Baked Cauliflower Cheese Gratin recipe

Name: Baked Cauliflower Cheese Gratin
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 large Cauliflower; 200g Cheddar; 500ml Milk; 40g Butter; 40g Plain Flour; 1 tsp Salt; 1/2 tsp Black Pepper

Tender cauliflower florets are coated in a smooth cheddar sauce and baked until bubbling and golden. It’s a classic British dinner that feels comforting and hearty.

40 min · Easy · British Jump to method

Ingredients

4 servings

1 large Cauliflower
200g Cheddar
500ml Milk
40g Butter
40g Plain Flour
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Black Pepper

Nutrition	Per serving
Calories	424 kcal
Protein	19 g
Carbohydrates	21 g
Fat	28 g
Saturated fat	17 g
Fibre	5.5 g
Sugar	10 g
Sodium	780 mg

Why this works

A rich, energy-dense side dish with a good protein and calcium contribution, but high in saturated fat and salt.

Calcium-rich. Cheddar and milk provide a substantial amount of calcium for bone health, though this also raises saturated fat.

Vitamin C and fibre from cauliflower. Cauliflower adds fibre plus vitamin C and other protective plant compounds, helping offset the richness of the sauce.

High salt content. The added teaspoon of salt, plus cheddar, makes this dish relatively high in sodium per serving.

Method

Preheat the oven to 200°C (Fan 180°C, 392°F, Gas Mark 6).
Preheat fully so the oven is at the correct temperature before baking; this helps the top brown evenly.
Cut the cauliflower into florets and cook in boiling water for 8 minutes until just tender, then drain well.
Cut florets into similar sizes for even cooking, and drain them very well to avoid a watery sauce.
Melt the butter in a saucepan over a medium heat, stir in the plain flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux.
Cook the roux just long enough to lose the raw flour taste, but don’t let it brown unless you want a nuttier flavor.
Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth, then cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, until thickened.
Add the milk gradually while whisking constantly to prevent lumps and create a smooth, glossy sauce.
Stir in most of the cheddar until melted, then season with salt and black pepper.
Melt the cheese off the heat or over very low heat to keep the sauce smooth, then season to taste.
Tip the cauliflower into a baking dish and pour over the cheddar sauce.
Coat the cauliflower evenly so every floret gets covered and the bake stays moist.
Scatter the remaining cheddar on top and bake for 20 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Bake until the top is deeply golden and the sauce is bubbling at the edges for the best texture.
Leave to stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Resting lets the sauce thicken slightly, so it serves neater and hotter without running.

Other Cauliflower Recipes

British Cauliflower and Cheddar Soup

30 min · A velvety cauliflower soup enriched with cheddar for a savoury, comforting finish. This simple British-style supper is smooth, warming and full of mellow flavour.

Cheddar Cauliflower Croquettes with Creamy Milk Sauce

45 min · Golden, crisp cauliflower and cheddar croquettes make a satisfying British-style dinner with a soft, cheesy centre. Served with a simple creamy milk sauce, this turns a handful of ingredients into a hearty plate.