Cheesy Comfort: Cauliflower's Perfect Main Course Partners

Cauliflower cheese is a classic British comfort food. It can be served as a side dish or a vegetarian main course. If you're looking for a main dish to serve with cauliflower cheese, consider roast chicken, beef, lamb, or pork. For a vegetarian option, try a simple mixed salad with a tangy vinaigrette or spiced roasted vegetables. If you're feeling indulgent, a bowl of creamy cauliflower cheese with some crispy garlic bread is a match made in heaven.

Roast chicken or beef

If you're looking for a main dish to accompany cauliflower cheese, roast chicken is an excellent option. This classic combination is a favourite for a reason—the tender, juicy chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy and indulgent cauliflower cheese, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal. The crispy skin of the chicken adds a delightful texture contrast to the smooth cheese sauce, and the delicate flavours of the meat complement the richness of the dish.

To elevate this pairing, consider using an herb-roasted chicken. The savoury and aromatic flavours of the herbs will enhance the overall flavour profile of the meal. You could also try slathering the chicken in herb and garlic butter for an extra flavour boost.

If you're looking for a simple and easy option, a basic roast chicken recipe will do the trick. But if you want to get a little more creative, try a slow-roast chicken with homemade gravy. This is a great option for a special occasion, like Mother's Day, and it's a meal that the whole family can get involved in making.

When serving roast chicken with cauliflower cheese, timing is important. To ensure your meal is hot and fresh, pop the cauliflower cheese in the oven when you take the chicken out to rest. That way, both dishes will be ready to serve at the same time.

Now, let's talk about beef as a main dish to go with cauliflower cheese. A classic beef steak is a surprisingly good pairing with cauliflower cheese. The charred, savoury flavours of a perfectly cooked steak create a delightful contrast with the creamy cheese sauce. The tenderness of the steak, along with its umami notes, enhances the overall dining experience, making it a surefire way to impress your guests.

If you're looking for a heartier option, try a beef roast. A standing rib roast, also known as prime rib, is the crème de la crème of beef roasts. It's a beautiful way to cook your meat, resulting in a juicy and flavourful dish that will be the star of your meal.

Another option is beef stroganoff. This classic dish features beef cubes slowly cooked in a rich, creamy sauce flavoured with wine and brandy. The tenderness of the beef and the indulgent sauce create a harmonious blend of flavours and textures that will leave you craving more.

For a unique twist on the classic steak, try sous vide ribeye steak. This cooking method ensures a perfect, tender steak every time, and when paired with the creamy and cheesy cauliflower, it creates a luxurious dining experience.

So, there you have it! Whether you choose roast chicken or beef as your main dish, you're sure to create a well-balanced and delicious meal when paired with cauliflower cheese.

Steaks

Cauliflower steaks are a popular vegetarian alternative to traditional meat dishes, but they can also be a delicious side to a juicy steak. Here are some ideas for what to serve with cauliflower steaks:

Middle Eastern Options

Middle Eastern-inspired dishes like saffron rice, quinoa, and carrot salad, or harissa hummus can complement cauliflower steaks nicely. Saffron rice, infused with spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cumin, is a feast for both the eyes and taste buds. Quinoa, a nutritious and grainy option, pairs well with the steaks, and can be enhanced with roasted vegetables, nuts, or a lemony dressing.

Simple Veggie Sides

Keep things simple with veggie sides like blistered tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms. Blistered tomatoes are sweet, juicy, and smoky, requiring only cherry tomatoes and olive oil. Sautéed mushrooms, cooked in garlic and butter, add an earthy flavour and juicy texture to the meal.

Hearty Options

For a heartier option, consider serving cauliflower steaks with mashed potatoes, eggplant Parmesan, or cauliflower and parsnip puree. Mashed potatoes, a classic side, bring a creamy comfort to the meal, and can be elevated with a touch of garlic or herbs. Eggplant Parmesan, with its layers of breaded eggplant, tomato sauce, and melted cheese, adds a luxurious and savory element. Cauliflower and parsnip puree, though it may seem like an overload of cauliflower, actually works well with charred cauliflower steaks, offering a creamy vegan option.

Creative Ideas

Get creative with options like caper salsa, pesto risotto, or cauliflower steak pizza. A zippy caper salsa, perhaps with added walnuts for crunch, will enhance the flavours of the steaks. A bright green spinach basil pesto risotto is a unique and tasty choice, offering a colourful presentation. Turning your cauliflower steak into a pizza is a fun idea that everyone will enjoy, especially with a variety of toppings.

