Introduction

Whole baked cauliflower cheese is a comforting and impressive vegetarian dish that features a tender cauliflower smothered in rich, cheesy sauce. It’s perfect as a centerpiece for dinner or a hearty side that everyone will enjoy.

Whole Baked Cauliflower Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 large cauliflower (about 1kg)
50g unsalted butter
50g plain flour
Large pinch of sweet smoked paprika
600ml whole milk
2 tsp English mustard
170g mature cheddar, gruyère, comté or a mixture
½ bunch of chives, finely chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Remove any large leaves from the cauliflower but keep smaller ones attached. Carefully lower the cauliflower into the boiling water and cook for 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/gas mark 4.
Step 3: Melt the butter in a medium pan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and smoked paprika, cooking for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Step 4: Remove the pan from heat and gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Stir in the English mustard.
Step 5: Return the pan to the heat and bring the sauce to a boil, whisking continuously. Add two-thirds of the cheese and whisk until it melts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Place the cauliflower in the center of a deep baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over it and sprinkle with the remaining cheese on top.
Step 7: Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and scatter the chopped chives over before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce when heating.
Use a mix of cheeses for depth—cheddar adds sharpness, while gruyère or comté provide nuttiness.
Try adding a crunchy breadcrumb topping in the last 10 minutes of baking for texture.
Serve with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 160°C until warm to preserve the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent the sauce from separating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cauliflower?

Yes, you can use any size cauliflower, but adjust cooking times accordingly. Smaller cauliflowers may need less boiling time.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative, use flour and plant-based milk for the sauce, and choose a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for flavor.

Whole Baked Cauliflower Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 61 reviews

A comforting and indulgent whole baked cauliflower cheese, featuring a tender boiled cauliflower smothered in a rich, creamy cheddar and mustard cheese sauce, baked until golden and bubbling with a hint of smoked paprika and fresh chives.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hour 5 mins
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: British
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

1 large cauliflower (about 1kg)
½ bunch of chives, finely chopped

Cheese Sauce

50g unsalted butter
50g plain flour
large pinch of sweet smoked paprika
600ml whole milk
2 tsp English mustard
170g mature cheddar, gruyère, comté or a mixture

Instructions

Boil the cauliflower: Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil. Remove any large leaves from the cauliflower, leaving smaller leaves attached for presentation. Carefully lower the whole cauliflower into the boiling water and cook for 15 minutes until tender. Drain well and set aside.
Make the cheese sauce: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/gas mark 4. In a medium pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and smoked paprika and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Remove the pan from the heat and gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the English mustard. Return the pan to the heat and bring the sauce to a boil, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Add two-thirds of the cheese and whisk until it is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble and bake: Place the boiled cauliflower in the center of a deep baking dish. Pour over the cheese sauce evenly, making sure to cover the cauliflower. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the sauce is golden brown and bubbling.
Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and scatter the finely chopped chives over the top before serving. Enjoy this hearty, cheesy centerpiece as a vegetarian main or side dish.

Notes

Choose a sturdy cauliflower that fits your baking dish to ensure even cooking.
Any mix of hard cheeses like cheddar, gruyère, and comté will work nicely for a complex flavor.
For a smoother sauce, ensure to whisk continuously when adding milk and cheese.
Serve with crusty bread or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: baked cauliflower cheese, vegetarian cauliflower recipe, cheesy cauliflower bake, cauliflower main dish, comfort food