for extra flavor.

Frequently asked questions