Cauliflower Cheese
Recipe from British Chef's Table
Mary Berry’s Cauliflower Cheese is made with cauliflower, butter, plain flour, milk, English mustard, and mature cheddar. This tasty Cauliflower Cheese recipe creates a delicious side dish that takes about 45 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 4 people.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 head cauliflower, broken into large florets
- 40g/1½oz butter (3 tbsp)
- 40g/1½oz plain flour (⅓ cup)
- 400ml/14fl oz milk (1¾ cups)
- 1 tsp English mustard
- 100g/3½oz mature cheddar, grated (1 cup)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
How To Make Cauliflower Cheese
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 190°C/170°C Fan/Gas 5.
- Prepare the cauliflower: Wash it thoroughly and place it in a large saucepan of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 3–5 minutes, until almost tender but still firm. Drain in a colander.
- Make the cheese sauce: Melt the butter in a heavy-based saucepan and stir in the flour. Cook over a gentle heat for 1 minute. Remove from heat and gradually add the milk, stirring well between each addition.
- Thicken the sauce: Return to medium heat and boil, stirring constantly. Simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Add cheese and mustard: Stir in the mustard and two-thirds of the cheese, then set aside.
- Assemble the dish: Arrange the cauliflower in an ovenproof baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower, ensuring it’s completely covered. Scatter the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Recipe Tips
- Choose a fresh cauliflower: Look for a firm head with tight florets and bright green leaves to ensure the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook the cauliflower: Boil it only until it’s almost tender. This helps prevent mushiness after baking.
- Whisk the sauce well: Whisk continuously to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth cheese sauce when adding milk to the flour and butter mixture.
- Use a mix of cheeses: For extra flavor, try adding a bit of Gruyère or mozzarella along with the cheddar.
- Let it cool slightly before serving: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after baking helps the sauce thicken and makes it easier to serve.
How To Store And Reheat Leftovers?
- Refrigerate: First, let the leftover Cauliflower Cheese cool until it reaches room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: To freeze, allow the Cauliflower Cheese to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F. Place the Cauliflower Cheese in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out, and bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
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