Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Bake Recipe

Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Bake is a delicious and comforting dish that takes simple cauliflower and transforms it into a creamy, cheesy delight. With layers of tender cauliflower, rich cheese sauce, and a golden crispy topping, this bake is perfect for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing side dish at gatherings.

What is Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Bake?

Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Bake is a creamy and flavorful casserole that features cauliflower as the star ingredient, smothered in a rich cheese sauce and baked to perfection. It’s an easy, satisfying dish that balances healthy vegetables with indulgent flavors, making it ideal as a side dish or even as a main course for vegetarians.

Other Popular Recipes

• Jamie Oliver Cheese Souffle
• Jamie Oliver Steak and Kidney Pie
• Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Risotto

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Creamy and delicious: The rich cheese sauce makes this dish wonderfully indulgent.
• Great for vegetarians: This cauliflower bake is an ideal vegetarian dish, packed with flavor.
• Perfect side dish: Complements main courses like roasted meats or can stand alone as a meal.
• Simple ingredients: Made with common ingredients like cauliflower, cheese, and cream.
• Easy to prepare: With minimal preparation and hands-off baking time, it’s a hassle-free dish.

Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Bake

• 1 large cauliflower – cut into florets.
• 100g (3.5 oz) mature cheddar cheese – grated, for a rich flavor.
• 50g (1.7 oz) Parmesan cheese – grated, for extra flavor.
• 250ml (8.5 fl oz) double cream – for the creamy sauce.
• 2 tbsp butter – for sautéing and flavor.
• 2 tbsp plain flour – to thicken the sauce.
• 500ml (17 fl oz) milk – to create a smooth sauce.
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard – for a slight tang.
• Fresh thyme or parsley – for garnishing.
• Salt and pepper – to taste for seasoning.
• 50g (1.7 oz) breadcrumbs – for a crispy topping (optional).

Equipment

• Large saucepan – to cook the cauliflower.
• Baking dish – for the cauliflower bake.
• Whisk – for making the cheese sauce.
• Wooden spoon – for stirring.
• Oven – for baking the dish.

Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Bake

Step 1: Cook the cauliflower

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 5-7 minutes until just tender but not mushy. Drain the cauliflower and set aside.

Step 2: Make the cheese sauce

• In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Let the sauce simmer for 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 3: Add the cheese and seasonings

• Stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the bake

• Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the cooked cauliflower florets in a baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower, making sure all the florets are covered.

Step 5: Add the topping

• If desired, mix breadcrumbs with a little grated Parmesan and sprinkle over the top for a crispy finish. Alternatively, you can simply top with extra cheese.

Step 6: Bake the dish

• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling. If you’ve added breadcrumbs, the top should be crisp and brown.

Step 7: Serve and enjoy

• Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley before serving. Enjoy Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Bake as a side dish or a main meal.

What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Bake

• Roast chicken: The creamy bake pairs perfectly with roasted meats like chicken or turkey.
• Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cheese sauce.
• Grilled fish: Serve alongside grilled or baked fish for a balanced meal.
• Crusty bread: Use crusty bread to mop up the creamy sauce.
• Steamed vegetables: For added variety, serve with steamed green beans or broccoli.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Bake

• Don’t overcook the cauliflower: Keep the cauliflower slightly firm when boiling to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
• Use mature cheddar: For a deeper flavor, choose a mature cheddar or a mix of your favorite cheeses.
• Add more veggies: You can add other vegetables like broccoli or spinach to make it more substantial.
• Crumb topping: Adding breadcrumbs to the top provides a nice contrast with the creamy sauce.
• Prepare ahead: Assemble the dish in advance, then bake it when ready to serve.

Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Bake

• Spicy version: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a bit of heat.
• Broccoli and cauliflower: Mix cauliflower and broccoli florets for more variety.
• Bacon addition: Stir in crispy cooked bacon for added flavor and texture.
• Vegan version: Use plant-based milk, vegan cheese, and a butter substitute to make a vegan-friendly cauliflower bake.
• Gluten-free version: Substitute plain flour with a gluten-free alternative for a gluten-free cauliflower bake.

Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Bake

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cauliflower bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: The bake can be frozen before or after baking. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Portion control: Divide the bake into individual servings before freezing for easier reheating.

Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Bake

• Oven: Reheat the bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes until heated through and the top is crisp.
• Microwave: For quick reheating, use the microwave on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, though the top may lose some crispness.

How Can I Make Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Bake Healthier?

• Use low-fat cheese and cream: Swap the full-fat cheese and cream for lighter versions to reduce the calorie content.
• Add more vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like broccoli or spinach to increase the nutritional value.
• Use whole grain breadcrumbs: Opt for whole grain breadcrumbs for added fiber in the topping.
• Limit the sauce: Reduce the amount of cheese sauce if you prefer a lighter dish.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 4g

FAQs

Can I make cauliflower bake ahead of time?

Yes, Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Bake can be made ahead of time. Assemble the bake without cooking it, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if necessary.

How do I stop cauliflower from getting soggy in a bake?

To prevent the cauliflower from getting soggy in Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Bake, lightly cook the cauliflower before baking, keeping it slightly firm. Also, drain the cauliflower thoroughly after boiling to remove excess water.

Can I freeze cauliflower bake?

Yes, Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Bake can be frozen. After baking, allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

What cheese is best for cauliflower bake?

Mature cheddar is commonly used for Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Bake because it provides a rich, strong flavor. Parmesan can also be added for extra depth, but other cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella can work well too.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Bake is a crowd-pleasing dish that delivers creamy, cheesy goodness with every bite. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a main course, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

The balance of tender cauliflower, rich cheese sauce, and a crispy topping makes this bake a perfect addition to any meal. Give it a try for a comforting and flavorful dish!

More By British Baking Recipes

• Jamie Oliver Pasta Sauce
• Jamie Oliver Turkey Ham and Leek Pie
• Jamie Oliver Meatballs and Tomato Sauce
• Jamie Oliver Chicken Pie – 30 Minutes Meals

Print