Delicious Pairings For Cauliflower Cheese: A Foodie's Guide

Cauliflower cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course. It is a British classic, often served as a comforting side dish with roast dinners, but it can also be a vegetarian main course. When served as a side, it goes well with roast chicken, lamb, or beef. As a vegetarian main, it pairs well with a jacket potato and vegetables. For meat-eaters, gammon is a popular choice to serve with cauliflower cheese, and it can also be served with sausages and mash.

Jacket potatoes

To make the perfect jacket potato, start by pricking the potato with a fork and cooking it in the microwave until tender. Then, spritz it with some cooking spray, and sprinkle over salt and pepper. Finally, bake the potato in a hot oven until it is golden brown and crispy.

You can add a variety of toppings to your jacket potato to complement the cauliflower cheese. For a balanced meal, add some green vegetables like peas and broccoli. You could also include grilled tomatoes, a leafy side salad, or a simple tomato salad with balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil.

If you're serving meat, jacket potatoes go well with gammon or ham. You could also include some crispy bacon bits or crumbled fried onions as a tasty topping.

Salads

If you want to get more creative, try a tomato salad. Chop up a variety of tomatoes, finely slice a red onion, and drizzle with balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. It is recommended to use room-temperature tomatoes for a deeper flavour.

Another option is a watercress and spinach salad with a mustardy dressing. This combination can help cut through the richness of the cauliflower cheese.

For a heartier salad, you can add protein like bacon or pancetta to any of the above combinations.

A garden salad with a light vinaigrette can also be a great complement to cauliflower cheese, providing a counterbalance to its richness.

Roasted vegetables

To make roasted vegetables, chop up a selection of vegetables such as red onion, peppers, courgette, beetroot, carrots, and sweet potatoes. You can also add garlic cloves and halves of lemon for extra flavour. Drizzle the vegetables with a little oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast in the oven until tender.

This simple side dish is a great way to add some extra nutrients and flavour to your meal. The sweetness of the roasted vegetables pairs well with the creamy cheese sauce of the cauliflower cheese. You can also experiment with different spices and herbs to add even more flavour to the dish.

If you're looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, roasted vegetables are a perfect choice to accompany cauliflower cheese. They are also a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables in a tasty and appetising way. So, go ahead and give them a try!

Sausages

Type of Sausages

You can choose from a variety of sausages to accompany your cauliflower cheese. Opt for classic pork sausages, or go for vegetarian or vegan sausages if you prefer a plant-based option. There are many types of sausages available, so feel free to experiment and find your favourite!

Sides and Accompaniments

While sausages and cauliflower cheese make a delicious duo, you can also add some sides to round out the meal. Here are some suggestions:

• Mash: For a classic comfort food combination, serve your sausages with creamy mashed potatoes. This can be a satisfying option, especially if you prefer a heartier meal.
• Gravy: While the combination of gravy and a cheesy sauce may be controversial for some, don't be afraid to add a generous helping of gravy to your plate. It can tie the dish together and make it even more indulgent.
• Vegetables: Don't forget to include some vegetables to balance out the meal. You can go for roasted vegetables like peppers, red onions, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. Or, if you prefer, steam or boil your greens, such as broccoli or green beans.
• Salad: If you're looking for something lighter to accompany your sausages and cauliflower cheese, a fresh, crunchy salad can be a great option. Include some lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, peppers, and carrots to add a vibrant and healthy element to your plate.

Presentation and Serving Suggestions

When it comes to presenting your sausages and cauliflower cheese, you can get creative. Here are a few ideas:

• Plating: Place the sausages and cauliflower cheese side by side on a plate, with a generous helping of mash and gravy. Garnish with some freshly chopped herbs for added flavour and colour.
• Skewers: If you're feeling adventurous, try threading the sausages and cauliflower florets onto skewers, alternating between the two. This can be a fun and unique way to serve your meal, perfect for a casual gathering or outdoor barbecue.
• Sharing Platter: Create a sharing platter with the sausages, cauliflower cheese, and various sides and accompaniments. This can be a fun and interactive way to serve the meal, allowing everyone to customise their plates.

Remember, the beauty of this combination is its versatility, so feel free to experiment with different types of sausages, sides, and serving styles to find your perfect sausage and cauliflower cheese masterpiece!

Gravy

While cauliflower cheese is a versatile dish that can be served on its own, it is also often served with gravy. Whether or not gravy is a suitable accompaniment to cauliflower cheese is a matter of personal preference. Some people argue that gravy has absolutely no place alongside a cheesy sauce, while others insist that lashings of gravy are essential. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide whether or not to include gravy when serving cauliflower cheese.

When serving gravy with cauliflower cheese, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the type of gravy used can make a difference. Some people prefer to use a traditional gravy made from meat drippings, while others may opt for a vegetarian or vegan alternative. Another consideration is the consistency of the gravy. A thicker, richer gravy may overpower the delicate flavour of the cauliflower cheese, so a thinner gravy may be more suitable.

Additionally, the temperature of the gravy is important. If the gravy is too hot, it can cause the cauliflower cheese to melt or become soggy. A cooler gravy, on the other hand, may not blend as well with the dish. Therefore, it is essential to find the right balance when heating the gravy.

Furthermore, the presentation of the gravy should be considered. Some people may prefer to drizzle the gravy over the cauliflower cheese, while others may opt for a separate gravy boat on the side. When serving gravy with cauliflower cheese, it is essential to ensure that the gravy does not overwhelm the dish. A light hand is often best when adding gravy to cauliflower cheese.

Lastly, when serving gravy with cauliflower cheese, it is a good idea to consider the other dishes being served. As cauliflower cheese is a rich and creamy dish, it may be best to pair it with lighter side dishes to balance the meal. For example, a fresh, crunchy salad or roasted vegetables can provide a contrast in textures and flavours that complement both the cauliflower cheese and the gravy.

Frequently asked questions