Cauliflower's Cheesy Affair: Perfect Cheese Pairing Guide

Cauliflower cheese is a classic British side dish that goes well with many meals. It is made by coating cauliflower in a creamy cheese sauce and is often served as a side with a roast dinner. However, it can also be served as a main course with a range of sides. So what are the best cheeses to use, and what sides complement this dish?

Salty meats

Gammon

Thick slices of gammon are a popular choice to serve with cauliflower cheese. It adds a salty contrast to the milder, creamier flavour of the dish. Gammon is often served with peas and sometimes a jacket potato.

Bacon

Crispy bacon is another tasty option to accompany cauliflower cheese. It can be grilled or added to the dish itself. Bacon brings a savoury, salty flavour that pairs well with the creamy cheese sauce.

Ham

Roast or slow-roasted honey ham is a delicious pairing with cauliflower cheese. The saltiness of the ham complements the cheese sauce, creating a comforting combination.

Sausages

Sausages, particularly with mashed potatoes, are a hearty option to serve with cauliflower cheese. They add a savoury, meaty element to the meal.

Roast Chicken

Cauliflower cheese is a classic side dish for roast chicken, often served with roast potatoes. The flavours and textures of the two dishes create a perfect pairing.

Pulled Pork

For a tangy twist, pulled pork is an interesting addition to cauliflower cheese. The savoury, tangy sauce of the pulled pork plays off the creamy cheese sauce.

Bread

If you're looking for something more indulgent, garlic bread is a popular choice. The buttery, garlic-infused slices are great for mopping up the creamy cheese sauce. For an extra savoury kick, you could even try herbed focaccia.

For a lighter option, you could try a gluten-free, low-carb cauliflower cheese bread. This bread is made with cauliflower, eggs, spices, and cheese, providing a delicious garlic bread substitute without the carbs. It's a great side option for Italian dishes like chicken or eggplant Parmesan, and it's also keto-friendly.

So, whether you're looking for a classic slice of bread and butter, a more indulgent garlic bread, or a gluten-free and low-carb alternative, there are plenty of bread options to accompany your cauliflower cheese.

Jacket potato

Ingredients

• 1 large baking potato per person
• Cauliflower florets
• Butter
• Cornflour
• Milk
• Cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil
• Salad (optional)

Method

• Preheat the oven to 200°C.
• Scrub the potatoes and prick them all over with a fork. Rub the skins with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
• Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 1 hour, or until tender.
• While the potatoes are baking, prepare the cauliflower cheese. Chop the cauliflower into small florets and bring a pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
• Blanch the cauliflower florets in the boiling water for 3-5 minutes, then drain and set aside.
• In a separate saucepan, melt a knob of butter over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of cornflour and whisk to form a smooth paste.
• Gradually add milk to the butter and cornflour mixture, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Season with salt and pepper.
• Continue to cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring regularly, until it thickens. This should take around 5-10 minutes.
• Once the sauce has thickened, add grated cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
• Place the blanched cauliflower florets into a baking dish and pour the cheese sauce over them. Sprinkle additional cheese on top, if desired.
• When the potatoes are tender, remove them from the oven and slice each one lengthwise. Fluff the inside of the potato with a fork and season with salt and pepper.
• Top each potato with a generous serving of cauliflower cheese.
• Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve the jacket potatoes with a side salad, if desired.

Tips

• For a crispier skin, rub the potatoes with olive oil instead of pricking them with a fork before baking.
• If you prefer a stronger flavour, use mature or sharp cheddar cheese for the sauce.
• You can also add English mustard to the sauce for an extra kick.
• To make the dish gluten-free, use cornflour instead of plain flour in the cheese sauce.

Green vegetables

Steamed Broccoli

The mild bitterness of broccoli creates a well-rounded meal when paired with the rich cheese sauce.

Peas

A classic, peas are a great way to add a fresh, crunchy contrast to the creaminess of the cauliflower cheese.

Green Beans

Cooked until just crispy, green beans offer a textural contrast to the creaminess of the cheese sauce. They can be sautéed in a little olive oil and garlic for a simple yet delicious side dish.

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus adds a slightly smoky flavour to your meal. Drizzled with a little olive oil, salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice, grilled asparagus is a light and nutritious option.

Salad

A simple, mixed salad with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes and a tangy vinaigrette can add a refreshing element to your meal.

Spinach

Spinach is a great way to add some greenery to your meal. It can be served cooked or raw, and pairs well with the other flavours in cauliflower cheese.

Salad

A salad is a refreshing side dish to serve with cauliflower cheese. It can be a simple garden salad with fresh vegetables and a light vinaigrette, or you can add ingredients like beetroot, cucumber, spring onions, and tinned tuna for more texture and flavour.

A green salad is a must when eating cauliflower cheese, as it provides a contrast to the rich and creamy dish. Crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes with a tangy dressing complement the cauliflower cheese without overwhelming it.

Additionally, a tomato salad is a perfect pairing with cauliflower cheese. Tomatoes are full of vitamins and nutrients, adding a burst of colour and freshness to the dish.

To make your salad even more substantial, you can include some protein like tuna or chicken, and serve it with the cauliflower cheese as a hearty main course.

For a lighter option, a simple mixed salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also cut through the richness of the cauliflower cheese, especially if it's served as a side dish alongside other hearty foods.

Frequently asked questions