Bushra Griffith
Cauliflower cheese is a classic British dish that can be made in the microwave as a quick and easy side or main. The dish is versatile, allowing for customisation with spices, herbs, and different types of cheese. It can be prepared, cooked, and served in under 20 minutes, making it a convenient option for a tasty meal. The method involves microwaving bite-sized cauliflower florets, adding cheese, and creating a creamy sauce with milk, cornflour, and seasonings. The result is a delicious, tender, and cheesy cauliflower dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation time | Less than 20 minutes |
| Cooking time | 5-8 minutes |
| Ingredients | Cauliflower, cheese, milk, cornflour, mustard, thyme, butter, salt, pepper, cayenne, water |
| Equipment | Microwave-safe bowl, food processor |
| Instructions | Cut cauliflower into bite-sized pieces, add water and microwave until tender. Mix cornflour and milk, add seasoning, pour over cauliflower, top with butter and microwave until cheese is melted. |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the cauliflower
Once you have cut the cauliflower into florets, place them in a microwave-safe bowl or dish. Add a small amount of water to the bowl, around 1-2 tablespoons, and cover the bowl with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. The water will create steam, helping to cook the cauliflower and prevent it from drying out.
Now, you are ready to microwave your cauliflower. The cooking time will depend on your microwave's wattage and the desired tenderness of the cauliflower. For a powerful microwave, 5-6 minutes on full power should be sufficient. If you have a less powerful microwave, you may need to cook the cauliflower for up to 8-10 minutes. Remember to refer to your microwave's instructions and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
After microwaving, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave, as it will be hot. Drain any excess water, and your cauliflower is now ready for the next step of making your delicious cauliflower cheese!
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Making the cheese sauce
To make the cheese sauce, you will need cheese, milk, cornflour/cornstarch, mustard, thyme, and butter.
While the cauliflower is cooking, shred the cheese. You can use American cheese, which melts beautifully, or cheddar. If you use cheddar, grate it yourself as pre-grated cheese contains ingredients to stop it from sticking together.
In a bowl, mix the cornflour with a splash of milk and stir until you have a smooth paste. Whisk in the rest of the milk. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the mustard and thyme. Finally, add the cheese and stir until combined.
Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked cauliflower and top with butter. Microwave until the cheese has melted and a smooth sauce has formed.
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Cooking the cauliflower
To cook cauliflower cheese in the microwave, start by cutting the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. You can also trim the stems, but this is not necessary. Place the cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl or dish, adding a small amount of water (typically 1-2 tablespoons) to the bowl before cooking. Cover the bowl or dish and microwave on high for around 6-8 minutes, until the cauliflower is tender.
Some recipes suggest placing the cauliflower core-side down in the dish, which may help to ensure even cooking. It is also possible to cook the cauliflower without adding water, by covering the dish with a wet paper towel. In this case, the cooking time is reduced to around 3 minutes.
After cooking, drain any excess water from the bowl. Then, add your chosen sauce or toppings. Cheese sauces can be made by combining milk, cornflour or cornstarch, mustard, and cheese, and seasoned with salt, pepper, cayenne, thyme, or garlic salt. You can also add butter for a richer dish. Mayonnaise can be used as a base for a sauce, mixed with mustard and onion, or served without being cooked.
Once the sauce or toppings have been added, return the dish to the microwave and cook for a further 2-5 minutes until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
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Adding the cheese
To make cauliflower cheese in the microwave, you'll first want to cut your cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Place these in a microwave-safe bowl and add a small amount of water—around 1-2 tablespoons—then cover and microwave until tender. This should take around 6-8 minutes, depending on your microwave.
While the cauliflower is cooking, you can prepare your cheese sauce. In a separate bowl, mix together your milk and cornflour/cornstarch to form a smooth paste. You can then stir in your cheese—a good melting cheese like American cheese or cheddar works well—along with any herbs and spices. You can add salt, pepper, mustard, cayenne, thyme, or garlic salt, depending on your preference.
Once your cauliflower is tender, drain any excess water, and then pour over your cheese sauce. You can then add your cheese topping. Place slices of cheese on top of the sauced cauliflower, alternating the angle of the slices to ensure even melting. You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top for a decorative finish.
Finally, cover the bowl and return the cauliflower to the microwave. Cook on high for around 2 minutes, until the cheese has melted and a smooth sauce has formed.
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Serving suggestions
Microwave cauliflower cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side. It pairs well with roast dinners, particularly as a vegetarian option, and can be served with gravy.
You can also serve it as a side dish with any roast recipe, or as a veggie alternative to pigs in blankets, wrapped in parsnip strips and brushed with a white miso and honey glaze.
For an extra crunchy texture, sprinkle the cauliflower with panko breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and grated cheddar, then microwave for a further minute.
For a lighter option, you can serve the cauliflower without any toppings, or with a simple sprinkle of cheese.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can add Indian or Thai curry to the dish for extra flavor.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 6-10 minutes to cook cauliflower cheese in the microwave.
You will need cauliflower, cheese, milk, cornflour/cornstarch, butter, mustard, salt, pepper, and water.
You can use American cheese slices or grated cheddar cheese.
Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, add water and microwave until tender. Make a sauce with milk, cornflour/cornstarch, and cheese. Pour the sauce over the cauliflower, add butter and microwave until the cheese melts.
Yes, you can add mayonnaise, garlic salt, dried onion flakes, cayenne, and thyme to enhance the flavour of your dish.
