Ahhh Cauliflower Cheese 🧀🥦—pure comfort, British-style cozy, creamy and golden on top. Simple ingredients, big payoff. Here’s a classic, foolproof version.
🧀🥦 Classic Cauliflower Cheese
Serves 4–6
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (warm if possible)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- Optional: ¼ cup Parmesan (for topping)
- Optional extras: garlic powder, nutmeg, breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook the cauliflower
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Boil cauliflower 5–6 minutes until just tender (not mushy).
- Drain well and place in a greased baking dish.
- Make the cheese sauce
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in flour and cook 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thick.
- Stir in mustard, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (optional).
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar until melted.
- Assemble
- Pour cheese sauce over cauliflower.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan and breadcrumbs if using.
- Bake
- Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 20–25 minutes, until bubbling and golden.
- Serve
- Rest 5 minutes before serving.
🔥 Pro Tips
- Sharp cheddar = better flavor.
- Drain cauliflower well to avoid watery sauce.
- Golden top: Finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes.
Variations
- Extra cheesy: Add Gruyère or mozzarella.
- Cauliflower cheese & bacon: Stir in crispy bacon.
- Spicy: Add mustard powder or cayenne.
- One-pan roast version: Roast cauliflower first for deeper flavor.
If you want, I can give you:
- British pub-style cauliflower cheese
- Low-carb / keto version
- Cauliflower cheese with leeks or broccoli
Just say the word 🧀✨
