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Whole Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

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This Whole Cheesy Cauliflower Bake is a deceptively easy dish to make but the ultimate crowd-pleaser. The method includes cooking the cauliflower whole in the microwave first, so that it’s super soft on the inside. Then the cauliflower is coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce with extra cheese added for good measure. To finish, the whole thing is cooked under the grill (broiler), resulting in a creamy, crunchy exterior.

Can Whole Cheesy Cauliflower Bake be made ahead of time?

Whole Cheesy Cauliflower Bake is best prepared and served immediately. Not suitable to freeze.

Is Whole Cheesy Cauliflower Bake suitable for leftovers?

Whole Cheesy Cauliflower Bake is best prepared and served immediately. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave.

Whole Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

Whole Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

Author: Nicole
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The ultimate family-friendly crowd-pleaser, this Whole Cheesy Cauliflower Bake recipe makes the ultimate side or could even be served alone as a vegetarian meal. The secret here is to microwave the cauliflower first to make it super soft on the inside. Then a gorgeous cheesy sauce is poured over and the cauliflower is finished under the oven grill (broiler) until golden and crispy on the outside.
Prep 15 minutes
Cook 20 minutes
Total 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Click to change the servings

Ingredients

  • 1 head of cauliflower washed and base leaves removed
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup 35 g plain (all-purpose) flour
  • 2½ cups 625 ml full-cream (whole) milk
  • 1 tsp chicken or vegetable stock powder bouillon
  • 2 cups 250 g freshly grated cheddar (or any preferred melting cheese, see note 1)
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves for garnish

Instructions

  • Place the whole cauliflower in a microwave-safe dish with ¼ cup (60 ml) of water.
  • Microwave on high for 10–12 minutes. It should be easy enough to easily pierce with a fork when it’s done. If not, continue cooking at 2-minute intervals (the length of time it cooks depends on the strength of your microwave). It can take up to 20 minutes.  
  • Preheat the oven grill (broiler).
  • Meanwhile, heat the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once it is melted, add the flour. Stir for 1 minute until a paste forms.
  • Slowly add the milk and stir using a whisk. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Continue stirring for 6–8 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
  • Once the sauce is nice and thick and coats the back of a spoon, stir through the stock powder and 1 cup (125 g) of the cheese.
  • Place the cauliflower in an oven-safe dish, cover it with the sauce and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup (125 g) of cheese.
  • Grill (broil) for 8 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the cauliflower is golden. Keep an eye on it as it will brown quickly! Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and serve.

Disclaimer re gluten-free and dairy-free recipes

Recipe notes

Note 1 – Any melting cheese is suitable for this recipe (cheddar, colby, gruyère) but avoid packaged, pre-shredded cheeses as these will produce a lumpy sauce. Freshly grated is best. 

MAKE AHEAD

Whole Cheesy Cauliflower Bake is best prepared and served immediately. Not suitable to freeze.

LEFTOVERS

Whole Cheesy Cauliflower Bake is best prepared and served immediately. Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat in the microwave.

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Course cheesy cauliflower, Side Dish
Cuisine british
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    Disclaimer re gluten-free and dairy-free recipes 

    For recipes labelled ‘gluten-free’ or ‘dairy-free’, the ingredients included in the recipe are typically gluten- or dairy-free. However, it is the user’s responsibility to carefully check the ingredient panels on the specific brands of products purchased and used. Simple Home Edit cannot be held responsible for any adverse reactions.