Whole Baked Cauliflower with Cheesy Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Whole baked cauliflower cheese is a comforting, cheesy dish that transforms a simple vegetable into a crowd-pleasing centerpiece. With a creamy, flavorful cheese sauce and a golden baked top, it’s perfect as a main or a side for any occasion.

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

1. Step 1: Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Remove any large leaves from the cauliflower, leaving the smaller ones attached. Carefully lower the cauliflower into the boiling water and cook for 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: 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 flour and smoked paprika and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Step 3: Remove the pan from heat and gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth. Stir in the English mustard, then return to the heat and bring to a gentle boil, whisking continuously.
4. Step 4: Add two-thirds of the cheese to the sauce and whisk until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Step 5: Place the cooked cauliflower in the center of a deep baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Remove from the oven and scatter with the chopped chives before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, use a mix of cheddar and gruyère or comté cheese in the sauce.
• Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce complements the cauliflower beautifully.
• Serve with crusty bread or alongside roasted meats for a hearty meal.

Storage

Store leftover baked cauliflower cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 160°C until warmed through to maintain a crispy top. Microwave reheating may soften the crust.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use any cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, fontina, or a mild gouda, but stronger cheeses like cheddar and gruyère add more classic flavor.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the cauliflower and cheese sauce in advance and assemble just before baking. Keep the assembled dish covered in the refrigerator and bake within 24 hours for best results.

Whole Baked Cauliflower with Cheesy Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 89 reviews

This Whole Baked Cauliflower Cheese recipe features a tender boiled cauliflower smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce made with mature cheddar and a blend of cheeses, then baked until golden and bubbling. It’s a comforting vegetarian dish perfect as a hearty side or a main course.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cauliflower

• 1 large cauliflower (about 1kg)

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
• ½ bunch of chives, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Boil the Cauliflower: Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Remove large leaves from the cauliflower, keeping smaller ones intact. Carefully lower the cauliflower into the boiling water and cook for 15 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the 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 flour and smoked paprika and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Add the English mustard and return the pan to medium heat, bringing the mixture to a boil while whisking continuously. Add two-thirds of the cheese and whisk until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble and Bake: Place the boiled 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 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
4. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, scatter the finely chopped chives over the cauliflower cheese for a fresh, mild onion flavor. Serve warm as a satisfying vegetarian main or side dish.

Notes

• Use a blend of cheddar, gruyère, and comté for a rich and complex cheese sauce flavor.
• Boiling the whole cauliflower ensures even cooking before baking.
• Adjust the smoked paprika quantity to taste for a subtle smoky depth.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute plain flour with gluten-free flour in the roux.

Keywords: cauliflower cheese, baked cauliflower, vegetarian cheese bake, British side dish, creamy cheese sauce