Description
This Bronzed Cheddar and Chive cauliflower cheese recipe is a warm, cozy, and utterly delicious dish with a rich, golden crust and creamy, savory center. It is an easy, hearty, family-friendly meal perfect for any night and a great way to include extra vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower (about 900 g), cut into florets
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (220 g), freshly grated
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (56 g)
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk (720 ml)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated
- To taste salt
- To taste freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Cauliflower: Cut 1 large head of cauliflower into florets. Steam or boil for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp, ensuring they retain a slight bite to avoid a watery dish.
- Make the Roux: Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 4 tablespoons flour for 1 minute until pale and smelling slightly nutty.
- Build the Sauce: Gradually add 3 cups milk, whisking constantly. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce visibly thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Finish the Cheese Sauce: Stir in 1.5 cups grated sharp cheddar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg, salt, and pepper until smooth and fragrant.
- Combine and Bake: Fold the cooked cauliflower into the sauce. Transfer to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining 0.5 cup cheddar and 2 tablespoons chives.
- Get it Bronzed: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, looking for bubbly edges and a golden, bronzed topping.
Notes
To avoid a watery dish, ensure cauliflower florets are not overcooked; they should retain a slight bite. For quick meals, use pre-cut cauliflower. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free all-purpose flour. For a lighter sauce, use 2% milk or unsweetened almond milk. Aged cheddar offers more flavor complexity. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx 200 g)
- Calories: 350 calories
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: cauliflower cheese, cheddar, chives, comforting, family-friendly, vegetable side, baked, easy, savory, weeknight meal