EasyVegetarian

Cauliflower Cheese with Crispy Breadcrumbs

Roasting the cauliflower rather than boiling it keeps much more flavour in the vegetable and prevents water diluting the cheese sauce. A crisp breadcrumb topping gives contrast to the creamy middle.

  • Serves6 as a side or 4 as a main
  • Preparation15 minutes
  • Cooking45 minutes
Roasted cauliflower cheese with a crisp golden breadcrumb topping

EquipmentLarge baking tray and approximately 2.5-litre baking dish, 30 x 20cm.

Ingredients

  • For the topping
0 of 11 ready

Method

  1. Heat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan).
  2. Toss the cauliflower with the olive oil, season lightly and roast for 20 minutes until the florets have some good colour. Brown equals flavour.
  3. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a saucepan.
  4. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Gradually whisk in the warm milk.
  6. Simmer until smooth and thickened, then stir in the Dijon mustard and 200g or 7 oz of the Cheddar.
  7. Put the cauliflower into the baking dish and pour over the cheese sauce.
  8. Scatter over the remaining 25g or 1 oz Cheddar.
  9. Mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan and olive oil and sprinkle over the top.
  10. Reduce the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbling and crisp.

Top tip

Roast the cauliflower rather than boiling it. Less water in the cauliflower means more concentrated flavour and a better cheese sauce.

Serve with

Tomato, Red Onion & Herb Salad if having it as a main course.

Allergen note

Contains milk, wheat or gluten and mustard. Check the bread and cheese packaging if cooking for someone with an allergy.

Storage & reheating

Cool leftovers promptly, refrigerate within 2 hours and eat within 48 hours, or freeze. Reheat only once and until steaming hot throughout. The breadcrumb topping will soften during storage.