Whole Baked Cauliflower Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Whole baked cauliflower cheese is a comforting and impressive dish perfect for a cozy dinner or as a show-stopping side. Tender cauliflower is smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce and baked until golden and bubbling. It’s simple to prepare yet packed with flavor, making it a favorite for any occasion.

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

1. Step 1: Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Remove any large leaves from the cauliflower, leaving the smaller ones attached. Carefully lower the cauliflower into the boiling water and cook for 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan/gas mark 4). Melt the butter in a medium pan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and smoked paprika, cooking for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Step 3: Remove the pan from the heat and gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth. Add the English mustard and return the pan to the heat. Bring the sauce to a boil, whisking continuously.
4. Step 4: Stir in two-thirds of the cheese and whisk until melted. Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper.
5. Step 5: Place the cauliflower in a deep baking dish and pour the cheese sauce over it, ensuring it’s well covered. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling. Remove from the oven and scatter with chopped chives before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra richness, add a splash of double cream to the cheese sauce before baking.
• Try using a blend of cheeses like cheddar and Gruyère for a deeper flavor.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for a subtle warmth and complexity.
• If you prefer a crunchier topping, sprinkle some fine breadcrumbs mixed with grated cheese before baking.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 160°C until warmed through to preserve the sauce’s texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent the sauce from separating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh cauliflower to maintain the shape and texture when baking whole. Frozen cauliflower tends to become too soft and may not hold together well.

Can I prepare the cheese sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make the cheese sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Reheat gently and whisk before pouring over the cauliflower to ensure it’s smooth.

Whole Baked Cauliflower Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 139 reviews

A comforting and indulgent whole baked cauliflower cheese recipe, featuring tender boiled cauliflower smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce made with mature cheddar and a blend of flavorful cheeses, finished with a golden-brown crust and fresh chives.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cauliflower

• 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
• ½ bunch of chives, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Boil the cauliflower: Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil. Remove any large outer leaves from the cauliflower, leaving smaller leaves attached. Carefully lower the whole cauliflower into the boiling water and cook for 15 minutes until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
2. Prepare the cheese sauce: Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. In a medium pan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the plain flour and a large pinch of sweet smoked paprika, cooking for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Remove the pan from heat and gradually whisk in the whole milk until smooth. Mix in the English mustard, then return the pan to the heat and bring the sauce to a boil, whisking continuously. Add two-thirds of the mature cheese mixture and stir until the cheese melts. Season the sauce to taste.
3. Assemble and bake: Place the boiled cauliflower in the center of a deep baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbling.
4. Garnish and serve: Once baked, sprinkle the finely chopped chives over the cauliflower cheese. Serve hot as a hearty side dish or vegetarian main course.

Notes

• The choice of cheese can be varied to your taste; gruyère or comté add nuttiness while mature cheddar gives a strong sharp flavor.
• For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce.
• This dish can be prepared ahead: boil the cauliflower and make the cheese sauce in advance, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.
• Use a deep baking dish to prevent cheese sauce from spilling during baking.
• For a lighter version, use semi-skimmed milk and reduce cheese quantity, but flavor and creaminess may be affected.

Keywords: cauliflower cheese, baked cauliflower, vegetarian cheese bake, British side dish, creamy cheese sauce, comfort food