Cauliflower's Cheesy Affair: Best Cheese Pairings

Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that pairs well with a variety of cheeses. While some prefer the classic combination of cauliflower and cheddar, others experiment with more exotic pairings such as gorgonzola, gruyère, or even feta. The key is to find a cheese that enhances the natural sweetness of the cauliflower while adding a layer of complexity to the dish. Whether you're looking for a simple side dish or a decadent main course, the right cheese can take your cauliflower game to the next level.

Cheddar cheese sauce

How to Make Cheddar Cheese Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Method:

• Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the flour, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
• Slowly whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth.
• Add the shredded cheese and stir until it is completely melted and well combined.
• Pour the cheese sauce over boiled or roasted cauliflower florets and stir to coat.

Variations:

For a more indulgent sauce, you can substitute cream for milk or add additional cheeses like Gruyère or Parmesan. A touch of dry mustard powder will also add a nice zing to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

This cheesy cauliflower dish can be served as a comforting side with a wide range of meals, from steak and roast chicken to shepherd's pie and rotisserie chicken. It can also be the star of the show as a vegetarian main course.

Storage and Reheating:

Leftover cheesy cauliflower can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover the dish and warm it in the oven to prevent the top from burning. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring at intervals until hot.

Gruyère

When cooking with Gruyère, it is important to note that it is not the cheapest option, so it may be reserved for special occasions or when you want to create a truly exceptional dish. However, if you are looking for a more affordable alternative, you can substitute Swiss cheese (a mass-produced cheese in the style of Gruyère), Jarlsberg, Colby, or another melting cheese of your choice.

One delicious way to use Gruyère with cauliflower is in a classic British dish called Cauliflower Cheese. This dish consists of roasted cauliflower smothered in a creamy cheese sauce and baked until bubbly and golden. The combination of roasted cauliflower and melted Gruyère creates a decadent and indulgent side or main course that is sure to impress.

To make Cauliflower Cheese, start by roasting bite-sized cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. While the cauliflower is roasting, prepare the cheese sauce, also known as Mornay sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan, add flour to create a roux, and then slowly whisk in hot milk to create a smooth béchamel sauce. Stir in your choice of shredded cheese—Gruyère, in this case—and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. The cheese will thicken the sauce and add a burst of flavour.

Once your cheese sauce is ready, combine it with the roasted cauliflower florets, making sure to coat them evenly. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with more shredded Gruyère, and bake until bubbly, golden, and fabulous. This dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and will elevate your cauliflower game to a whole new level.

Parmesan

• The strong flavour of Parmesan cheese complements the neutral taste of cauliflower, allowing you to savour the cheese without it overpowering the other ingredients in your dish.
• The texture of Parmesan cheese pairs well with the creamy texture of cauliflower, resulting in a rich and decadent dish.
• The sharpness of Parmesan cheese balances out the sweetness of cauliflower, creating a dish that is neither too sweet nor too savoury.
• The nuttiness of Parmesan cheese goes well with the earthiness of cauliflower, adding depth of flavour to your meal.

When using Parmesan cheese with cauliflower, you can simply sprinkle it on top of roasted cauliflower or blend it with other ingredients to make a creamy sauce. You can also try mixing grated Parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs and thyme leaves to create a cheesy crumble topping for your cauliflower dish.

Feta

• Roasted cauliflower salad with feta, olives, and a simple vinaigrette
• Grilled vegetable pizza with feta cheese
• Orzo pasta salad with feta, cauliflower, tomatoes, and a light dressing
• Cauliflower fritters with a feta dipping sauce
• Rosemary-roasted cauliflower with crumbled feta on top

When choosing a cheese to pair with cauliflower, consider the vegetable's mild flavour and somewhat creamy texture. The right cheese can enhance the flavour of the cauliflower and elevate the dish. Feta is an excellent choice for those who want to add a tangy and salty kick to their meal without overpowering the other ingredients.

Additionally, the creamy texture of feta pairs well with the slight crunch of roasted or grilled cauliflower. The cheese can be crumbled or melted, offering a versatile option for various dishes. Whether you are looking for a tasty side dish or a hearty main course, feta and cauliflower is a combination worth exploring!

Roasted cauliflower

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Cheese of your choice (cheddar, Gruyère, Parmesan, or a combination)
• Optional: garlic, nutmeg, paprika, turmeric, or other spices

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F.
• In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Ensure they are well-coated.
• Spread the florets in a single layer on a large baking tray.
• Roast the cauliflower for 20-30 minutes, until they are mostly cooked, slightly coloured, and still a bit firm.
• While the cauliflower is roasting, prepare your cheese sauce (optional). Melt butter in a saucepan, add flour, and cook for 3 minutes over medium-low heat. Whisk in milk until smooth, then add shredded cheese and stir until melted.
• Remove the cauliflower from the oven and transfer to a serving dish.
• Pour the cheese sauce over the roasted cauliflower, ensuring everything is coated.
• Sprinkle with additional cheese, if desired.
• Return the dish to the oven and bake for a further 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.

Serving Suggestions:

Cheese Recommendations:

While any melting cheese will work, here are some specific recommendations to take your roasted cauliflower to the next level:

• Cheddar: Sharp, crumbly, aged cheddar adds a nutty flavour and contrasts well with the crispness of the vegetable.
• Gruyère: This semi-hard Swiss cheese has a nutty flavour and superior melting qualities, creating a silky smooth sauce.
• Parmesan: Rich, salty, and nutty, Parmesan pairs well with the neutral taste of cauliflower and enhances its sweetness.

Get creative and enjoy the magic of roasted cauliflower with cheese!

Frequently asked questions