Classic English Cheddar Cauliflower Bake
This Classic English Cheddar Cauliflower Bake is a nostalgic dish that evokes warmth and comfort, celebrating the goodness of humble ingredients. Growing up, this was not just a side dish but a hearty main meal that fueled our family, showcasing the creativity of my mother, who used cheese as the cornerstone of our protein source. This bake features tender cauliflower florets enveloped in a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, spiced with a hint of English mustard and nutmeg, creating a tantalizing depth of flavor. Topped with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb and cheese crust, every bite is a reminder of simpler times when food brought families together. Whether you savor it on its own with homemade bread and a fresh salad or serve it as a luxurious side, this dish remains ever popular and absolutely satisfying. Plus, it freezes beautifully, allowing you to enjoy this delightful meal anytime you please.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cauliflower
1 large (trimmed and broken into florets)
Milk
300 ml (whole or semi-skimmed)
Mature Cheddar Cheese
220 g (finely grated)
Plain Flour
3 tablespoons (for thickening the sauce)
Butter
50 g (to add richness to the sauce)
Fresh Breadcrumbs
25 g (optional, for topping)
Dried English Mustard
1/2 teaspoon (for flavoring)
Nutmeg
to taste (freshly grated, used for seasoning)
Salt and Black Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 225°C (450°F) if baking.
2
Trim the cauliflower, breaking it into small, even florets.
3
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the cauliflower florets. Boil for 10-15 minutes until just tender, but still firm. Drain and set aside in a buttered ovenproof baking dish.
4
In a medium saucepan, combine milk, flour, and butter. Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly with a wire whisk until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil. Allow it to simmer for an additional 2 minutes, continuing to whisk for a smooth consistency.
5
Remove the saucepan from heat and add three-quarters of the grated mature cheddar cheese, dried English mustard, a pinch of grated nutmeg, and salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and uniform.
6
Pour the cheese sauce generously over the cauliflower florets in the baking dish, ensuring they are well coated.
7
In a small bowl, mix the remaining grated cheese with the fresh breadcrumbs (if using). Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the cheese sauce.
8
For a perfectly golden finish, place the baking dish under a hot grill until the topping is bubbling and golden brown, or bake in the preheated oven for 15-25 minutes until golden and bubbling.
9
Remove from the oven or grill, and serve immediately, enjoying the rich flavors and delightful textures.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic English Cheddar Cauliflower Bake?
It is a nostalgic and comforting dish featuring tender cauliflower florets in a rich cheddar cheese sauce, topped with a golden breadcrumb and cheese crust.
What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for mature cheddar cheese to provide a deep, savory flavor that stands up well to the cauliflower.
How should I prepare the cauliflower?
You should trim the cauliflower and break it into small, even florets before boiling.
How long does it take to boil the cauliflower?
The cauliflower should be boiled in salted water for 10-15 minutes until just tender but still firm.
What are the main ingredients in the cheese sauce?
The sauce is made from milk, plain flour, butter, mature cheddar cheese, dried English mustard, and a pinch of nutmeg.
How do I thicken the cheese sauce?
Whisk the milk, flour, and butter over medium heat constantly until the mixture thickens and reaches a gentle boil.
Why is English mustard used in the recipe?
Dried English mustard is used to add a hint of spice and a tantalizing depth of flavor to the creamy sauce.
What purpose does nutmeg serve in this dish?
Freshly grated nutmeg is used as a seasoning to enhance the richness of the cheese sauce.
Can I use different types of milk?
Yes, you can use either whole or semi-skimmed milk for the sauce.
How do I ensure the cheese sauce is smooth?
Continue whisking with a wire whisk for an additional 2 minutes while the sauce simmers to achieve a smooth consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is categorized as vegetarian.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 225°C (450°F).
How long does the cauliflower bake in the oven?
It should be baked for 15-25 minutes until the topping is golden and bubbling.
Can I use a grill instead of an oven?
Yes, you can place the dish under a hot grill until the topping is bubbling and golden brown.
What ingredients make up the topping?
The topping is a mixture of the remaining grated cheddar cheese and optional fresh breadcrumbs.
Are the breadcrumbs mandatory for the topping?
No, fresh breadcrumbs are listed as optional for creating the crunchy crust.
Is this cauliflower bake freezer-friendly?
Yes, this dish freezes beautifully, making it convenient for future meals.
What should I serve with this dish?
It can be served on its own with homemade bread and a fresh salad, or as a luxurious side dish.
How much cheese should go into the sauce?
Use three-quarters of the total 220g of grated mature cheddar cheese for the sauce mixture.
What should I do after boiling the cauliflower?
Drain the florets and set them aside in a buttered ovenproof baking dish.
Can this be served as a main meal?
Yes, it was traditionally served as a hearty main meal because the cheese provides a solid protein source.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including seasonings.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe requires 50g of butter to add richness to the sauce.
How much flour is used for the roux?
Three tablespoons of plain flour are used to thicken the sauce.
How much milk is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 300 ml of milk.
What size cauliflower should I buy?
A single large cauliflower is recommended for this recipe.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features tender cauliflower florets in a creamy sauce with a crunchy, golden-brown crust.
Can I prepare the cauliflower in advance?
Yes, you can boil the cauliflower and prepare the sauce ahead of time before the final assembly and baking.
What seasoning is used?
Salt and black pepper are added to taste to season the final cheese sauce.
Is the mustard used in powder or liquid form?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 teaspoon of dried English mustard powder.