The Hairy Bikers Cauliflower Cheese is a comforting, cheesy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Known for their hearty, home-style cooking, the Hairy Bikers bring their own twist to this classic British dish. It features tender cauliflower florets smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, baked to golden perfection. Whether served as a side dish or a vegetarian main, this cauliflower cheese recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
What is Hairy Bikers Cauliflower Cheese?
The Hairy Bikers’ Cauliflower Cheese is a baked dish that combines lightly steamed cauliflower with a creamy, flavorful cheese sauce. It’s baked until golden and bubbly, making it a perfect accompaniment to roast dinners or a satisfying meal on its own.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Classic Comfort Food: This dish is the ultimate in British comfort food, perfect for cold evenings.
- Rich and Creamy: The cheese sauce is indulgently rich, yet simple to make.
- Versatile: It can be served as a side dish or a main course for a vegetarian meal.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with easy-to-find ingredients, this dish is both budget-friendly and delicious.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Cauliflower Cheese
- Cauliflower (1 medium, about 800g): Cut into bite-sized florets.
- Cheddar Cheese (200g, grated): A strong, mature cheddar works best for a rich, tangy flavor.
- Milk (500ml): For making the creamy cheese sauce.
- Butter (50g): Adds richness to the sauce and helps create the roux.
- Plain Flour (50g): Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick and depth to the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese (50g, grated): For a sharp, salty topping.
- Breadcrumbs (a handful): Optional, for an extra crispy topping.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
- Optional: A pinch of nutmeg for a warm, aromatic touch.
Equipment
- Large Pot: For steaming the cauliflower.
- Saucepan: To prepare the cheese sauce.
- Whisk: To stir the sauce and prevent lumps.
- Baking Dish: For assembling and baking the cauliflower cheese.
- Grater: For grating the cheeses.
Instructions to Prepare Hairy Bikers 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 them for 5-6 minutes until slightly tender but still firm. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, stirring continuously to avoid burning.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking, creating a smooth, thick sauce.
- Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the Dijon mustard and half of the grated cheddar cheese. Whisk until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
Step 3: Assemble the Cauliflower Cheese
- Arrange the blanched cauliflower florets in a medium-sized baking dish.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower, ensuring all the florets are well-coated.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs (if using) over the top for a crispy finish.
Step 4: Bake the Cauliflower Cheese
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes 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 to roast meats or as a comforting vegetarian main course. Pair it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Cauliflower Cheese
- Roast Beef or Chicken: The creamy sauce complements the rich flavors of roast meats.
- Grilled Sausages: A hearty side for any grilled or roasted meats.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve alongside green beans, broccoli, or carrots for added nutrition.
- Baked Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, perfect for soaking up the cheese sauce.
- Crusty Bread: Use to mop up the extra sauce for a truly comforting meal.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Cauliflower Cheese
- Don’t Overcook the Cauliflower: Blanch the cauliflower just until tender but still firm. This helps it hold up during baking and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Use Strong Cheddar: A mature cheddar gives the sauce a robust, tangy flavor that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
- Whisk Continuously: Stir the sauce constantly while adding the milk to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth consistency.
- Crispy Topping: For extra texture, add a layer of breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
- Add a Kick: For a little extra flavor, add a teaspoon of wholegrain mustard or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Cauliflower Cheese
- Add Bacon: Fry some bacon pieces until crispy and sprinkle them over the cauliflower before baking for a smoky twist.
- Broccoli Addition: Combine cauliflower with broccoli for a mix of textures and flavors.
- Vegan Version: Use dairy-free milk, vegan cheese, and butter to create a plant-based version.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in some sautéed mushrooms or leeks for added depth and flavor.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in Gruyère or mozzarella for an extra cheesy and creamy sauce.
Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers Cauliflower Cheese
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 180°C for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the top is crispy again. Cover with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning.
- Freeze: Cauliflower cheese can be frozen before baking. Assemble the dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.
Best Practices to Reheat Hairy Bikers Cauliflower Cheese
- Oven Reheating: Preheat the 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 for even heating.
- Avoid Overheating: Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture of the sauce and prevent the cauliflower from becoming too soft.
How Can I Make Hairy Bikers Cauliflower Cheese Healthier?
- Use Low-Fat Milk: Swap whole milk for semi-skimmed or skimmed milk to reduce the calorie content.
- Reduce Cheese: Use a smaller amount of cheese or opt for a reduced-fat version to lighten the dish.
- Add Extra Vegetables: Incorporate broccoli, spinach, or kale to increase the nutritional 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: 370 kcal
- Protein: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
Final Words
The Hairy Bikers Cauliflower Cheese is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish that will delight everyone at the table. Whether served as a side dish to accompany roast meats or as a standalone vegetarian main, this recipe is simple yet delicious. The cheesy sauce, golden baked top, and tender cauliflower make this a perfect choice for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a festive gathering.
More By British Baking Recipes
- Nigella Chicken And Leek Pie
- Mary Berry Chicken And Leek Pie
- Jamie Oliver Macaroni Cheese With Cauliflower
- Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Cauliflower
Hairy Bikers Cauliflower Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
The Hairy Bikers’ Cauliflower Cheese is a baked dish that combines lightly steamed cauliflower with a creamy, flavorful cheese sauce. It’s baked until golden and bubbly, making it a perfect accompaniment to roast dinners or a satisfying meal on its own.
Ingredients
- Cauliflower (1 medium, about 800g): Cut into bite-sized florets.
- Cheddar Cheese (200g, grated): A strong, mature cheddar works best for a rich, tangy flavor.
- Milk (500ml): For making the creamy cheese sauce.
- Butter (50g): Adds richness to the sauce and helps create the roux.
- Plain Flour (50g): Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick and depth to the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese (50g, grated): For a sharp, salty topping.
- Breadcrumbs (a handful): Optional, for an extra crispy topping.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
- Optional: A pinch of nutmeg for a warm, aromatic touch.
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 them for 5-6 minutes until slightly tender but still firm. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, stirring continuously to avoid burning.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking, creating a smooth, thick sauce.
- Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the Dijon mustard and half of the grated cheddar cheese. Whisk until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
Step 3: Assemble the Cauliflower Cheese
- Arrange the blanched cauliflower florets in a medium-sized baking dish.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower, ensuring all the florets are well-coated.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs (if using) over the top for a crispy finish.
Step 4: Bake the Cauliflower Cheese
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes 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 to roast meats or as a comforting vegetarian main course. Pair it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
