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Creamy Cauliflower Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 90 reviews

A classic comfort food, Cauliflower Cheese features tender cauliflower florets smothered in a rich and creamy cheddar cheese sauce, baked to golden perfection. This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats or can be enjoyed as a warming vegetarian main.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets (about 600g)

Cheese Sauce

  • 50g unsalted butter
  • 50g all-purpose flour
  • 600ml whole milk
  • 200g mature cheddar cheese, grated
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: a pinch of nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Cook the Cauliflower: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 5-7 minutes until just tender but still firm. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, making sure it doesn’t brown. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Remove from heat and stir in most of the grated cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using.
  3. Combine and Bake: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Place the drained cauliflower in a baking dish and pour the cheese sauce over it, covering all the florets. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • You can add a breadcrumb topping for extra crunch by sprinkling breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter on top before baking.
  • For a lighter version, use semi-skimmed milk and reduce the butter by half.
  • Try adding a little mustard powder or Worcestershire sauce to the cheese sauce for an extra flavor boost.
  • This dish pairs well with roast dinners or can be served alongside grilled chicken or fish.
  • To make it gluten free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or cornstarch.

Keywords: cauliflower cheese, baked cauliflower, cheesy cauliflower bake, comfort food, vegetarian side dish

Find it online: https://recipeswithria.com/creamy-cauliflower-cheese-recipe/