Absolutely! Here’s a tried-and-true creamy, cheesy cauliflower bake recipe you can whip up:
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 1 medium cauliflower, broken into florets
- 30g butter
- 30g plain flour
- 300ml milk (whole milk is best, but any works)
- 100g cheddar cheese (grated; plus extra for topping)
- 1 tsp mustard (Dijon or English, optional but adds depth)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional, but classic)
- Breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchy topping)
Instructions
- Prep the cauliflower:
- Boil or steam the florets for 5–7 minutes until just tender. Drain well.
- Make the cheese sauce:
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour to make a roux, cooking for 1–2 minutes until it’s lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until smooth.
- Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring, until it thickens.
- Stir in the cheese, mustard, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until melted and creamy.
- Assemble the dish:
- Place the cauliflower in a baking dish.
- Pour the cheese sauce over it, making sure all florets are coated.
- Sprinkle extra cheese and breadcrumbs on top if using.
- Bake:
- Oven at 200°C / 400°F for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Serve:
- Best hot as a side, but honestly, it’s also delicious on its own. 😋
💡 Tips:
- For an extra indulgent touch, add a few grates of parmesan or a drizzle of cream over the top before baking.
- You can mix in cooked ham or crispy bacon bits for a meaty twist.
If you want, I can also give you a super quick stovetop version that skips the oven and is ready in 15 minutes. That one is dangerously easy to eat!
Do you want me to do that?