The Delia Smith Cauliflower Cheese is a timeless British classic that’s creamy, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. This dish combines tender cauliflower florets with a rich, cheesy sauce, baked to golden perfection. Whether served as a side dish or a vegetarian main course, it’s a perfect recipe for family dinners or special occasions. Delia Smith’s version of this beloved dish is simple and foolproof, making it a must-try for cheese lovers.
What is Delia Smith Cauliflower Cheese?
Delia Smith’s Cauliflower Cheese is a baked dish featuring lightly steamed cauliflower florets covered in a smooth, creamy cheese sauce. The dish is then baked until bubbling and golden brown on top. This classic comfort food pairs well with roasts or can be enjoyed as a hearty vegetarian main.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Classic British Dish: Cauliflower cheese is a beloved comfort food in British cuisine.
- Creamy and Cheesy: The sauce is rich and full of cheesy goodness, making it irresistible.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, this recipe is quick and beginner-friendly.
- Versatile: Serve as a side dish with roast dinners or as a main course with a side salad.
- Perfect for Vegetarians: A hearty and satisfying vegetarian dish.
Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Smith Cauliflower Cheese
- Cauliflower (1 medium, about 800g): Cut into florets.
- Cheddar Cheese (150g, grated): Sharp and tangy, ideal for the cheese sauce.
- Milk (300ml): Forms the base of the creamy sauce.
- Butter (50g): For making the roux and adding richness to the sauce.
- Plain Flour (50g): Helps to thicken the cheese sauce.
- English Mustard Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, tangy kick to the sauce.
- Ground Nutmeg (a pinch): For a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
- Optional: A sprinkle of Parmesan or breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
Equipment
- Large Pot: For steaming the cauliflower.
- Saucepan: To make the cheese sauce.
- Whisk: For stirring the sauce and preventing lumps.
- Baking Dish (medium-sized): For assembling and baking the cauliflower cheese.
- Grater: For grating the cheddar cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Delia Smith Cauliflower Cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the cauliflower florets and blanch for 4-5 minutes until slightly tender but not fully cooked.
- Drain the cauliflower and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour to form a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in the grated cheddar cheese, mustard powder, nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper. Continue to whisk until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
- Arrange the blanched cauliflower florets evenly in a medium-sized baking dish.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower, ensuring that all the florets are well coated.
- For extra crispiness, you can sprinkle a bit of Parmesan or breadcrumbs over the top.
Step 4: Bake the Cauliflower Cheese
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Step 5: Serve the Cauliflower Cheese
- Serve hot as a side dish with roast meats or as a vegetarian main course with a fresh green salad or crusty bread.
What Goes Well With Delia Smith Cauliflower Cheese
- Roast Chicken: A perfect pairing for a Sunday roast.
- Grilled Sausages: The creamy sauce complements the savory flavor of sausages.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve with green beans, carrots, or broccoli for a balanced meal.
- Crispy Potatoes: Roasted or mashed potatoes make a delicious side to this cheesy dish.
- Green Salad: A light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides contrast to the richness of the cheese sauce.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Delia Smith Cauliflower Cheese
- Don’t Overcook the Cauliflower: Blanching the cauliflower briefly ensures it doesn’t become mushy after baking.
- Use Good-Quality Cheese: A strong, mature cheddar adds the best flavor to the sauce.
- Whisk the Sauce Continuously: This prevents lumps from forming and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
- Top with Breadcrumbs: For added crunch, sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs before baking.
- Let It Rest: Allow the cauliflower cheese to rest for a few minutes after baking to set the sauce and make it easier to serve.
Easy Variations of Delia Smith Cauliflower Cheese
- Add Bacon: Crisp up some bacon and sprinkle it over the top for a smoky twist.
- Use Broccoli: Swap half of the cauliflower for broccoli to add variety.
- Extra Veggies: Mix in sautéed leeks or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
- Herby Twist: Add fresh chopped parsley or thyme to the cheese sauce for a herby flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for some heat.
Best Practices to Store Delia Smith Cauliflower Cheese
- Refrigerate: Store leftover cauliflower cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 180°C for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent the top from browning too much.
- Avoid Freezing: Cauliflower cheese is best eaten fresh, as freezing can affect the texture of both the sauce and the cauliflower.
Best Practices to Reheat Delia Smith Cauliflower Cheese
- Oven Reheating: Preheat your oven to 180°C, cover the dish with foil, and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave Option: Reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Avoid Overheating: Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture of the cheese sauce and prevent the cauliflower from becoming mushy.
How Can I Make Delia Smith Cauliflower Cheese Healthier?
- Use Low-Fat Milk: Swap whole milk for semi-skimmed or skimmed milk to reduce the calorie content.
- Reduce the Cheese: Use a smaller amount of cheese or opt for a reduced-fat version.
- Add More Vegetables: Incorporate broccoli, spinach, or leeks to increase the veggie content.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Replace plain flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber in the sauce.
- Smaller Portions: Serve smaller portions alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a more balanced meal.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 460mg
Final Words
The Delia Smith Cauliflower Cheese is a classic, comforting dish that’s simple to prepare yet full of flavor. Whether served as a side dish with roast meat or enjoyed on its own as a vegetarian main, this creamy, cheesy cauliflower bake is sure to please everyone at the table. With its rich sauce and golden topping, it’s a dish that will quickly become a family favorite.
More By British Baking Recipes
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Delia Smith Cauliflower Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Delia Smith’s Cauliflower Cheese is a baked dish featuring lightly steamed cauliflower florets covered in a smooth, creamy cheese sauce. The dish is then baked until bubbling and golden brown on top. This classic comfort food pairs well with roasts or can be enjoyed as a hearty vegetarian main.
Ingredients
- Cauliflower (1 medium, about 800g): Cut into florets.
- Cheddar Cheese (150g, grated): Sharp and tangy, ideal for the cheese sauce.
- Milk (300ml): Forms the base of the creamy sauce.
- Butter (50g): For making the roux and adding richness to the sauce.
- Plain Flour (50g): Helps to thicken the cheese sauce.
- English Mustard Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, tangy kick to the sauce.
- Ground Nutmeg (a pinch): For a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
- Optional: A sprinkle of Parmesan or breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the cauliflower florets and blanch for 4-5 minutes until slightly tender but not fully cooked.
- Drain the cauliflower and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour to form a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in the grated cheddar cheese, mustard powder, nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper. Continue to whisk until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
- Arrange the blanched cauliflower florets evenly in a medium-sized baking dish.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower, ensuring that all the florets are well coated.
- For extra crispiness, you can sprinkle a bit of Parmesan or breadcrumbs over the top.
Step 4: Bake the Cauliflower Cheese
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Step 5: Serve the Cauliflower Cheese
- Serve hot as a side dish with roast meats or as a vegetarian main course with a fresh green salad or crusty bread.
