Whole Baked Cauliflower Cheese Recipe
Introduction
This whole baked cauliflower cheese is a comforting and impressive vegetarian dish that highlights tender cauliflower smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Perfect as a hearty side or a satisfying main, it’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 large cauliflower (about 1kg)
- 50g unsalted butter
- 50g plain flour
- large pinch of sweet smoked paprika
- 600ml whole milk
- 2 tsp English mustard
- 170g mature cheddar, gruyère, comté or a mixture
- ½ bunch of chives, finely chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil. Remove any large leaves from the cauliflower, leaving smaller ones attached. Carefully lower the cauliflower into the boiling water and cook for 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/gas mark 4. In a medium pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and smoked paprika, cooking for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Step 3: Remove the pan from heat and gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth. Stir in the English mustard, then return the pan to heat and bring the sauce to a boil, whisking continuously.
- Step 4: Add two-thirds of the cheese to the sauce and whisk until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Place the boiled cauliflower in the center of a deep baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Step 6: Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Remove from the oven and scatter chopped chives over the dish before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce before baking.
- If you prefer a crisper topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the cheese before baking.
- Try mixing different cheeses like gruyère and comté for a richer taste.
- Use Dijon mustard if you don’t have English mustard for a milder heat.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 160°C oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving to preserve the texture of the cheese sauce.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the cauliflower in advance?
Yes, you can boil the cauliflower a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. When ready, prepare the cheese sauce and bake as directed for best results.
What can I serve with whole baked cauliflower cheese?
This dish pairs well with simple green salads, crusty bread, or roasted meats for a complete meal.
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Whole Baked Cauliflower Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This whole baked cauliflower cheese is a comforting and delicious vegetarian main dish featuring a tender whole cauliflower cooked in a creamy, smoked paprika-infused cheese sauce. The cauliflower is boiled until just tender, then generously covered with a rich cheddar and Gruyère cheese sauce and baked until bubbling and golden brown. Finished with fresh chives, this dish makes a perfect centerpiece for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Cauliflower
- 1 large cauliflower (about 1kg)
Cheese Sauce
- 50g unsalted butter
- 50g plain flour
- large pinch of sweet smoked paprika
- 600ml whole milk
- 2 tsp English mustard
- 170g mature cheddar, gruyère, comté or a mixture
- ½ bunch of chives, finely chopped
Instructions
- Boil the Cauliflower: Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Remove any large outer leaves from the cauliflower but leave smaller ones intact. Carefully lower the whole cauliflower into the boiling water and cook for 15 minutes until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas mark 4. In a medium pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the plain flour and smoked paprika, cooking for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Remove the pan from the heat and gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the English mustard. Return the pan to the heat and bring to a boil while whisking continuously to thicken. Add two-thirds of the cheese and whisk until melted and smooth. Season the sauce to taste.
- Assemble and Bake: Place the boiled cauliflower in the center of a deep baking dish. Pour the prepared cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the sauce is golden brown, bubbly, and cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and scatter the finely chopped chives over the top. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
Notes
- For a different flavor, try mixing different cheeses such as Comté or Gruyère with the mature cheddar.
- The smoked paprika adds a subtle depth and warmth to the cheese sauce, but you can adjust the amount to taste or omit it if you prefer a milder sauce.
- Make sure not to overboil the cauliflower to avoid it becoming mushy; it should be tender but still hold its shape.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated; additional milk may be needed to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: baked cauliflower cheese, whole cauliflower recipe, vegetarian cheese bake, cheesy cauliflower, comfort food, British recipe
