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
Scale
- 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.