A firm family favourite, this cheesy cauliflower bake is delicious, and made even better with the addition of crushed chips/crisps before serving.
When it comes to comfort food, few things hit the spot quite like a good old-fashioned cheesy cauliflower bake. It’s simple, hearty, and always a crowd-pleaser — the kind of dish that disappears quickly at the dinner table.
This version has a little twist that makes it extra special, a trick I learned from my lovely mother-in-law. After baking the cauliflower until it’s bubbling and golden, she would sprinkle a handful of crushed plain chips over the top — adding the most delicious salty crunch. It’s one of those small, unexpected touches that takes something good and makes it unforgettable.
Whether you’re serving it alongside a Sunday roast or just want something cosy for a weeknight dinner, this cheesy cauliflower bake is a family favourite you’ll want to make again and again.
How to make cheesy cauliflower bake
STEP ONE: Preheat oven to 220ºC.
STEP TWO: Place the cauliflower into a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to the boil over high heat and cook for 7 minutes, or until tender.
STEP THREE: Drain the cauliflower, then tip into an ovenproof dish.
STEP FOUR: Place the empty saucepan back onto the heat and add the butter, flour and milk into the saucepan.
STEP FIVE: Whisk the mixture as it comes to the boil. The sauce will begin to thicken as the flour incorporates into the mixture. Continue whisking for 2 minutes once butter has melted and flour is mixed in, the sauce will bubble and become thick.
STEP SIX: Remove from the heat and add the grated cheese, and mix through. Pour over the cauliflower. Add a little extra cheese on top. Place into the oven and cook for 20 minutes, until bubbling. (If using breadcrumbs, add them here).
STEP SEVEN: Remove from the oven and top with the crushed plain chips.
Serve with roast meat, like lamb, beef or even chicken.
Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
Ingredients
1 large cauliflower, leaves removed and broken into pieces
50g butter
4 tablespoon plain flour
500ml full cream milk
1 cup cheddar, grated, plus extra for scattering before baking
1/2 cup of plain chips, crushed (can replace with bread crumbs)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 220ºC.
- Place the cauliflower into a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to the boil over high heat and cook for 7 minutes, or until tender.
- Drain the cauliflower, then tip into an ovenproof dish.
- Place the empty saucepan back onto the heat and add the butter, flour and milk into the saucepan.
- Whisk the mixture as it comes to the boil. The sauce will begin to thicken as the flour incorporates into the mixture. Continue whisking for 2 minutes once butter has melted and flour is mixed in, the sauce will bubble and become thick.
- Remove from the heat and add the grated cheese, and mix through. Pour over the cauliflower. Place into the oven and cook for 20 minutes, until bubbling. (If using breadcrumbs, add them here).
- Remove from the oven and top with the crushed plain chips.
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