best Cauliflower Cheese Recipe

Cauliflower cheese is one of those classic comfort food dishes that never goes out of style. Whether you’re craving a rich side dish for your roast dinner or a comforting treat to enjoy on a cozy night in, this recipe for Cauliflower Cheese Recipe will exceed all your expectations. It’s creamy, cheesy, and utterly indulgent. Combining roasted cauliflower with a smooth, flavorful Mornay cheese sauce creates a dish that is both luxurious and satisfying. Whether served on its own or as an accompaniment to your main course, this dish is sure to win over hearts and appetites alike. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, so you can modify it to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

If you’re looking for another indulgent dish that brings both comfort and flavor, you might want to check out this Cheddar Bay Biscuit Ground Beef Cobbler. It’s a rich, satisfying meal that’s sure to make your taste buds happy!

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Why You’ll Love This Cauliflower Cheese Recipe

There are countless reasons why cauliflower cheese has earned a spot in kitchens all over the world. First and foremost, it’s the creamy cheese sauce that elevates the roasted cauliflower, creating a dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. With the addition of cheddar and gruyère, this cauliflower cheese has depth and richness, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Moreover, it’s simple to prepare and requires minimal ingredients. You can make it ahead of time and store it for later, making it perfect for meal prep or to bring to potlucks. The texture of the roasted cauliflower combined with the smooth cheese sauce makes for a perfectly balanced bite. The subtle nuttiness from the nutmeg and the slight tang from the cheese add layers of flavor that keep you coming back for more.

What makes this dish even more amazing is that it’s suitable for various occasions, from holiday meals to weeknight dinners. You can serve it as a standalone dish, or alongside roasted meats like chicken or lamb. Its versatility ensures it’s a perfect fit for any table.

If you’re looking for a dish that brings comfort and flavor, this Cauliflower Cheese Recipe recipe is one that you’ll want to make time and again. Let’s dive into how you can make this dish perfectly at home!

Ingredients Breakdown and Measurements

Before you get started, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to create this Cauliflower Cheese Recipe. Here’s the full list:

• 1kg / 2 lb cauliflower florets (This is about 1 very large, 1 ½ medium, or 2 small cauliflower heads)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• ½ tsp sea salt
• 1/8 tsp pepper
• For the cheese sauce (Mornay sauce):
  • 60g / 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 ½ tbsp plain / all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup full-fat milk (the richer, the better!)
  • 1 cup cream (Alternatively, use more milk if you prefer)
  • ½ tsp cooking salt (kosher salt works best)
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg powder (freshly grated for the best flavor)
  • 1 cup Red Leicester cheese (or cheddar, as an alternative)
  • ½ cup gruyère cheese (or any other melting cheese of choice)
• For the topping:
  • ½ cup Red Leicester cheese, grated (or cheddar)
  • ½ cup gruyère cheese, grated (or other melting cheese of your choice)

This combination of simple ingredients will create the most indulgent, cheesy cauliflower dish you can imagine!

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Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cauliflower Cheese Recipe

Roast the Cauliflower

Start by preheating your oven to 220°C / 430°F (200°C fan). While the oven is heating up, take your cauliflower florets and toss them in 2 tbsp olive oil, sea salt, and pepper. Make sure each floret is well-coated with the oil and seasoning.

Next, spread the cauliflower evenly on a large baking tray. Roast it in the oven for about 20 minutes. You don’t want to overcook the cauliflower; it should still have a little firmness, with some lovely color. After roasting, take it out of the oven, and don’t forget to turn the oven temperature down to 180°C / 350°F for the next step.

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Make the Mornay Cheese Sauce

To start making the cheese sauce, heat your milk and cream in a saucepan or microwave until they’re hot. The milk should be steaming, but not boiling. You can do this ahead of time and keep it on standby.

In a separate large saucepan or small pot, melt 60g butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add 3 ½ tbsp flour and whisk it continuously to form a roux. Cook this for about 3 minutes, stirring regularly to avoid burning, until the flour is lightly golden.

Now, start adding your hot milk and cream mixture. Begin by slowly pouring in half of the milk while stirring constantly, ensuring the flour dissolves into the milk. Once the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, pour in the rest of the milk and keep stirring. Let it cook for an additional minute until the sauce is nice and thick.

