Bushra Griffith
Cauliflower cheese is a classic British side dish that is easy to make and wonderfully comforting. It is made by coating cauliflower florets in a cheese sauce and baking them in the oven. The cheese sauce typically includes a strong cheddar, although other cheeses such as Gruyère, Red Leicester, or Swiss cheese can also be used. The dish can be served as a side with a roast dinner or as a vegetarian main course. It pairs well with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or potato wedges.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dish Type | Side dish or vegetarian main course |
| Main Ingredients | Cauliflower, Cheese |
| Cheese Types | Gruyère, Red Leicester, Cheddar, Swiss, Jarslberg, Colby, Gran Padano, Parmesan |
| Additional Ingredients | Breadcrumbs, Mustard, Pumpkin, Broccoli, Penne Pasta, Garlic, Parsley, Cornflour, Milk, Cream, Butter |
| Cooking Method | Baking, Roasting |
| Serving Suggestions | Bread, Salad, Roasted Vegetables, Rice Pilaf, Quinoa, Potato Wedges, Eggplant Parmesan, Pulled Pork, Fresh Fruit Salad |
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What You'll Learn
How to make cauliflower cheese sauce
Ingredients
To make cauliflower cheese sauce, you will need the following ingredients:
- Cauliflower
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk
- Cheese (any melting cheese will work, but a combination of Red Leicester and Gruyere is recommended)
- Salt and pepper
- Nutmeg (optional)
Method
First, prepare the cauliflower by removing the leaves and cutting out the core. Cut the rest of the cauliflower into four pieces. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the cauliflower. Cook for 5-6 minutes or until tender. Drain the water and put the cauliflower into an ovenproof dish.
Next, make the cheese sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add the flour and stir with a wooden spoon until a smooth paste forms. Cook the mixture gently for a minute, then remove the pan from the heat. Slowly pour in the milk a little at a time, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Return the pan to low heat and let it cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Finally, stir in the grated cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper and nutmeg to taste. Pour the sauce over the cauliflower and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Baking
Bake the cauliflower cheese in a preheated oven at 180°C/350°F for 20-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Tips
For a more authentic Dutch flavour, choose Edam or Gouda cheese. If you prefer a stronger-tasting cheese, cheddar is a good option. To enhance the flavour of the cauliflower, it is recommended to roast it in the oven instead of boiling it.
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How to roast cauliflower
Roasting cauliflower is a simple and delicious way to prepare this vegetable. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to roast cauliflower:
Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425˚F (218˚C). This temperature will ensure that your cauliflower roasts evenly and gets those crispy, golden edges.
Prepare the baking sheet: Line a rimmed baking sheet or large roasting pan with parchment paper or aluminium foil for easy cleanup. If using foil, lightly grease it with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Cut the cauliflower: Remove the leaves from the base of the cauliflower and cut it into quarters from the top of the crown through the stem. You can also slice the cauliflower into traditional florets or bite-sized pieces. Aim for evenly sized pieces to ensure consistent cooking.
Season the cauliflower: Place the cauliflower in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil, melted butter, and seasonings of your choice. Toss well to ensure the cauliflower is evenly coated. You can use simple seasonings like salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like curry powder, za'atar, garlic powder, or smoked paprika.
Arrange on the baking sheet: Spread the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space around each piece. This arrangement will help the cauliflower roast and caramelize properly.
Roast the cauliflower: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the cauliflower for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of tenderness and golden colour. For larger florets or a deeper roast, you may need to roast for up to 25-35 minutes.
Serve: Remove the roasted cauliflower from the oven and serve immediately. You can enjoy it as a side dish or toss it into salads, grain bowls, or pasta. For an extra touch of flavour, sprinkle with lemon zest, fresh herbs, or grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and serving suggestions to find your favourite way to enjoy roasted cauliflower!
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How to serve cauliflower cheese as a side dish
Cauliflower cheese is a classic British side dish that is easy to make and wonderfully comforting. It is a perfect blend of crunchy, juicy cauliflower and rich, creamy cheese sauce. The dish can be made ahead of time and is a great accompaniment to a range of meals.
To make cauliflower cheese, start by cutting a medium-sized cauliflower (around 700g) into florets. Boil the florets in salted water for 5-7 minutes until they are almost cooked. While the cauliflower is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. For a basic sauce, mix cornflour with milk and whisk until you have a thick, lump-free paste. Add grated cheese to taste—a strong mature cheddar is recommended for a sharper flavour. For an extra kick of flavour, add a hint of English mustard to the sauce.
Once the sauce is ready, drain the cauliflower and place it in an ovenproof dish. Pour the sauce over the cauliflower and sprinkle extra cheese on top. Bake in the oven at 180°C/350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden. For an extra crispy topping, add breadcrumbs.
