Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Bake Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
Scale
- 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).
Instructions
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.