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
Scale
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