Protein-Rich Sides

If you're looking for protein-rich sides, consider lentils or roasted chickpeas with tahini yoghurt. Lemon lentils can be served cold or hot, providing a nice contrast to the warm cauliflower steaks. Roasted chickpeas offer a vegan option that is both tasty and satisfying.

Meat Options

For meat lovers, chicken thighs or beef braciole can be delicious additions. Chicken thighs, when roasted to perfection, offer juicy, crispy-skinned protein to complement the mild taste of cauliflower steaks. Beef braciole, a classic Italian dish of thin slices of beef rolled with herbs and cheese, then simmered in tomato sauce, provides a luxurious and memorable side.

Lamb

One suggestion is lamb chops. The succulent and tender meat, with its robust and slightly gamey flavour, adds a touch of sophistication to the meal. The richness of the cheese sauce and the hearty lamb create an indulgent and memorable dining experience. The contrast between the creamy cheese sauce and the lamb chops makes for an elegant and satisfying combination.

Another option is a rack of lamb. The tender and juicy meat, with its rich and slightly gamey flavour, creates a wonderful contrast to the creamy cheese sauce of the cauliflower cheese. The combination of textures and flavours elevates the dining experience, making it a gourmet choice for those seeking to impress.

Additionally, roast lamb can be paired with cauliflower cheese. The juicy and flavourful lamb pairs well with the creamy and cheesy cauliflower, resulting in a comforting and satisfying meal. The savoury flavours of the lamb complement the richness of the cheese sauce, making it a perfect main course for a family dinner or special occasion.

When serving lamb with cauliflower cheese, consider adding a few side dishes to enhance the meal further. Roast potatoes, for example, would make a classic pairing, providing a crispy and fluffy contrast to the cheesy sauce. Steamed broccoli, peas, or green beans could also be served to add freshness and colour to the plate, while balancing the richness of the dish.

In conclusion, lamb in various forms can be an excellent choice to serve as a main dish alongside cauliflower cheese. The key lies in the contrast between the creamy, indulgent cheese sauce and the robust, slightly gamey flavour of the lamb, creating a sophisticated and memorable dining experience.

Pork

Cauliflower cheese is a classic British dish that can be served as a side or a main course. It goes well with a variety of main dishes, including meats such as roast chicken, beef, and pork.

If you're looking for a pork dish to serve with cauliflower cheese, here are some ideas to consider:

• Roast Pork with Crispy Crackling: This classic combination is mentioned by several sources as a perfect match for cauliflower cheese. The crispy crackling provides a textural contrast to the creamy dish, and the flavours complement each other beautifully.
• Pork Chops: Grilled or pan-seared pork chops can be a delicious main dish to serve with cauliflower cheese. For extra flavour, consider marinating the chops before cooking.
• Pulled Pork: This tender and tangy option is suggested by Corrie Cooks as a way to add some meat to the meal. The savoury sauce of the pulled pork will contrast nicely with the rich cheese sauce of the cauliflower.
• Pork Sausages: A hearty option to pair with cauliflower cheese, pork sausages can be a comforting and satisfying main dish.
• Gammon: Gammon steaks or slices are also recommended by several sources as an ideal pairing with cauliflower cheese. The salty, savoury flavour of gammon complements the creamy dish.

When serving cauliflower cheese with pork, consider rounding out the meal with some side dishes such as roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a simple garden salad. These additions will create a well-balanced and flavourful meal.

Fish

Baked or Grilled White Fish

If you're looking for a lighter option, baked or grilled white fish is a perfect choice. Sole, tilapia, halibut, or any other white fish will complement the richness of the cauliflower cheese. The mild flavour of white fish provides a nice contrast to the creamy and cheesy cauliflower.

Crispy Pan-fried Fish Fillets

For a quick and easy option, try crispy pan-fried fish fillets. The crispy exterior and moist interior of the fish fillets add texture and flavour to the meal. This dish is perfect for a speedy yet delicious weeknight dinner.

Grilled Shrimp

For a delicate and slightly sweet option, grilled shrimp is an excellent choice. The slight smokiness from the grill creates a perfect balance with the creamy cheese sauce. The combination of textures and flavours makes it a fantastic choice for seafood lovers.

Baked Cod

Baked cod is another delicious fish option to pair with cauliflower cheese. It is a favourite among many and can be easily prepared. The flaky white flesh of cod has a mild flavour that won't overpower the cauliflower cheese.

Grilled Salmon

Grilled salmon is a popular choice to pair with cauliflower cheese. The flaky and buttery texture of the salmon adds elegance to the dish, while its natural oils and smoky flavour complement the creamy cheese sauce. This combination creates a delightful balance of flavours that is both satisfying and refined.

Frequently asked questions