Next, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in your salt, nutmeg powder, and both cheeses (Red Leicester and gruyère). Stir until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce becomes rich and velvety.

Combine the Cauliflower and Cheese Sauce

Once your cauliflower is roasted and your cheese sauce is ready, it’s time to bring them together. Add the roasted cauliflower florets to the pot with the cheese sauce and gently toss them until all the cauliflower is coated with the sauce.

Assemble and Bake

Transfer the cheesy cauliflower mixture into a 2L / 2qt baking dish (30 x 20 x 5 cm or 12 x 8 x 2 inches). Sprinkle the remaining cheese (Red Leicester and gruyère) evenly over the top. Bake the cauliflower in the oven at 180°C / 350°F for about 30 minutes. You want the top to be golden and bubbly, with the cheese slightly crisped for texture.

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Serve

Once out of the oven, let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving. If desired, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for added color and freshness. The cauliflower cheese is ready to serve—creamy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible.

What You Need to Make Cauliflower Cheese Recipe

Here’s a quick checklist of the kitchen tools you’ll need to make this mouth-watering Cauliflower Cheese Recipe:

• Baking tray for roasting the cauliflower
• Large saucepan or small pot for the cheese sauce
• Whisk for stirring the roux and sauce
• Baking dish to assemble the cauliflower cheese
• Oven mitts for handling hot dishes
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring

Tips for Perfecting Cauliflower Cheese Recipe

To ensure your Cauliflower Cheese Recipe turns out perfectly every time, here are some tips to follow:

• Don’t overcook the cauliflower: It should be roasted, not mushy. You want it to have a little bite after it’s baked with the sauce.
• Use full-fat milk and cream: For the creamiest, most indulgent sauce, avoid using low-fat alternatives.
• Experiment with different cheeses: While Red Leicester and gruyère are classic, feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like mozzarella, fontina, or even Parmesan for a sharper taste.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the cauliflower and cheese sauce in advance, and simply assemble and bake when you’re ready.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Cauliflower Cheese Recipe

While this Cauliflower Cheese Recipe is fairly simple, there are a few common mistakes you should avoid:

• Overcooking the cauliflower: If the cauliflower is too soft when roasted, it will become mushy when baked. Make sure it’s slightly firm after roasting.
• Not stirring the roux enough: The flour can clump if you don’t stir it enough, leading to a lumpy sauce. Keep stirring to create a smooth texture.
• Using cold milk: Always heat your milk and cream before adding it to the roux. Cold milk can cause the sauce to seize up and become lumpy.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas

This cauliflower cheese makes a perfect side dish, but it can also shine as a main dish. For a classic pairing, serve it alongside a roast chicken or lamb. If you’re going vegetarian, pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a satisfying meal. You can also serve it with roast potatoes for a hearty, comforting dinner.

For a more festive presentation, consider sprinkling some fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary) on top or drizzle a little olive oil for a glossy finish.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers Properly

Cauliflower cheese makes excellent leftovers! Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat:

• In the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F and bake for 10–15 minutes until heated through.
• In the microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 1 month. To reheat from frozen, bake at 180°C / 350°F for 40 minutes or until hot throughout.

Variations and Recipe Swaps You Can Try

This dish is incredibly flexible, and you can adjust it to suit your preferences. Here are some fun ideas to mix things up:

• Spicy cauliflower cheese: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a bit of heat.
• Vegan version: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cheese to create a vegan-friendly version.
• Add more veggies: Try adding spinach, broccoli, or even mushrooms to the cheese sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Make it extra cheesy: If you love cheese, add a double layer of cheese on top to create an even more indulgent, gooey topping.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make cauliflower cheese without cream?
Yes, you can replace the cream with more milk, though it will be slightly less rich.

What’s the best cheese for cauliflower cheese?
Red Leicester and gruyère are great choices, but you can use any melting cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or fontina.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, frozen cauliflower works too. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before roasting to prevent excess moisture.

How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a little heat.

Conclusion & Call to Action

There you have it—a creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible Cauliflower Cheese recipe. Whether you’re enjoying it as a comforting side or making it the star of the show, this dish is sure to please every palate. It’s perfect for family meals, holidays, or just a cozy night in. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments!

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