Description
A comforting whole baked cauliflower cheese recipe featuring a tender boiled cauliflower smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce with a smoky paprika twist. This classic British dish is finished with melting mature cheddar and fresh chives, perfect as a hearty side or a vegetarian main.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 large cauliflower (about 1kg)
- ½ bunch of chives, finely chopped
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
Instructions
- Boil Cauliflower: Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil. Remove any large leaves from the cauliflower, keeping the smaller ones attached. Carefully lower the whole cauliflower into the boiling water and cook for 15 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/gas mark 4. In a medium pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the plain flour and smoked paprika, cooking for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth. Mix in the English mustard, then return the pan to the stove and bring to a boil while whisking continuously. Add two-thirds of the cheese and stir until melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Assemble and Bake: Place the drained 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 to 35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and scatter the finely chopped chives over the dish before serving. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Use a cheese blend like cheddar, gruyère, or comté for richer flavor.
- Ensure the cauliflower is tender but not overcooked when boiling to maintain shape during baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the oven.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for extra depth if desired.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a crisp green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: cauliflower cheese, baked cauliflower, vegetarian cheese bake, comfort food, British recipe
