Whole Baked Cauliflower with Cheddar and Chives Recipe
Introduction
This whole baked cauliflower cheese is a comforting and impressive dish perfect for a cozy dinner or a special side. Tender cauliflower is smothered in a rich, smoky cheese sauce and baked until golden and bubbling. It’s a delicious way to enjoy vegetables with indulgent flavor.
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 outer leaves from the cauliflower, leaving smaller leaves attached. Carefully lower the whole cauliflower into the boiling water and cook for 15 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Preheat the oven to 180C (160C fan/gas mark 4). In a medium pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and smoked paprika and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Step 3: Remove the pan from the heat and gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Stir in the English mustard. Return the pan to the heat and bring the sauce to a gentle boil, whisking continuously until it thickens.
- Step 4: Add two-thirds of the cheese to the sauce and whisk until melted and 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 the remaining cheese on top.
- Step 6: Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbling. Remove from the oven and scatter with the chopped chives before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce along with the paprika.
- Try a mix of different cheeses like Gruyère and Comté for a more complex flavor.
- You can prepare the cheese sauce ahead and assemble just before baking to save time.
- If you prefer softer cauliflower, boil for a few minutes longer before baking.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave until warmed through to keep the sauce creamy and avoid drying out the cauliflower.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different vegetable instead of cauliflower?
Yes, you can substitute broccoli or a mix of cauliflower and broccoli for a similar effect. Just adjust boiling times to ensure the vegetables are tender before baking.
Is it necessary to leave some leaves on the cauliflower?
Leaving smaller leaves attached helps the cauliflower hold its shape during boiling and baking. Removing only the larger outer leaves is best.
Print
Whole Baked Cauliflower with Cheddar and Chives Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Whole Baked Cauliflower Cheese recipe features a tender, boiled cauliflower smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce made with mature cheddar and a hint of smoked paprika. Baked until golden and bubbling, it’s a comforting and elegant vegetarian dish perfect as a side or a light main.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large cauliflower (about 1kg)
- ½ bunch of chives, finely chopped
Cheese Sauce
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the cauliflower: Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Remove any large leaves from the cauliflower, leaving the smaller ones attached. Carefully lower the cauliflower into the boiling water and cook for 15 minutes until tender. Drain well and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or Gas Mark 4. In a medium pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and sweet smoked paprika, cooking for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Add the English mustard and return the pan to heat. Bring the sauce to a boil while whisking continuously. Add two-thirds of the cheese and whisk until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble and bake: Place the boiled cauliflower in the center of a deep baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce generously over it. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Garnish and serve: Once baked, scatter the finely chopped chives over the dish for a fresh, herbal note. Serve hot as a delicious vegetarian main or side dish.
Notes
- Boiling the cauliflower before baking ensures even cooking and tenderness inside.
- You can substitute the cheese mix with any combination of mature cheddar, gruyère, or comté for varied flavors.
- The sweet smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth but can be omitted if preferred.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour instead of plain flour.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: cauliflower cheese, baked cauliflower, vegetarian cheese bake, comfort food, British side dish
