Easy Cauliflower Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Cauliflower cheese is a classic comfort dish that transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, cheesy delight. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty side dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 medium cauliflower (broken into small florets)
• 240 ml (1 cup) double (heavy) cream
• 150 g (1 1/2 cups) mature/strong Cheddar cheese, grated (use a vegetarian version if required)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) fan.
2. Step 2: Bring a pan of water to the boil.
3. Step 3: Place the cauliflower florets in a steam basket over the pan and cover with a lid, or put the cauliflower directly into the boiling water if you don’t have a steam basket.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until the cauliflower is tender but still firm.
5. Step 5: Drain the cauliflower well.
6. Step 6: Pour 2 tablespoons of cream into a baking dish and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of grated cheese.
7. Step 7: Add half of the cauliflower, then top with half of the remaining cream and a quarter of the remaining cheese.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle half of the salt and pepper over the layers.
9. Step 9: Add the remaining cauliflower, pour over the rest of the cream, then sprinkle the remaining cheese, salt, and pepper on top.
10. Step 10: Bake for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
11. Step 11: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream before layering.
• Try mixing in cooked bacon or caramelized onions for a savory twist.
• Use Gruyère or a blend of cheeses for a richer taste.
• To keep it vegetarian, ensure the cheese is made with vegetarian rennet.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The dish may dry out slightly, so adding a splash of cream before reheating can help maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare cauliflower cheese in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

What is the best type of cheese to use?

Mature or strong Cheddar works best due to its sharp flavor and melting properties, but you can also experiment with other melting cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack.

Easy Cauliflower Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 143 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Easy Cauliflower Cheese is a comforting and classic British side dish featuring tender steamed cauliflower baked in a rich, creamy mature Cheddar cheese sauce. This recipe combines simple ingredients to create a golden, bubbly cheese topping that’s perfect alongside roasts or as a vegetarian main.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1 medium cauliflower (broken into small florets)

Dairy

• 240 ml (1 cup) double (heavy) cream
• 150 g (1 1/2 cups) mature/strong Cheddar cheese, grated (use a vegetarian version if required)

Seasonings and Herbs

• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) fan to prepare for baking the cauliflower cheese.
2. Boil Water: Bring a pan of water to a rolling boil to steam the cauliflower.
3. Steam Cauliflower: Place the cauliflower florets in a steam basket over the boiling water and cover with a lid, or alternatively, place the florets directly into the boiling water if you don’t have a steam basket.
4. Simmer Cauliflower: Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the cauliflower cook for about 5 minutes until tender but still firm, avoiding sogginess.
5. Drain Cauliflower: Drain the cauliflower well to remove excess water to prevent a watery dish.
6. Prepare Baking Dish: Pour 2 tablespoons of the cream into the bottom of a baking dish and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the grated cheese on top.
7. Layer Cauliflower and Cheese: Add half of the steamed cauliflower over the cheese and cream, then pour on half of the remaining cream and sprinkle a quarter of the remaining cheese.
8. Season: Sprinkle half of the salt and black pepper over the layers.
9. Repeat Layers: Top with the remaining cauliflower, pour over the last of the cream, then sprinkle the rest of the cheese, salt, and pepper evenly over the top.
10. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbly.
11. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the finely chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving for a fresh, herby finish.

Notes

• Steaming the cauliflower instead of boiling helps retain maximum flavor and nutrients while preventing it from becoming waterlogged.
• Use mature Cheddar cheese for a strong, sharp flavor; vegetarian cheese can be used if desired.
• Ensure cauliflower is tender but not overcooked before baking to maintain a firm texture in the final dish.
• This dish pairs perfectly as a side for roast dinners or can be enjoyed as a hearty vegetarian main.
• For a lighter version, you can substitute double cream with a lighter cream or milk, but the dish will be less rich.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Keywords: cauliflower cheese, baked cauliflower, cheesy side dish, vegetarian, British recipe, comfort food, easy cauliflower recipe