The Creamiest Cauliflower Cheese Recipe for Cozy Comfort

My kitchen adventure with this classic cauliflower cheese recipe started unexpectedly during a chilly winter evening.

Comfort food often emerges from simple ingredients and warm memories.

Creamy cheese sauce transforms humble vegetables into something magical.

Families have cherished this British dish for generations.

Soft, golden-browned cauliflower nestled under melted cheddar creates pure culinary bliss.

Rich and satisfying, this recipe promises to become your new favorite side dish.

Dive into this delectable comfort meal that will make everyone smile.

What You’ll Need for Cauliflower Cheese

• Cauliflower: A hearty vegetable that serves as the core base of this comforting dish.
• Creme Fraiche: A rich, creamy ingredient that creates a smooth and luxurious sauce.
• Cheeses: Provide depth of flavor and a deliciously melty texture to the dish.

• Bay Leaves, Nutmeg: Add subtle aromatic notes that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Cayenne Pepper: Brings a gentle kick of heat to balance the creamy cheese sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a sharp, salty topping that creates a golden crust when grilled.

• Onions: Contribute a sweet and slightly sharp element to the dish.
• Hot Water: Helps to thin and blend the sauce to the perfect consistency.

Step-by-Step for Cauliflower Cheese by Delia Smith

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

Grab your fresh cauliflower and give it a good wash. Break the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they’re roughly the same size for even cooking. Pop the florets into a steamer basket with a couple of fragrant bay leaves and a pinch of warming nutmeg. Steam for about 12 minutes until the cauliflower is tender but still has a slight bite.

Step 2: Craft the Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Sharp cheddar
• Creamy gruyere
• Soft mozzarella

Continue whisking until the cheeses melt into a smooth, luxurious sauce that coats the back of a spoon.

Step 3: Assemble and Top the Dish

• Finely chopped green onions
• Freshly grated Parmesan
• A light dusting of cayenne for a subtle kick

Step 4: Grill to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish under the grill and cook until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the sauce starts bubbling around the edges. The cheese should be melted and slightly crispy on top.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Bring the dish straight to the table, letting the aroma of cheesy, nutmeg-infused cauliflower tempt your dinner guests. Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Great Tips for Cauliflower Cheese Perfection

• Prevent Mushy Cauliflower: Steam exactly 12 minutes to maintain perfect texture and avoid overcooking.
• Cheese Sauce Secret: Use room temperature creme fraiche and hot water for smooth, lump-free melting.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add bay leaves and nutmeg during steaming to infuse subtle aromatic notes.
• Create Golden Crust: Sprinkle extra Parmesan and cayenne on top for crispy, spicy-cheesy finish.
• Temperature Timing: Serve immediately after grilling to enjoy maximum cheesy goodness and maintain optimal texture.

Different Ways to Make Cauliflower Cheese

• Vegan Veggie Bake: Replace creme fraiche with coconut cream, use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, swap Parmesan with almond parmesan for dairy-free option.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Gratin: Use heavy cream instead of creme fraiche, add extra sharp cheddar, sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top for protein boost.
• Spicy Mediterranean Style: Add roasted red peppers, swap cayenne with harissa paste, incorporate feta cheese and fresh herbs like oregano for Mediterranean flair.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Dish: Ensure all cheese is gluten-free certified, use gluten-free breadcrumbs for optional crispy topping, replace regular Parmesan with gluten-free version.

Pairings That Work for Cauliflower Cheese

• Savor Crisp White Wine Pairing: A chilled Chardonnay complements the creamy cheese sauce with its buttery notes and balanced acidity, cutting through the richness of the dish.
• Enhance with Hearty Red Companion: Select a light Pinot Noir that offers subtle earthiness, matching the nutmeg and cauliflower's delicate flavors without overpowering the subtle cheese profile.
• Create Protein-Packed Side Partner: Serve alongside roasted chicken or grilled ham, which provide a savory protein contrast to the smooth, cheesy cauliflower base and add textural interest to the meal.
• Match with Rustic Bread Option: Crusty sourdough or whole grain bread becomes the perfect accompaniment, allowing diners to soak up the luxurious cheese sauce and add a satisfying crunch to each bite.

Best Storage for Cauliflower Cheese Dishes

• Store leftover cauliflower cheese in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping it fresh and ready for quick reheating.
• Warm individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and maintain sauce consistency.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place dish in baking pan, cover with foil to prevent drying, heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and cheese is melted.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or wrap, store up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

FAQs About Cauliflower Cheese by Delia Smith

• What are the key cheeses used in this recipe?

Cheddar and Parmesan are the primary cheeses, creating a rich and tangy flavor profile for the cauliflower cheese dish.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this cauliflower cheese recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, using dairy ingredients and cauliflower as the main components.

• How do bay leaves and nutmeg enhance the flavor?

Bay leaves add a subtle herbal aroma during steaming, while nutmeg provides a warm, slightly sweet undertone that complements the cheesy sauce.

• Is this dish suitable for a side or main course?

This cauliflower cheese can be served as a delicious side dish or a light vegetarian main course, depending on your meal preferences.

Why Delia Smith Cauliflower Cheese Is a Must-Try

• Savor Simplicity: This recipe transforms basic ingredients into a gourmet side dish with minimal cooking skills required.
• Customize Your Comfort: Adjust cheese types or add extra spices to match personal taste preferences and make the dish uniquely yours.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings, delivering rich flavors without complex preparation steps.
• Nutritious Indulgence: Combines the health benefits of cauliflower with the delightful richness of cheese, creating a balanced and satisfying meal option.

Cauliflower Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting cauliflower cheese delivers British culinary magic with creamy cheddar and tender florets. Melted cheese blankets roasted cauliflower, creating a luxurious side dish that speaks directly to hearty home cooking you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 medium cauliflower, in florets
• 40 grams (1.4 ounces) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 40 grams (1.4 ounces) Gruyere cheese, grated

Sauce and Binding Ingredients:

• 2 heaped tablespoons half-fat creme fraiche
• 1 tablespoon extra Parmesan cheese, grated

Seasoning and Herbs:

• 2 bay leaves
• 2 spring onions, chopped
• Pinch of grated nutmeg
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

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Instructions

1. Trim cauliflower into uniform florets, removing tough stems and leaves.
2. Immerse cauliflower in salted boiling water with bay leaves, infusing subtle herbal notes for precisely 8-10 minutes until tender yet crisp.
3. Drain cauliflower thoroughly, allowing excess moisture to evaporate completely.
4. Prepare creamy sauce by gently warming creme fraiche in a saucepan, whisking consistently to prevent scorching.
5. Gradually incorporate grated cheddar and gruyere cheeses, stirring until smooth and velvety.
6. Season sauce with ground nutmeg, white pepper, and a pinch of cayenne for depth of flavor.
7. Arrange softened cauliflower florets in a ceramic baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
8. Pour luxurious cheese sauce evenly over cauliflower, coating each piece generously.
9. Sprinkle finely chopped caramelized onions across the surface for added complexity.
10. Dust the top with grated Parmesan cheese and an extra dash of cayenne for a subtle kick.
11. Position dish under preheated grill at 450°F for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
12. Rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow sauce to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by toasting bay leaves briefly before steaming to release deeper aromatic notes.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or gruyère for more complex taste profile.
• Reduce dairy content by substituting half the creme fraiche with Greek yogurt for lighter version.
• Add crispy breadcrumbs on top before grilling for extra textural crunch and golden finish.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg