Cauliflower Cheese

Cauliflower Cheese is a creamy, cheesy delight that balances simplicity with indulgence, making it a family favorite.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Cozy Dinners

Cuisine: British

Calories: 400

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Cauliflower

1 kg Cauliflower florets Choose fresh, firm florets for the best texture.

For the Cheese Sauce

60 g Unsalted butter Use unsalted butter for better control over seasoning.
3.5 tbsp Flour (plain / all-purpose) This will help thicken your cheese sauce beautifully.
1 cup Milk Whole milk is recommended for a creamier texture.
1 cup Cream Adds richness and a velvety consistency to the sauce.
0.5 tsp Cooking salt This enhances all the flavors in the dish.
0.25 tsp Nutmeg powder Just a pinch adds warmth and depth to the cheese sauce.
0.5 tsp Sea salt Adjust to taste; you'll want a well-seasoned mix.
0.125 tsp Pepper For a hint of spice without overpowering the flavors.

For the Cheese Topping

1 cup Red Leicester cheese (grated) Its sharp taste gives character to the dish.
0.5 cup Gruyère cheese (grated) This cheese melts beautifully and adds nutty flavor.
0.5 cup Red Leicester cheese (grated) More of this cheese on top will create a lovely, crispy layer.
0.5 cup Gruyère cheese (grated) Finishing with more Gruyère ensures a rich, golden crust.

For Drizzling

2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil Drizzle this before baking for added flavor and to help achieve a golden top.

Equipment

large pot
saucepan
Baking Dish

Method

How to Make Cauliflower Cheese

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). This will ensure that your dish cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden top.
Blanch the cauliflower florets in a large pot of boiling salted water for about 5 minutes, until just tender. Drain and set aside to preserve that beautiful texture.
Melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux that forms the base of your cheese sauce.
Whisk in the milk and cream gradually, cooking until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. This could take about 5 minutes—patience rewards you with creaminess!
Stir in the sea salt, cooking salt, pepper, nutmeg, red Leicester, and Gruyère cheese until it's all melted and combined. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist!
Combine the blanched cauliflower gently with the luscious cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated and ready to go.
Transfer the cauliflower and cheese mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère and red Leicester cheese on top for that tasty, crispy finish.
Drizzle with olive oil and bake in the oven for about 30-40 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly. Keep an eye on it—this is when it becomes absolutely irresistible!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 10gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Optional: Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a lovely pop of color before serving.

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