Mains
British
BritishCauliflower Cheese Bake
A comforting baked cauliflower cheese taken from a quick budget version to a chef-level three-cheese gratin. The tiers differ in the cheeses, the sauce technique and the finishing crunch.
Vegetarian
Nut-free
Budget version
Frozen-or-fresh cauliflower in a quick microwave-style cheddar sauce.
Per serving£1.20
Total cost£2.40
Time35 min
Ingredients for 2
- 1 cauliflower , broken into florets
- salt and pepper , to taste
- Sauce
- 30 g butter
- 30 g plain flour
- 400 ml whole milk
- 100 g value mature cheddar , grated
- 1 tsp English mustard
Method
- Boil the cauliflower florets for 6-7 minutes until just tender, then drain well.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan, stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk to make a smooth sauce, then simmer until thickened.
- Stir in most of the cheddar and the mustard, then season.
- Tip the cauliflower into a baking dish, pour over the sauce and scatter the remaining cheese.
- Bake at 200C for 18-20 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Equipment
- saucepan
- baking dish
The three ways, side by side
Budget
Frozen-or-fresh cauliflower in a quick microwave-style cheddar sauce.
Better
Roasted cauliflower with a mature cheddar and parmesan sauce.
Ultimate
A three-cheese gratin with Gruyere, aged cheddar and a panko-thyme crust.
