Recipe

Crispy Baked Cauliflower Cheese

Golden Baked Cauliflower Delight

4.6 out of 5

Indulge in the comforting flavors of British cuisine with this Crispy Baked Cauliflower Cheese recipe. This dish combines tender cauliflower florets with a creamy cheese sauce, topped with a crispy golden crust.

Vegetable Dish› Cauliflower Cheese

European cuisine› Northern European cuisine› Cuisines of the [[Islands of the North Atlantic]] (IONA)› British cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

30 minutes

Total time

50 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Gluten-free (if using gluten-free breadcrumbs), Nut-free, Low-carb (in moderation)

Allergens

Milk, Wheat (if using regular breadcrumbs)

Not suitable for

Vegan, Dairy-free

Ingredients

1 large cauliflower, cut into florets 1 large cauliflower, cut into florets
4 cups (950ml) milk 4 cups (950ml) milk
4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
4 tablespoons (32g) all-purpose flour 4 tablespoons (32g) all-purpose flour
2 cups (200g) grated cheddar cheese 2 cups (200g) grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 12g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 8g
Protein: 18g
Fiber: 4g
Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 5 minutes, until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
3.
In a separate saucepan, heat the milk until hot but not boiling.
4.
In another large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5.
Gradually whisk in the hot milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
6.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
7.
Place the blanched cauliflower florets in a baking dish and pour the cheese sauce over them, ensuring all the florets are coated.
8.
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the cauliflower.
9.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
10.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Cauliflower — Make sure to blanch the cauliflower until it is slightly tender, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Cheddar cheese — Use a good quality cheddar cheese for a rich and flavorful sauce.
Parmesan cheese — Grate the Parmesan cheese fresh for the best flavor.
Breadcrumbs — You can use store-bought breadcrumbs or make your own by processing stale bread in a food processor.

Tips & Tricks

For an extra crispy crust, drizzle a little melted butter over the breadcrumbs before baking.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a subtle kick of heat.
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere or blue cheese, to customize the flavor.
Serve the Crispy Baked Cauliflower Cheese as a main dish with a side salad or as a side dish alongside roasted meats.
Leftovers can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispy texture.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Baked Cauliflower Cheese hot, straight from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

Present the Crispy Baked Cauliflower Cheese in a baking dish or individual ramekins. The golden crust should be visible, enticing your guests with its crispy texture.