Randy Chandler
Cauliflower and broccoli cheese is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course. While it is tasty enough to be enjoyed on its own, perhaps with some crusty bread, there are plenty of options for what to serve with it. For a lighter option, a simple mixed salad or some grilled vegetables can add a refreshing crunch. If you're after something more substantial, cauliflower and broccoli cheese can be served with roast or mashed potatoes, gammon, or bacon for a savoury twist.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Salads | Green salad, watercress and spinach salad, mixed salad, pomegranate cauliflower salad, quinoa salad |
| Meat | Gammon, bacon, beef Wellington, lamb, pork, steak, sausages, roast chicken |
| Fish/Seafood | Salmon, cod, tilapia, scallops, crab legs, lobster tail |
| Vegetables | Broccoli, peas, mushrooms, mange tout, carrots, parsnips, red onions, Brussels sprouts, Mediterranean vegetables, asparagus, green beans |
| Bread | Bread and butter, focaccia, garlic bread |
| Sauces | Vinaigrette, basil pesto, tahini sauce, red pepper dressing, hollandaise |
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What You'll Learn
Salads
Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
This salad is a perfect side dish to serve with your main course. It includes raw broccoli and cauliflower florets, crispy bacon bits, cheese cubes (Colby Jack, cheddar, mozzarella, or feta), red onion, and a creamy dressing made with Greek yoghurt, mayonnaise, and/or sour cream. You can also add some sunflower seeds or chopped almonds for a nuttier crunch. This salad can be prepared ahead of time and served chilled or at room temperature.
Broccoli Salad
If you want a salad that focuses more on broccoli, you can make a broccoli salad. This salad includes raw broccoli florets, cheese cubes or shredded cheese (Colby, cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella), red onion, and a creamy dressing. You can also add other ingredients such as sunflower seeds, green onions, and crispy bacon pieces.
Cauliflower Salad
Similarly, you can make a cauliflower-focused salad. This salad includes raw cauliflower florets, cheese cubes or shredded cheese, and a creamy dressing. You can also add other ingredients such as bacon, red onion, and sunflower seeds.
Additional Salad Ideas
You can also experiment with other salad combinations to serve with your cauliflower and broccoli cheese. Here are some ideas:
- Grilled chicken salad: Combine grilled chicken with onions, cheese, and a dressing of your choice.
- Onion burger salad: Mix onion burgers or smash burgers with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and a dressing.
- Pork chop salad: Toss grilled pork chops with lettuce, onions, and a vinaigrette dressing.
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Meat
If you're looking for a hearty meal, serving meat with cauliflower and broccoli cheese is a great option. Here are some meat options that will complement the dish:
Tenderloin Fillet Steak
For a luxurious meal, serve your cauliflower and broccoli cheese with a tender fillet steak. The rich gravy adds depth of flavour and makes it a perfect Sunday lunch main. This combination is a classic for a reason!
Pulled Pork
Pulled pork is an adventurous and mouthwatering choice to serve with cauliflower and broccoli cheese. The tangy sauce of the pulled pork plays off nicely against the creamy cheese sauce. It adds a succulent and tender texture to the dish, making it a flavourful and interesting addition.
Gammon
Salty gammon slices or cubes are a perfect contrast to the mild, creamy flavour of cauliflower and broccoli cheese. It adds protein and makes the meal more filling and decadent. Serve it with some peas on the side for a pop of colour.
Bacon
Smoked bacon adds a crispy texture and a savoury note to the dish. It can be added to the cheese sauce or served as a side. Bacon provides a good source of protein and makes the meal more satisfying.
Chicken
Roast chicken is a delicious option to serve with cauliflower and broccoli cheese. It provides a lean protein source that complements the richness of the dish. Chicken can be prepared in a variety of ways to suit your taste, such as herb-roasted or barbecue-style.
These meat options will enhance the flavours and textures of cauliflower and broccoli cheese, creating a well-rounded and indulgent meal.
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Roasted vegetables
For a Mediterranean twist, try roasting vegetables like peppers, aubergine, courgette, and red onion, and seasoning them with Cajun spices or classic oregano. This will add a juicy, flavourful element to the dish.
If you're looking for a more gourmet side, try roasting the vegetables with balsamic vinegar, or serving them with fruit salad on the side. Roasted vegetables and cauliflower and broccoli cheese can also be served with a protein-rich component like steak, salmon, or bacon to make a complete, hearty meal.
