Cauliflower cheese is the name for an English dish. No, it's not cheese made from cauliflower. It's cauliflower smothered in a sauce loaded with real cheddar cheese, and then baked. Along with the cheese, it's flavored with mustard powder and ground cayenne.
I think one of the first things I learned to make in "home economics" class was white sauce, or béchamel. In fact, I'm pretty sure we used it to make macaroni and cheese. As I made this cauliflower cheese, I was having flashbacks to 7th grade.
While I'm not a big fan of pretend food (don't get me started on cauliflower pizza crust), this cauliflower casserole is reminiscent of mac and cheese, without the al dente. Flavor wise, this dish could also be mistaken for cheesy mashed potatoes, only with less carbs.
You will love this cauliflower cheese. It's wonderful fresh from the oven. It also makes fabulous leftovers, reheated in the oven or toaster oven for about 15 to 20 minutes.
You could definitely play around with this dish, adding other vegetables and herbs, or topping it with breadcrumbs. I'm pretty happy with it just the way it is.

Cauliflower Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower (2 to 2 1/4 pounds)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons (1 ounce) all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/4 cups (5 1/2 ounces) very sharp white cheddar cheese, plus 4 tablespoons, reserved
- Chopped flat leaf parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Trim and cut the cauliflower into florets. Parboil the cauliflower for 5 minutes. Drain the florets and spread them out over kitchen towels to drain off any extra moisture. Set aside.
- In a 3 quart saucepan, melt the butter over medium high heat. Add the flour and cook for one minute, whisking constantly. Add the mustard powder, peppers, and stir.
- Add the milk in a thin steady stream while whisking constantly. Add about 1/4 teaspoon of salt and bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring with a spoon, until the mixture thickens. Add in the 5 1/2 ounces of cheese, one handful at a time, stirring each time until each addition is melted. Season the sauce to taste.
- Add the cauliflower to to a 2 quart casserole and evenly cover with the sauce. Sprinkle the top with the remaining grated cheese and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until bubbly and a deep golden brown. Sprinkle with the parsley and serve.
This month, the Avid Bakers are making Cauliflower Cheese from the amazing blog Smitten Kitchen. Many thanks to Hanaâ's Kitchen for choosing this wonderful recipe.
I made a version of this a while ago - felt virtuous. Then wolfed down 3/4 of it.
ReplyDeleteoh, well
best laid plans
I should re-make your version, I adore cauliflower in all forms and yes, I've been guilty of the cauliflower pizza crust. For that sin, I hope you can forgive me... ;-)
still friends?
Yes, of course!!!
DeleteIt does look delicious! I wish that my hubby and son would eat it!
ReplyDeleteMore for you! =)
DeleteGorgeously golden bake! I have also made the cauliflower pizza crust… that does remind me of "cauliflower cheese squashed flat".
ReplyDeleteThanks Jeniffer!
DeleteOh man . . .
ReplyDeleteHa ha. You just totally made my day....
DeleteWe are all about cauliflower right now! And with cheese? Sign me up!
ReplyDeleteHealthy and sinful at the same time.
DeleteAmazing dish Karen! We'd love to try this out with a few breadcrumbs on top for a thicker crust:) Loved what you did with such simple ingredients. KU-DOS! xoxo
ReplyDeleteI think breadcrumbs would be an amazing addition.
DeleteOoooh I love extra sharp cheese. This looks fantastic!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ashley!
Delete