Name: Whole Baked Cauliflower Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: British
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

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Introduction

Whole baked cauliflower cheese is a comforting British classic that turns a simple vegetable into a rich, cheesy centerpiece. This recipe features a tender cauliflower smothered in a creamy, flavorful cheese sauce with a hint of smoked paprika and mustard. It’s perfect as a hearty side or a vegetarian main.

Whole Baked Cauliflower Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

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

Step 1: Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Remove any large leaves from the cauliflower, leaving smaller leaves attached. Carefully lower the whole cauliflower into the boiling water and cook for 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
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, cooking for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Step 3: Remove the pan from heat and slowly whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth. Stir in the English mustard. Return the pan to the heat and bring the sauce to a boil, whisking continuously.
Step 4: Add two-thirds of the cheese to the sauce, whisking until it melts and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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.
Step 6: Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Remove from the oven and scatter with finely chopped chives before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a richer sauce, substitute some of the milk with double cream.
Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce for a warm, subtle spice.
Try mixing different cheeses like cheddar and gruyère for a more complex flavor.
Serve with crusty bread or roasted potatoes to make a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in an oven at 160°C until heated through, to keep the sauce creamy and the cauliflower tender.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can boil the cauliflower and prepare the cheese sauce ahead of time. Assemble and store the dish covered in the fridge, then bake just before serving.

Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?

While whole milk gives the creamiest sauce, you can substitute low-fat milk if needed. The sauce may be slightly less rich but will still be delicious.