Name: Whole Baked Cauliflower with Cheesy Sauce and Chives Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 large cauliflower (about 1kg); ½ bunch of chives, finely chopped; 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

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Introduction

This whole baked cauliflower cheese is a comforting and impressive dish that’s perfect as a hearty side or a vegetarian main. With a creamy, cheesy sauce infused with a touch of smoked paprika and mustard, it offers rich flavors wrapped around tender cauliflower. It’s simple to prepare but sure to wow at your next meal.

The image shows a whole cooked cauliflower placed in a round, white bowl. The cauliflower is golden yellow with brown spots from roasting or broiling on its outer surface, and the inside is pale and soft. The bowl is filled with a creamy, yellow cheese sauce that surrounds the cauliflower and pools around its base, with some melted cheese visible on the sides of the bowl. Green leafy herbs are mixed in the sauce near the bottom of the cauliflower, adding subtle color contrast. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a purple cloth and a spoon with cheese sauce nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Remove any large leaves from the cauliflower, leaving smaller leaves attached. Carefully lower the cauliflower into the boiling water and cook for 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or gas mark 4. In a medium pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and paprika, cooking for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
Step 3: Remove the pan from the heat and slowly whisk in the milk until smooth. Stir in the English mustard. Return the pan to the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, whisking constantly.
Step 4: Add two-thirds of the cheese to the sauce and whisk until melted and smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Place the cauliflower in the center of a deep baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake uncovered in the oven for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and scatter with finely chopped chives before serving warm.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar and gruyère for a richer flavor combination.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
Serve with crusty bread or roast potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.

Try adding a handful of breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crunchy topping.

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 avoid the cheese sauce separating. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated carefully.

How to Serve

The dish shows a whole roasted cauliflower with a golden, slightly browned top layer, sitting in a thick, creamy yellow sauce with green herb flecks. The cauliflower is cut open slightly to reveal its white, dense inner part, and some green asparagus stalks can be seen partially submerged in the sauce around the cauliflower. The dish is served in a round, rustic bowl with a blue-gray rim, placed on a wooden block on a white marbled surface. A spoon with some sauce rests nearby on a purple cloth napkin, and a glass is visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables instead of cauliflower?

Yes, firm vegetables like broccoli or Romanesco can work well. Just adjust the boiling time so they don’t become too soft before baking.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to make the cheese sauce gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.