Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower and Broccoli Cheese is a deliciously creamy and cheesy dish that brings together tender cauliflower and broccoli, smothered in a rich, homemade cheese sauce. This comforting classic is the perfect side dish or even a main course when paired with a crisp salad or crusty bread. The combination of vegetables and creamy sauce makes it a family favorite, ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Jamie Oliver Cauliflower and Broccoli Cheese
Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower and Broccoli Cheese is a twist on the traditional cauliflower cheese dish, combining both cauliflower and broccoli florets with a creamy, cheesy béchamel sauce. Topped with melted cheese and baked to golden perfection, this dish is a comforting and hearty choice that’s easy to prepare. The richness of the cheese sauce complements the vegetables beautifully, making it a crowd-pleasing recipe for any meal.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Comforting and hearty: A rich and creamy dish that’s perfect for cold days.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process make this recipe accessible for any home cook.
- Family-friendly: Loved by both kids and adults, making it great for family meals.
- Versatile: It works as a side dish or a main course, depending on how you serve it.
- A perfect blend of flavors: The cheesy sauce and tender vegetables come together for a satisfying and indulgent meal.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Cauliflower and Broccoli Cheese
- 1 medium cauliflower – broken into florets.
- 1 medium broccoli – broken into florets.
- 50g (1.7 oz) butter – for the béchamel sauce.
- 50g (1.7 oz) plain flour – to thicken the sauce.
- 600ml (20 fl oz) milk – for a smooth, creamy sauce.
- 150g (5 oz) mature cheddar cheese – grated, for rich flavor.
- 50g (1.7 oz) Parmesan cheese – grated, for added depth.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – for a slight tang.
- Salt and pepper – to taste.
- Nutmeg – a pinch, for extra warmth and flavor.
Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Baking dish
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Cauliflower and Broccoli Cheese
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking the dish.
- Cook the vegetables: Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower and broccoli florets and cook for 5-7 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- Make the béchamel sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cheese: Stir in the grated cheddar and Parmesan, then add the Dijon mustard. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Assemble the dish: Place the cooked cauliflower and broccoli into a baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the vegetables, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Top with extra cheese: Sprinkle some additional grated cheddar or Parmesan over the top for a golden, crispy finish.
- Bake the dish: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Serve hot: Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it as a side dish with roasted meats or as a main course with salad and bread.
What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Cauliflower and Broccoli Cheese
- Roast chicken: The rich flavors of this dish complement roasted meats like chicken or turkey.
- Crisp green salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the creamy richness.
- Mashed potatoes: For an extra indulgent meal, serve with mashed potatoes.
- Crusty bread: Perfect for mopping up the cheesy sauce.
- Steamed vegetables: Add extra green beans or peas on the side for more vegetable goodness.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Cauliflower and Broccoli Cheese
- Don’t overcook the vegetables: Boil the cauliflower and broccoli just until tender to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
- Use strong cheese: A mature cheddar or a combination of cheeses will add depth and flavor to the sauce.
- Stir constantly: When making the béchamel sauce, whisk continuously to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
- Season well: Make sure to taste the sauce before assembling the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Let it cool slightly: Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set before serving.
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Cauliflower and Broccoli Cheese
- Add bacon: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the top for extra flavor and texture.
- Include breadcrumbs: Add a layer of crunchy breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crispy topping.
- Use different cheeses: Try adding Gruyère or mozzarella for a different cheesy flavor.
- Add herbs: Stir in fresh thyme or rosemary for a herby twist.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a bit of heat.
Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Cauliflower and Broccoli Cheese
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store any leftover cauliflower and broccoli cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later: The dish can be frozen, though the sauce may become slightly grainy. If freezing, let the dish cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw before reheating: If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven.
Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Cauliflower and Broccoli Cheese
- Oven method: Reheat the dish in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave option: Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave, though the texture may be less crispy.
- Add extra cheese: When reheating, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top for added flavor and texture.
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver Cauliflower and Broccoli Cheese Healthier?
- Use less cheese: Reduce the amount of cheese in the sauce or use a lighter cheese option.
- Add more vegetables: Incorporate extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost the nutritional content.
- Use low-fat milk: Swap whole milk for a lower-fat option to cut down on calories and fat.
- Skip the butter: Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter béchamel sauce.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour to thicken the sauce and ensure the dish is suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
FAQs
Can I make cauliflower and broccoli cheese in advance?
Yes, cauliflower and broccoli cheese can be made in advance. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate before baking. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through.
How do I prevent cauliflower and broccoli cheese from becoming watery?
To prevent the dish from becoming watery, make sure to drain the boiled cauliflower and broccoli well before adding the cheese sauce. You can also slightly undercook the vegetables to help retain their texture during baking.
Can I freeze cauliflower and broccoli cheese?
Yes, you can freeze cauliflower and broccoli cheese. Let the dish cool completely before wrapping it tightly and freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven.
What cheese is best for cauliflower and broccoli cheese?
Mature cheddar is commonly used for cauliflower and broccoli cheese because of its strong, rich flavor. Adding Parmesan or Gruyère can provide an extra depth of flavor.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower and Broccoli Cheese is a comforting, cheesy dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The combination of tender vegetables with a rich, creamy cheese sauce makes it an irresistible favorite.
More By British Baking Recipes
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Jamie Oliver Cauliflower And Broccoli Cheese
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower and Broccoli Cheese is a twist on the traditional cauliflower cheese dish, combining both cauliflower and broccoli florets with a creamy, cheesy béchamel sauce. Topped with melted cheese and baked to golden perfection, this dish is a comforting and hearty choice that’s easy to prepare. The richness of the cheese sauce complements the vegetables beautifully, making it a crowd-pleasing recipe for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower – broken into florets.
- 1 medium broccoli – broken into florets.
- 50g (1.7 oz) butter – for the béchamel sauce.
- 50g (1.7 oz) plain flour – to thicken the sauce.
- 600ml (20 fl oz) milk – for a smooth, creamy sauce.
- 150g (5 oz) mature cheddar cheese – grated, for rich flavor.
- 50g (1.7 oz) Parmesan cheese – grated, for added depth.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – for a slight tang.
- Salt and pepper – to taste.
- Nutmeg – a pinch, for extra warmth and flavor.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking the dish.
- Cook the vegetables: Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower and broccoli florets and cook for 5-7 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- Make the béchamel sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cheese: Stir in the grated cheddar and Parmesan, then add the Dijon mustard. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Assemble the dish: Place the cooked cauliflower and broccoli into a baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the vegetables, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Top with extra cheese: Sprinkle some additional grated cheddar or Parmesan over the top for a golden, crispy finish.
- Bake the dish: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Serve hot: Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it as a side dish with roasted meats or as a main course with salad and bread.
