Whole Baked Cauliflower with Cheesy Sauce and Chives Recipe
Introduction
This whole baked cauliflower cheese is a comforting and impressive vegetarian dish that combines tender cauliflower with a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect as a side or a main, it’s packed with flavor and topped with a golden, bubbling crust.
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 the boil. Remove any large leaves from the cauliflower but leave the 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 and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat, then slowly whisk in the milk until smooth. Stir in the English mustard.
- Step 3: Return the pan to the heat and bring the sauce to a boil, whisking continuously. Add two-thirds of the cheese and whisk until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Place the cooked cauliflower in the center of a deep baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Step 5: Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling. Remove from the oven and scatter chopped chives over before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For added flavor, stir a teaspoon of garlic powder or a pinch of nutmeg into the cheese sauce.
- Try mixing different cheeses like cheddar and gruyère for a richer taste.
- If you prefer a crispier topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan before baking.
Storage
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 160°C until warmed through to keep the sauce creamy and the cauliflower tender.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, cheeses like mozzarella, fontina, or even a blue cheese can be used to vary the flavor and texture, but milder cheeses may result in a less intense flavor.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can prepare the cauliflower and cheese sauce ahead of time, then assemble and bake just before serving to keep the top fresh and golden.
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Whole Baked Cauliflower with Cheesy Sauce and Chives Recipe
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and delicious whole baked cauliflower cheese recipe featuring tender boiled cauliflower smothered in a rich, creamy, cheesy sauce with a hint of smoked paprika and mustard, baked to golden perfection and topped with fresh chives.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 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
Garnish
- ½ bunch of chives, finely chopped
Instructions
- Boil the Cauliflower: Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil. Remove any large outer leaves from the cauliflower but keep smaller leaves attached. Lower the whole cauliflower carefully into the boiling water and cook for 15 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Preheat 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 heat and slowly whisk in the whole milk until smooth. Mix in the English mustard. Return the pan to the heat and bring the sauce to a boil, whisking continuously. Add two-thirds of the cheese and whisk until fully melted. Season the sauce to taste.
- Assemble and Bake: Place the boiled cauliflower in the center of a deep baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and scatter with the finely chopped chives before serving warm.
Notes
- Use a mix of mature cheddar and gruyère or comté for a richer flavor in the cheese sauce.
- Ensure the cauliflower is tender but not falling apart after boiling to hold its shape during baking.
- The smoked paprika adds a subtle depth but can be omitted or adjusted to taste.
- If preferred, substitute whole milk for a lower-fat milk, but the sauce will be less creamy.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: cauliflower cheese, baked cauliflower, cheese sauce, comfort food, vegetarian side dish
