Cauliflower Cheese
AI-generated image
British

Cauliflower Cheese

Tender cauliflower baked beneath a velvety mustard cheese sauce until bubbling and golden. This classic British side dish balances gentle sweetness, savory cheese, and a crisp breadcrumb crown.

55 min 4 servings Medium
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How to prepare

1
Heat the oven to 200°C conventional or 180°C fan. Butter a 1.5-litre baking dish with 10 g of the butter and set it aside.
2
Bring a large saucepan of generously salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and boil for 5–6 minutes, until just tender when pierced but not soft. Drain thoroughly and let steam-dry for 5 minutes.
3
Melt the remaining 30 g butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and lightly bubbling.
4
Gradually whisk in the warm milk, adding it in small additions to prevent lumps. Simmer for 4–5 minutes, whisking often, until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. Remove from the heat and whisk in the mustard, 100 g of the Cheddar, the salt, and white pepper.
Thick glossy cheese sauce ready for cauliflower AI-generated image
5
Arrange the drained cauliflower in the prepared baking dish and pour the cheese sauce evenly over it, nudging the florets so the sauce reaches between them.
6
Mix the breadcrumbs with the remaining 50 g Cheddar and scatter over the surface. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling at the edges and the topping is deeply golden.
Golden bubbling cauliflower cheese fresh from the oven AI-generated image
7
Rest for 5 minutes so the sauce settles, then serve hot.

Why this recipe works

Parboiling the cauliflower first gives it a tender center while retaining enough structure to withstand baking. A roux-based sauce clings to every floret, and mustard sharpens the rich cheese without overpowering the classic flavor.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Cool within two hours, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

How to reheat it

Reheat covered in a 180°C oven for 20–25 minutes until piping hot throughout, then uncover briefly to recrisp the top. Individual portions may be microwaved until steaming hot.

Nutrition / serving

434kcal
20.90 gprotein
28.28 gcarbs
26.83 gfat
P
Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 14 Aug 2026 · updated 14 Aug 2026