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Introduction

Cauliflower cheese is a classic dish that’s often served as a side alongside a roast dinner, but this cauliflower cheese recipe takes it to the next level by turning it into a satisfying meal all on its own. Not only is it hearty and delicious, but it’s also incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook looking for something quick, this recipe is a winner.

The beauty of cauliflower cheese lies in its simplicity – tender cauliflower smothered in a creamy, rich white sauce and topped with melted cheese. This dish is perfect for those days when you’re craving something comforting yet light. It’s easy to throw together, and you’ll likely have most of the ingredients in your kitchen already. This version of the dish includes added vegetables turning it from a side into the main event and ideal for vegetarians.

Top Tip

If you’ve never made a white sauce before, don’t worry! This recipe will guide you through the process step-by-step, and you’ll be surprised at how easy and rewarding it is. A white sauce forms the base of so many dishes, and once you master it, you’ll find yourself using it in everything from lasagne to fish pie, onion sauce, carbonara, and even parsley sauce. It’s a versatile skill to have in your cooking repertoire, and it can transform simple ingredients into something special.

This cauliflower cheese recipe is not only delicious but also an affordable option for students and budget-conscious cooks. It’s a meal that won’t break the bank, yet it’s packed with flavour and comfort. Perfect for any occasion, cauliflower cheese is sure to become a favourite in your cooking rotation. So, grab a cauliflower, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking – this tasty, creamy dish is ready in no time!

Ingredients

  • 2 Onions
  • 1 Red Pepper
  • 1 Yellow Pepper
  • 1 Courgette
  • 1 Garlic Clove
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1 Cauliflower 
  • 50g Flour
  • 50g Butter
  • 1 Pint of Milk
  • 25g of Cheddar Cheese
  • 25g Red Leicester Cheese
  • A Handful of Breadcrumbs

Instructions

To make the cheese sauce melt the butter in a saucepan and add the flour, mix the butter and flour to form a doughy texture, cook it out a little you need to get the raw flour taste out! Once this is done start to add the milk slowly, mix the milk into the rue. Keep adding and mixing until all of the milk has been incorporated, you should now have a velvety white sauce with no lumps! A tip here is to use cold milk as it helps to reduce the chances of lumps! Now add the cheese and stir in until melted. Add salt and pepper to taste. 

The Veggies

Peel and chop the onions and slice the courgette. Throw into a hot frying pan with some oil and lightly fry. Crush the garlic and throw in with the onions and courgette. Do not have the oil too hot as the garlic will burn and become very bitter and no one wants a bitter garlic! Oh if you want a bit of heat you could also throw in a chilli if you wanted! 

The Red & Yellow Pepper

Blackened yellow and red peppers showing how the vegetables should look after they have been on the gas ring or under the grill

Take the red pepper and put it directly onto the flame of the gas hob, if you have electric you could do this under the grill. You are looking to blacken the skin on the pepper all over and once done put into a plastic bag and seal. The heat of the pepper will loosen the skin of the burnt pepper and after a couple of minutes take the pepper out and peel the skin off under running water. 

Once the skin is off take out the stem and seeds and slice. This pepper will now be really tasty, you can use this in all sorts of things! Use it in salads or quiches to add that distinctive taste and soft texture.

When the veg has softened and lightly coloured add the pepper and some balsamic vinegar. 

The Cauliflower

To prepare the cauliflower take off the outer leaves and break the cauliflower into florets and roast for 10 minutes. Add the leaves to the oven and cook for a further 10 minutes or until there is colour on the cauliflower and the leaves. The leaves are very tasty and there is no need to waste them, if you have never tried them give them a go as it adds an extra dimension to the dish and reduces our food waste.

Putting It All Together

Put the fried veggies into an oven proof dish and then add the cauliflower. Pour over the cheese sauce and then sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top. No put it under the grill to toast the breadcrumbs and give the top of the sauce some colour then serve! 

One tasty meal in one dish! Add a chunk of fresh bread to mop up the sauce and job done! 

Nutritional Details per portion (assuming 5 portions)

  • Calories: 534.2 kcal
  • Protein: 25.1g
  • Fat: 25.7g
  • Carbohydrates: 50.2g
  • Fibre: 5.4g
  • Salt: 0.32g

This pimped up cauliflower cheese recipe is a great midweek vegetable option at any time of year. It can also be frozen making it a ready made meal.

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Vegetarian Recipes

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