This classic Hairy Bikers Cauliflower Cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food. It is made with simple ingredients like cauliflower florets, rich cheeses, and a creamy béchamel sauce. The result is a savory, decadent side dish with a perfectly golden and bubbly topping. This recipe is a fantastic, cozy addition to any Sunday roast and serves 4-6 people.
Hairy Bikers Cauliflower Cheese Ingredients
- 1 large cauliflower, about 600g
- 60g unsalted butter
- 60g plain flour
- 1 tbsp English mustard powder
- 600ml whole milk
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 100g mature cheddar cheese, grated
- 100g Lancashire cheese, grated
- 100g Cheshire cheese, grated
- 50g breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
How To Make Hairy Bikers Cauliflower Cheese
- Prepare the cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cut the cauliflower into medium-sized florets, add them to the boiling water, and cook for about 4-5 minutes until they are just tender. Drain the cauliflower well and transfer it to a large ovenproof dish.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over a low heat. Stir in the flour and mustard powder to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly and gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth and thick. Bring to a boil, then simmer for a few minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. Remove from the heat.
- Add the cheese: In a bowl, mix together all three grated cheeses. Add half of this cheese mixture to the hot sauce and stir until it is completely melted and smooth. Season the sauce with a pinch of cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Assemble the dish: Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the par-cooked cauliflower in the baking dish. In the same bowl you used for the cheese, mix the breadcrumbs and fresh thyme leaves with the remaining half of the cheese.
- Bake the cauliflower cheese: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the dish. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden, crisp, and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- Use Room Temperature Milk: For the smoothest sauce, make sure your milk is at room temperature before adding it to the roux. This helps prevent lumps from forming.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own cheese from a block will give you a richer, creamier sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Cauliflower: The cauliflower should be just slightly undercooked before baking, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents it from becoming too soft or mushy.
- Choose Strong Cheeses: The Hairy Bikers suggest a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor. Using a strong mature cheddar is key for that rich, cheesy punch.
What To Serve With Cauliflower Cheese
Cauliflower cheese is a classic British side dish, perfect for a Sunday roast. Serve it alongside roasted meats like beef, lamb, or chicken. It also pairs wonderfully with sausages or a traditional pork pie. For a lighter meal, it’s delicious with a simple green salad and a slice of crusty bread to soak up all the cheesy sauce.
How To Store Cauliflower Cheese Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Let the dish cool completely, then cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
- Freeze: While it’s best served fresh, you can freeze cauliflower cheese. Tightly wrap the cooled dish in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the texture of the sauce may change slightly after freezing.
Hairy Bikers Cauliflower Cheese Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1/6th of the dish (approximate)
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 16g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use just one type of cheese? Yes, while the Hairy Bikers suggest a blend of three cheeses, you can absolutely make this recipe with just one type. A strong mature cheddar is the best choice for a rich flavor.
- How do I make the sauce thicker? If your sauce is not thickening, whisk it over low heat for a few more minutes. If it’s still too thin, you can make a paste of equal parts flour and softened butter, whisk it in, and cook for another minute until thickened.
- Can I add other vegetables to this dish? Yes, this recipe is very versatile. You can add other vegetables like broccoli, leeks, or even some spinach to the cauliflower. Just be sure to pre-cook them slightly so they don’t release too much water during baking.
Try More Recipes:
- Hairy Bikers Yorkshire Pudding Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Shakshuka Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Sage And Onion Stuffing Recipe
Hairy Bikers Cauliflower Cheese Recipe
Description
A classic Hairy Bikers Cauliflower Cheese recipe with a creamy, rich sauce made from a blend of mature cheeses and a crispy, golden breadcrumb topping. This is the ultimate comfort food side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare Cauliflower: Boil cauliflower florets for 4-5 minutes until just tender. Drain and place in an ovenproof dish.
- Make Sauce: Melt butter, stir in flour and mustard to make a roux. Slowly whisk in milk until thick.
- Add Cheese: Stir half of the grated cheese into the sauce until melted. Season with cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble & Bake: Pour sauce over cauliflower. Mix remaining cheese with breadcrumbs and thyme and sprinkle on top. Bake at 200°C/400°F for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbling.
