Cauliflower cheese
This is one of my all‑time favourite comfort foods; you just can’t beat a delicious cauliflower cheese, whether you serve it as the main event or as a side.
There are few dishes as soothing as a bubbling tray of tender cauliflower coated in a rich, velvety cheese sauce and baked until golden and crisp around the edges. It’s simple to make, endlessly satisfying, and the perfect way to turn a humble cauliflower into something truly indulgent.
What goes well with this dinner?
If I’m having it as a main dinner, I love serving it with grilled tomatoes and sausages on the side, though it’s just as good alongside roast chicken.
Whether it’s part of a Sunday roast, a midweek dinner, or enjoyed on its own with a green salad, this is one of those classics that proves the simplest recipes are often the best.
Cauliflower cheese
Ingredients
- 1 cauliflower, cut into florets
- 50 g unsalted butter
- 40 g plain flour
- 500 ml semi-skimmed milk
- ½ tbsp dijon mustard
- 200 g extra mature cheddar cheese, grated
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil, add the cauliflower and cook for 15mins, or until tender. When cooked, drain and keep to one side.
- Preheat the grill to high.
- In a large saucepan melt the butter, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 mins.
- Whisk in the milk slowly until you have a thick sauce, then add the mustard and half the grated cheese and whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cauliflower to an ovenproof dish and pour the sauce over until covered.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Place under the grill for 5mins or until golden and bubbling.