Here’s a classic Cauliflower Cheese recipe—creamy, cheesy, and comforting 🧀🌿
Cauliflower Cheese
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups grated cheese (cheddar is classic)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the cauliflower
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add cauliflower florets and cook 5–7 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour to make a roux; cook 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add mustard (if using), 1 cup of cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts.
- Assemble the dish
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place cauliflower in a baking dish. Pour cheese sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese and breadcrumbs on top, if desired.
- Bake
- Bake 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve
- Serve hot as a side dish or a vegetarian main with crusty bread.
Tips & Variations
- Extra cheesy: Mix in Gruyère, Parmesan, or a combination of cheeses.
- Creamier: Use half-and-half or cream instead of milk.
- Flavor boost: Stir in garlic powder, nutmeg, or mustard powder to the sauce.
- Crunchy topping: Mix chopped nuts or fried onions into the breadcrumb topping.
I can also give a stovetop version that skips the oven but is still creamy and cheesy if you want.