Cauliflower cheese is a versatile side dish that can be served with a range of meals. It is a perfect complement to a roast dinner, especially roast chicken or beef. It can also be served as a healthier alternative to macaroni and cheese, pairing well with burgers, wraps, and roasted vegetables. For a lighter option, serve it with a simple mixed salad or steamed broccoli. To add some crunch, try serving it with gluten-free bread or garlic bread to soak up the cheese sauce.
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How to serve cauliflower cheese as a main course
Cauliflower cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side. Here are some tips on how to serve cauliflower cheese as a satisfying and delicious main course:
Choose Your Cheese
The type of cheese you use will have a significant impact on the flavour of your dish. A sharp English cheddar-like cheese, such as Red Leicester, is a popular choice due to its excellent flavour and orange colour. Other options include Swiss cheese, Jarslberg, Colby, or any other cheese that melts easily, such as Emmenthal. Grating your own cheese is recommended over buying pre-shredded cheese, as the anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese can make sauces powdery.
Prepare the Cauliflower
Cutting the cauliflower into evenly-sized florets is essential for even cooking. You can choose the size of the florets according to your preference, but ensure they are not overcooked. Lightly boil or steam the cauliflower until it is almost cooked but still has some bite to it. This will ensure it doesn't fall apart or become too soft during the baking process.
Make the Sauce
A classic béchamel sauce is a common choice for cauliflower cheese. To make it, create a thick paste by mixing cornflour with a small amount of milk. Whisk this paste into the remaining milk. When the sauce thickens, stir in a tablespoon of mustard (such as English or Dijon) and a couple of handfuls of grated cheese. The mustard adds a nice zing to the dish and pairs well with the cheddar. You can also experiment with adding breadcrumbs to the sauce for some crunch.
Baking
Place the drained, semi-cooked cauliflower in an oven-proof dish and pour the sauce over it. Sprinkle extra cheese on top and bake at 180°C/350°F for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden.
Serving Suggestions
Cauliflower cheese can be served as a main course on its own, but here are some side dish suggestions to complement it:
- Roast potatoes: Crispy, golden brown roasted potatoes with fluffy middles work wonderfully with the thick, cheesy sauce.
- Potato wedges: Seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, these are a simple yet delicious side.
- Mashed potatoes: A creamy and comforting side dish, though it may be heavy for some when paired with cauliflower cheese.
- Steamed broccoli, grilled asparagus, or green beans: These vegetables provide a fresh contrast to the richness of the cheese sauce, adding colour and nutrition to your meal.
- Sautéed mushrooms: Mushrooms have an earthy flavour and meaty texture that can enhance the taste profile of your main course.
- Salad: A simple garden salad with fresh vegetables and a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the cauliflower cheese.
- Bread: A slice of gluten-free bread or garlic bread can be excellent for soaking up the cheesy sauce.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, seasonings, and side dishes to create a cauliflower cheese main course that suits your taste!
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How to store leftover cauliflower cheese
If you have leftover cauliflower cheese, there are a few ways to store it to ensure it stays fresh and tasty. Firstly, you can keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. This is a good option if you plan to eat the leftovers soon, as it maintains the dish's original texture and flavour.
Another option is to freeze your leftover cauliflower cheese. This method can keep the dish edible for up to six months. To freeze cauliflower cheese, let it cool completely at room temperature, leaving it loosely covered. Once cooled, you can wrap the entire dish in foil and place it in a thick freezer bag or an airtight freezer container. If you plan to portion it out, skip the foil and place the individual portions directly into freezer bags or containers. It is important to note that freezing and reheating cauliflower cheese may affect its texture and appearance, particularly that of the sauce. The cheese sauce may become thin and watery, so adding extra cheese when reheating can help restore its creaminess. To avoid this issue altogether, you can cook the frozen cauliflower cheese without defrosting it first.
Additionally, leftover cauliflower cheese can be repurposed into new dishes. For example, you can blend it with stock or cream to make soup, add it to macaroni for a pasta bake, or use it as a layer in a lasagne. You can also turn it into cauliflower fritters by combining it with egg, flour, cheese, and seasonings, forming patties, and frying them.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to cook cauliflower cheese is to roast the cauliflower, then bake it in the oven with the cheese sauce. Boil the cauliflower florets for 5-7 minutes before roasting, but be careful not to overcook.
The best cheese to use is a strong mature cheddar, as the flavour can become diluted in the sauce. You can also use Gruyere, Red Leicester, or Parmesan.
Cauliflower cheese is a great side dish to a roast dinner, or it can be served as a main course with roast potatoes, potato wedges, or a simple salad.