For a brunch option, serve the roasted vegetables with a blender hollandaise sauce. This will add a creamy, tangy element to the dish.
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Bread
Crispy Breadcrumbs
Create a crispy, crunchy texture by incorporating breadcrumbs into your cauliflower and broccoli cheese dish. You can make fresh breadcrumbs by blitzing bread in a food processor, as suggested by Jamie Oliver. For extra flavour, toss the breadcrumbs with thyme leaves, almonds, olive oil, and a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoned breadcrumbs on top of your bake and broil until golden. This method adds a delightful textural contrast to your dish.
Cheesy Bread Topping
For an indulgent twist, combine breadcrumbs with cheese to create a decadent topping. You can use a variety of cheeses such as cheddar, parmesan, or mozzarella. Simply sprinkle the cheese over the breadcrumbs before baking, or mix the cheese with the breadcrumbs for an even cheesier experience. This combination of melted cheese and crispy breadcrumbs is sure to elevate your cauliflower and broccoli bake.
Consider serving your cauliflower and broccoli cheese with a side of crusty bread. The bread can be used to soak up the delicious cheese sauce, providing a hearty and satisfying element to your meal. Look for a crusty loaf with a chewy texture to contrast the creaminess of the dish. Bread also serves as a practical carrier, making it easier to scoop up every last bit of the cheesy goodness.
If you're looking for a way to bind your cauliflower and broccoli cheese together, breadcrumbs can be a useful ingredient. When mixed with eggs, breadcrumbs can act as a binding agent, helping to hold the ingredients together. This is especially useful if you're forming patties or cakes with your cauliflower and broccoli cheese mixture. The breadcrumbs will give your creation a better texture and help it hold its shape.
Customization Ideas
Feel free to experiment with different types of bread to find your preferred flavour and texture. For a nuttier flavour, consider using rye bread or a multigrain loaf. You can also play around with different herbs and spices in your breadcrumb mixture to add extra depth of flavour. For a touch of heat, try adding crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika. Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can also enhance the aroma and taste of your dish.
With these ideas, you can incorporate bread in creative ways to enhance your cauliflower and broccoli cheese experience. Whether you use breadcrumbs for texture, pair it with crusty bread, or experiment with different flavours, bread is a versatile companion to this classic dish.
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Sauces
Cauliflower and broccoli cheese is a delicious dish, perfect as a side or a main. If you're looking for sauces to serve with this dish, there are several options to choose from.
Firstly, you could try a tangy vinaigrette. This will cut through the richness of the cheese and add a sharp, tangy flavour. You can also add extra ingredients to your vinaigrette, such as beetroot, cucumber, spring onions, or tinned tuna, for added texture and flavour.
Another option is to serve the dish with a mustardy dressing. This will add a sharp, pungent kick to your meal and pair well with the cheese.
If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, a hollandaise sauce is a perfect choice. This classic French sauce is rich, creamy, and decadent—the ultimate comfort food. For an extra special touch, you could even add some truffle oil or chopped herbs to your hollandaise.
For those who enjoy spicy food, a red pepper dressing can add a lovely kick to the dish. Alternatively, a drizzle of basil pesto or tahini sauce will also complement the flavours of the cheese and vegetables.
Finally, for a simple yet classic option, a cheese sauce is always a good choice. You can make this from scratch by melting butter, adding flour and milk, and then stirring in grated cheese until you have a smooth, creamy sauce. This sauce can also be adapted by adding different herbs and spices to suit your taste.
So, there you have it! A variety of sauce options to elevate your cauliflower and broccoli cheese dish.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several options to serve alongside cauliflower and broccoli cheese, including:
- Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, red onions, and Brussels sprouts.
- Salad, such as a simple mixed salad, a green salad, or a quinoa salad.
- Bread, such as crusty bread, garlic bread, or herbed focaccia.
You can add several ingredients to cauliflower and broccoli cheese to enhance the flavour and texture, including:
- Meat, such as bacon, sausages, gammon, or pancetta cubes.
- Vegetables, such as mushrooms, mange tout, beetroot, cucumber, or tinned tuna.
- Spices and herbs, such as smoked paprika, sea salt, black pepper, or garlic.
Cauliflower and broccoli cheese can be served as a side dish with a variety of main courses, including:
- Meat, such as roast chicken, lamb, or steak.
- Fish, such as salmon, cod, or tilapia.
- Other dishes, such as burgers, wraps, toad in the hole, or a Sunday roast.
