Kamil Perry
Cauliflower cheese is a classic British comfort food that can be served as a side or main. Its versatility makes it a perfect pairing for many dishes. Whether you're looking for a hearty meal or something light and refreshing, cauliflower cheese is a great option. Its creamy texture and cheesy taste pair well with a variety of dishes, from roast dinners to salads and even as a luxurious soup. With its blend of crunchy cauliflower and rich cheese sauce, it's a favourite in Britain and beyond.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main course | Bread and butter, gammon, bacon, caramelised onions, sausages, grilled tomatoes, fish fingers, jacket potatoes, rump steak, roast beef, lamb chops, beef Wellington, burgers, wraps, roast chicken, roast beef, baked cod, herb-crusted lamb, lentil soup, roasted vegetables, macaroni and cauliflower cheese pasta bake, toad in the hole, pancakes, beef, lamb |
| Side dish | Part of a roast dinner, roast potatoes, mashed potatoes, green vegetables (peas, broccoli, green salad), mixed salad, garlic bread, herbed focaccia, sweet potatoes, quinoa, spiced roasted vegetables (carrots, red onions), honey-glazed carrots, parsnips, roasted Brussels sprouts, Yorkshire puddings, fruit salad, breaded haddock, chips |
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What You'll Learn
Roast potatoes
Choosing the Right Potatoes and Oil
The type of potato you use can affect the final texture and taste of your roast potatoes. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are popular choices, but you can also use fingerling potatoes or create your own mix. When it comes to oil, a high-smoke-point oil like avocado oil, vegetable oil, or olive oil is recommended. However, some people prefer using duck fat or goose fat for extra flavour.
Parboiling the Potatoes
Parboiling is a crucial step in achieving the perfect roast potatoes. Start by peeling and quartering your potatoes. Place them in a saucepan with water and a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil and simmer for 5-6 minutes to partially cook the potatoes. For extra crispy potatoes, some people recommend adding a splash of vinegar to the water to control the breakdown of pectin, which holds the potatoes together. After parboiling, drain the potatoes and give them a good shake in a colander to rough up their edges, which will lead to a crispier texture.
Roasting the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F. While the oven is heating up, pour enough oil into a roasting pan to cover the bottom. Place the pan in the oven for a few minutes to heat up the oil. Carefully add the parboiled potatoes to the hot oil, ensuring they are coated evenly. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the potatoes for seasoning. Baste the potatoes in the hot oil every so often during cooking to prevent them from drying out. Turn the potatoes once or twice halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning. Cook for 30-60 minutes, keeping a close eye on them towards the end, until they are golden and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
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Bread
Cauliflower cheese is a classic British comfort food that can be served as a side or a main course. When served as a main, it goes well with a simple side of bread and butter. Crusty, chunky, or garlic bread can be used to mop up the excess cheese. For a gluten-free option, you can serve it with sweet potatoes or quinoa.
If you're looking for a more substantial meal, cauliflower cheese can be served with a classic British roast dinner. It pairs well with roast chicken, beef, or lamb, and can be a healthier substitute for macaroni and cheese. For a vegetarian option, serve it with lentil soup or roasted vegetables.
To add a gourmet touch to your meal, try serving cauliflower cheese with caramelised onion tart, beef Wellington, or herb-crusted lamb chops. You can also add protein-rich components like bacon, gammon, or sausage to make it a complete and hearty meal.
When served as a side, cauliflower cheese can accompany dishes such as burgers, wraps, fish fingers, or breaded haddock and chips. It can also be a part of a larger spread, including roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, and fruit salad.
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Salad
A simple mixed salad is a great way to complement cauliflower cheese, adding colour, nutrition and a bit of crunch to the dish. Here are some ideas for salads to serve with cauliflower cheese:
Green Salad
A green salad with lettuce, broccoli, peas, or other green vegetables can add a nice, fresh contrast to the richness of the cauliflower cheese. You could also include grilled tomatoes for a bit of extra flavour and texture.
Pomegranate Cauliflower Salad
For a unique twist, try a fresh pomegranate cauliflower salad. This salad combines the sweetness of pomegranate with the savoury flavours of cauliflower cheese.
Spiced Chickpea Salad
Another option is to make a spiced chickpea salad with baby cauliflower. The spiciness of the chickpeas will add a nice kick to the dish, while the baby cauliflower will provide a crunchy texture.
Fruit Salad
For a sweeter option, serve a fruit salad alongside the cauliflower cheese. This combination can add a refreshing touch to the meal, especially during the summer months.
Garden Salad
A crisp garden salad is another light and refreshing option to pair with cauliflower cheese. This simple salad typically includes a variety of fresh vegetables, such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots.
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Meat
Cauliflower cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a main course. When served as a side, it pairs well with a variety of meats, including:
Roast Meats
Roast beef, lamb, or chicken are classic choices to serve with cauliflower cheese. It can be a delicious substitute for potatoes or other vegetables in a traditional roast dinner.
Bacon and Gammon
Adding bacon or gammon to cauliflower cheese can elevate it to a hearty main course. For a complete meal, consider adding leftover gammon or pancetta cubes and topping it with tomato slices.
Sausages
Sausages are another meat option that pairs well with cauliflower cheese. It can be served as a hearty meal, especially when paired with mashed potatoes and peas.
Steak
For a more indulgent option, serve cauliflower cheese with a juicy rump steak. This combination offers a balance of flavours and textures.
Fish
Although not a meat, it is worth mentioning that fish is also a popular pairing with cauliflower cheese. Baked cod, breaded haddock, and fish fingers are all delicious options to consider.
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Vegetables
Cauliflower cheese is a classic British comfort food that can be served as a side dish or a main course. It pairs well with a variety of vegetables, offering something tasty for every preference.
If you're looking for a hearty meal, roast potatoes are a perfect match for cauliflower cheese. The crispy, golden brown outsides and fluffy middles of roast potatoes complement the thick, cheesy sauce and juicy cauliflower. Potato wedges seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper are another easy side dish option that goes well with cauliflower cheese.
For a lighter option, a simple mixed salad adds colour, nutrition, and a bit of crunch to your meal. Green vegetables like broccoli, peas, or grilled tomatoes can also provide a nice, fresh contrast to the richness of the dish. Spiced roasted vegetables, such as carrots, red onions, peppers, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes, add a colourful and spicy kick to your plate.
If you're a fan of potatoes but want something a little more indulgent, creamy dauphinoise potatoes or mashed potatoes are excellent choices to serve with cauliflower cheese. For a gourmet touch, caramelised onion tart or roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic vinegar can elevate your meal.
Whether served as a side or a main, cauliflower cheese's versatility allows it to pair beautifully with a variety of vegetables, creating delicious and satisfying meals.
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Frequently asked questions
Cauliflower cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a main. When served as a side, it goes well with roast chicken or beef. It can also be served as a vegetarian option with lentil soup or roasted veggies.
There are several side dishes that can accompany cauliflower cheese, including roast potatoes, mashed potatoes, and potato wedges. Green vegetables like broccoli, peas, or a simple mixed salad can also be served as a refreshing contrast to the creamy cheese sauce.
Yes, for a more gourmet meal, try serving creamy dauphinoise potatoes, a caramelised onion tart, or beef Wellington alongside cauliflower cheese.
Cauliflower cheese can be served simply with a piece of crusty bread and butter. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a satisfying and versatile dish.
