RecipesUk
Cauliflower Cheese
A creamy, cheesy British classic perfect as a side or main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 large cauliflower, cut into florets
- Salt for boiling
- 40g butter
- 40g flour
- 500ml milk
- 150g mature cheddar, grated
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Pinch nutmeg
- Salt & pepper
Method
- 1
Steam or boil florets for 5 minutes until just tender
- 2
Melt butter, add flour, and whisk 1 minute
- 3
Add milk gradually, stirring until smooth. Simmer 3-5 minutes to thicken
- 4
Stir in mustard, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and most of the cheese
- 5
Place cauliflower in baking dish. Pour sauce over top
- 6
Sprinkle remaining cheese. Bake at 200°C for 20-25 minutes until bubbling and golden
Swaps & variations
- Add cooked broccoli or leeks
- Add breadcrumbs mixed with herbs
- Add smoked paprika
- Add a splash of white wine
Storing & freezing
Keeps 3-4 days in the fridge. Freezes well but sauce may thicken—reheat gently with extra milk.
Grow it yourself
- Cauliflower: Sow seeds in spring; transplant when 10cm tall. Requires firm soil and steady watering. Shade curds with outer leaves to prevent yellowing
- Cabbage white butterflies: netting essential
- Slugs: wood ash around base
- Aphids: wash off with water spray or garlic tea
- Cauliflower: Harvest when heads are compact, firm, and white. Cut with 1-2 leaves attached for protection
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