There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm and creamy Cheesy Cauliflower Bake! This dish is the perfect side for a roast dinner or a cozy weeknight meal. The cauliflower is baked in a rich, velvety cheese sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. It’s easy to prepare and tastes delicious. Let me show you how to make this simple, cheesy goodness!
Method
Prep the Cauliflower
Begin by preparing the cauliflower florets to ensure they cook evenly and retain their texture in the final dish. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the cauliflower florets and cook them for 5-6 minutes, or until they are slightly softened but still retain a bit of crunch. Avoid overcooking to prevent the florets from becoming mushy during baking. After boiling, drain the cauliflower thoroughly using a colander and set them aside to cool slightly while you prepare the cheese sauce.
Make the Cheese Sauce
Next, create the rich and velvety cheese sauce that will envelop the cauliflower. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of Flora Light butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and begins to bubble, add 2 tablespoons of flour to the saucepan. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula to form a roux, cooking the mixture for about 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color. This process helps to eliminate the raw flour taste and forms the base for your creamy sauce.
Season the Sauce
With the roux ready, it’s time to infuse the sauce with aromatic flavors. Gradually pour in 300ml of Bob milk (or your preferred milk) into the saucepan while whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue to stir the mixture until the sauce begins to thicken, indicating that the flour has fully incorporated. Add the bay leaf, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1 teaspoon of white pepper, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt to the sauce. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly. Next, incorporate 55g of Seriously Strong Light Spreadable Cheese into the sauce, whisking until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Finally, add 30g of grated cheddar cheese and 1 teaspoon of lazy garlic, stirring until all the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce reaches a luscious consistency. Remove the bay leaf from the sauce before proceeding to the next step.
Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for baking. Prepare an ovenproof baking dish by either spraying it with oil or lining it with greaseproof paper to prevent sticking. Place the boiled cauliflower florets evenly into the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the cauliflower, ensuring all florets are generously coated. Sprinkle the remaining grated cheddar cheese on top of the sauce to create a golden, bubbly crust. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. This baking process allows the flavors to meld together and the cheese to develop a delightful, crispy topping.
Serve
Once baked to perfection, remove the Cheesy Cauliflower Bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set. This resting period makes it easier to serve without the cheese sauce spilling out. Transfer the bake to serving plates and enjoy it as a comforting side dish alongside your favorite roast dinner or as a cozy weeknight meal on its own. The creamy cheese sauce paired with tender cauliflower florets creates a deliciously satisfying dish that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike.
Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
Equipment
- Medium saucepan (for the sauce)
- Large pot (for boiling cauliflower)
- Whisk (for stirring the sauce)
- Ovenproof baking dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 300 ml Bob milk or your preferred milk
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp Flora Light butter or any light butter spread
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 55 g Seriously Strong Light Spreadable Cheese
- 30 g cheddar grated
- 1 medium cauliflower cut into florets
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until slightly soft. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Step 3: Season the Sauce. Add the bay leaf, nutmeg, white pepper, black pepper, and salt to the sauce. Stir well. Then, add the spreadable cheese and whisk until smooth and creamy. Remove the bay leaf before pouring the sauce.
- Step 4: Assemble and Bake. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the boiled cauliflower florets in an ovenproof baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower. Sprinkle the grated cheddar on top. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Step 5: Serve. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy cauliflower bake!
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Cauliflower: Boil the cauliflower just until slightly soft, as it will cook further in the oven.
- Stir the Sauce Constantly: Keep whisking to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the salt and pepper in the sauce to match your preference.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this dish with a roast dinner or grilled chicken for a hearty meal.
- Serve alongside steamed veggies or a fresh salad for a balanced plate.
- Add some crispy breadcrumbs on top before baking for extra crunch.
Fun Fact
Did you know cauliflower is part of the cabbage family? It’s a super versatile vegetable that’s low in calories and packed with vitamins like C and K. It’s the perfect base for creamy dishes like this one!
Conclusion
This Cheesy Cauliflower Bake is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s simple to make but full of flavor. The creamy cheese sauce and tender cauliflower make it the perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or enjoying it as leftovers the next day, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and let me know how much you love it! 🧀🌿