Cauliflower cheese is a classic comfort dish that combines tender cauliflower with a rich, creamy cheese sauce. If you’ve ever wondered how to make cauliflower cheese sauce that’s smooth, flavorful, and perfect for draping over your veggies, you’re in the right place! In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make a delicious cauliflower cheese sauce from scratch, plus some tips to elevate your dish.
What Is Cauliflower Cheese Sauce?
Cauliflower cheese sauce is essentially a cheesy béchamel (white sauce) that’s poured over cooked cauliflower before baking. The sauce is creamy, cheesy, and often has a hint of mustard or seasoning to boost the flavor. When baked, it forms a golden, bubbly topping that makes cauliflower irresistible, even for picky eaters.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a basic list of ingredients to make a classic cauliflower cheese sauce:
– Butter (about 40–50g)
– Plain flour (40–50g)
– Milk (around 400–500ml)
– English mustard (1 teaspoon, optional but recommended)
– Mature cheddar cheese (about 100g, grated)
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Optional extras include nutmeg, garlic, or other cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a twist.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cauliflower Cheese Sauce
1. Prepare the Cauliflower
Start by washing and breaking a head of cauliflower into large florets. Boil them in salted water for about 3–5 minutes until they are just tender but still firm. Drain well and set aside.
Tip: To avoid that boiled cauliflower flavor some people dislike, you can roast the cauliflower instead. Roasting brings out a nuttier, sweeter taste and adds depth to the dish.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce (Mornay Sauce)
The cheese sauce is a variation of béchamel sauce with cheese added, called Mornay sauce.
– Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
– Stir in the flour and cook gently for about 1–2 minutes to form a roux. This cooks out the raw flour taste.
– Gradually add the milk in small amounts, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
– Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring continuously until it thickens into a smooth sauce.
– Remove from heat and stir in the mustard (if using) and two-thirds of the grated cheese until melted.
– Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble and Bake
– Place the cooked cauliflower in an ovenproof dish.
– Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower, making sure it’s well coated.
– Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
– Bake in a preheated oven at around 190°C (375°F) for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
Tips for the Best Cauliflower Cheese Sauce
– Use mature cheddar: It melts well and has a strong flavor that really shines in the sauce.
– Don’t skip the mustard: It adds a subtle tang that balances the richness.
– Cook the roux properly: This prevents a raw flour taste and helps the sauce thicken perfectly.
– Roast the cauliflower: For a deeper flavor and less watery sauce, try roasting the cauliflower before adding the sauce.
– Experiment with cheeses: Mixing in Gruyère, Parmesan, or mozzarella can add complexity.
– Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour or skip the roux by using cream and cheese directly for a quicker sauce.
Quick and Easy Variations
If you’re short on time or want less fuss, here’s a simple shortcut:
– Steam the cauliflower until tender.
– In a baking dish, layer cauliflower with a mixture of double cream (or heavy cream) and grated cheddar.
– Season with salt and pepper.
– Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
This method skips the roux and makes a naturally gluten-free, creamy cheese sauce with less washing up.
Why You’ll Love Making Your Own Cauliflower Cheese Sauce
Making cauliflower cheese sauce from scratch is easier than you think and tastes so much better than store-bought versions. It’s creamy, cheesy, and comforting, with the flexibility to customize it to your taste. Plus, it’s a great way to get more veggies on the table in a delicious way.
Cauliflower cheese sauce is a simple, classic recipe that brings comfort and flavor to any meal. With just a few basic ingredients and easy steps, you can create a creamy, cheesy sauce that turns humble cauliflower into a star dish. Give it a try and enjoy the cheesy goodness!