Description
Discover how to make a mouthwatering Cheesy Cauliflower Bake that is sure to impress your family and friends. This easy recipe will become a new favorite!
Ingredients
- – 1kg / 2 lb cauliflower florets (1 very large, 1 1/2 medium or 2 small cauliflower heads, Note 1)
- – 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
- – 1/2 tsp (3 ml) sea salt
- – 1/8 tsp (1 ml) pepper
- – 60g / 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- – 3 1/2 tbsp (53 ml) flour, plain / all-purpose
- – 1 cup (240 ml) milk (full fat best)
- – 1 cup (240 ml) cream (or more milk)
- – 1/2 tsp (3 ml) cooking salt (kosher salt)
- – 1/4 tsp (1 ml) nutmeg powder (freshly grated is best)
- – 1 cup (240 ml) beef sausage cheese (or cheddar), grated (Note 2)
- – 1/2 cup (120 ml) mozzarella cheese, grated (or other melting cheese of choice, Note 2)
- – 1/2 cup (120 ml) beef sausage cheese (or cheddar), grated (Note 2)
- – 1/2 cup (120 ml) mozzarella cheese, grated (or other melting cheese of choice, Note 2)
Instructions
- Set your oven to 220°C/430°F (200°C fan) to preheat.
- Coat the cauliflower with olive oil, sea salt, and pepper, then spread it out on a large baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes without flipping, aiming for a slight firmness and some browning. Take it out of the oven.
- Reduce oven temperature to 180°C/350°F.
- Warm up the milk and cream until hot using either the stove or microwave.
- Create a roux by melting butter in a large pan over medium heat, adding flour, and stirring for 3 minutes.
- Gradually incorporate half of the milk while stirring. Once the flour mixture dissolves and thickens the milk, add the rest of the milk. Stir over heat for 1 minute until it can coat a wooden spoon.
- Turn off the stove but leave the pot on it. Mix in cooking salt, nutmeg, and both types of cheese until a thick sauce forms.
- Combine the roasted cauliflower with the sauce, ensuring it’s well-coated.
- Move the mixture into a 2L/2qt baking dish measuring 30 x 20 x 5cm (12 x 8 x 2 inches).
- Distribute more cheese on top.
- Bake at 180°C/350°F for 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and the cauliflower becomes bubbly and golden.
- If desired, garnish with parsley. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a more robust flavor, try mixing parmesan or gruyere cheese with cheddar and mozzarella.
- Add a touch of heat by blending cayenne pepper or paprika into the cheese sauce.
- Use a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce without compromising taste.
