There’s something about roasted cauliflower that makes it the star of any meal. This recipe elevates the humble cauliflower into a creamy, cheesy dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a side dish at your next gathering. My mum’s classic roast wouldn’t be the same without this Cauliflower Cheese, and I’m so excited to share how to make it! With its rich cheese sauce and golden baked topping, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.
Method
Prepare the cauliflower
Start by removing the outer leaves and core of the cauliflower. Break the cauliflower into florets, ensuring they are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets to the boiling water and cook them for 5-6 minutes. The cauliflower should be slightly softened but not fully cooked at this stage, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This pre-cooking helps to ensure the cauliflower is tender in the final dish. Drain the cauliflower florets in a colander, allowing any excess water to drain away. While the cauliflower cools slightly, you can begin preparing the cheese sauce.
Make the cheese sauce
In a medium-sized pot, melt the butter (Flora Light in this case) over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, stir in the flour. Continuously stir the butter and flour together for about a minute to create a roux. This roux is the cheese sauce’s base and helps thicken it. Gradually whisk in the milk (bob milk in this recipe) into the roux, making sure there are no lumps. Whisking continuously is key to a smooth sauce. Add the bay leaf, nutmeg, white pepper, black pepper, and salt to the sauce. These spices add depth and complexity to the flavor. Continue stirring the sauce over medium heat until it thickens. This should take several minutes. Once the sauce has thickened, remove the bay leaf. Stir in the light spreadable cheese (such as Seriously Strong) until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Assemble and bake the dish
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Place the slightly cooled, pre-boiled cauliflower florets in an ovenproof dish. Pour the prepared cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower, ensuring every piece is coated. This ensures that each floret is infused with the cheesy flavor. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the cauliflower and cheese sauce. The cheddar cheese will melt and create a golden, bubbly crust. Bake the cauliflower cheese in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Check the cauliflower for tenderness before removing it from the oven. Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.
Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Colander
- Ovenproof dish
- Whisk
- Large mixing spoon
- Medium-sized pot (for cheese sauce)
Ingredients
- For the Cauliflower Cheese:
- 1 medium cauliflower
- 300 ml milk I used bob milk
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp butter I used Flora Light
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 30 g light spreadable cheese e.g., Seriously Strong
- 80 g cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower.Boil the cauliflower for 5-6 minutes until it’s slightly softened. Drain and let it cool while you prepare the cheese sauce.
- Make the Cheese Sauce.In a pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about a minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Add the bay leaf, nutmeg, white pepper, black pepper, and salt. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens.Once thickened, remove the bay leaf and stir in the spreadable cheese until smooth.
- Assemble the Dish.Place the boiled cauliflower in an ovenproof dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower, ensuring every piece is coated. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top for that golden, bubbly finish.
- Bake.Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Bake the cauliflower cheese for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Cauliflower: Boil just until slightly soft to avoid a mushy texture after baking.
- Smooth Sauce: Whisk continuously while making the cheese sauce to prevent lumps.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or Red Leicester for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a side dish with roasted meats or a hearty roast dinner.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a lighter meal.
- Add crispy breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
Fun Fact
Did you know cauliflower is naturally high in Vitamin C? One serving of this delicious roasted cauliflower cheese provides a boost of nutrients, making it as healthy as it is comforting!
Conclusion
This Roasted Cauliflower Cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy cheese sauce and perfectly cooked cauliflower. Whether you’re serving it as part of a Sunday roast or a standalone dish, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Try it out, and don’t forget to share how you’ve made it your own—extra cheesy, perhaps? 🧀✨