Name: Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: Cauliflower (1 large, about 800g): Cut into florets.; Butter (40g): For making the roux and adding richness to the sauce.; Plain Flour (40g): Helps to thicken the cheese sauce.; Milk (600ml): For creating the base of the creamy sauce.; Cheddar Cheese (100g, grated): Sharp cheddar adds a strong, rich flavor to the sauce.; Parmesan Cheese (25g, grated): Adds a salty, umami kick and helps create a golden topping.; Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon): For a hint of tangy flavor.; Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.; Optional: A pinch of ground nutmeg for a warm, aromatic touch.

The Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese is a timeless British classic known for its simplicity and rich, comforting flavors. Tender cauliflower florets are enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce, and baked to perfection with a golden top. This dish can be enjoyed as a side dish with your roast dinners or as a vegetarian main. Mary Berry’s take on this favorite recipe adds a little extra touch of sophistication, making it an easy yet elegant dish to prepare for family meals or special occasions.

What is Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese?

Mary Berry’s Cauliflower Cheese is a rich, cheesy dish made with steamed cauliflower florets smothered in a smooth, velvety cheese sauce. The dish is baked until the top is golden and bubbling, creating a perfect combination of creamy and crispy textures. It’s ideal as a side for roasts or as a hearty vegetarian option.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Classic Comfort Food: This dish is a staple in British cuisine, offering a rich and creamy taste that’s hard to resist.
Simple Ingredients: With only a handful of ingredients, this recipe is easy and budget-friendly.
Perfect for Family Meals: Whether as a side or a main course, it’s a dish that pleases all ages.
Rich and Cheesy: The sauce is thick, creamy, and packed with cheesy goodness, making it a crowd favorite.
Great for Vegetarians: It’s a perfect vegetarian dish that’s hearty enough to stand alone.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese

Cauliflower (1 large, about 800g): Cut into florets.
Butter (40g): For making the roux and adding richness to the sauce.
Plain Flour (40g): Helps to thicken the cheese sauce.
Milk (600ml): For creating the base of the creamy sauce.
Cheddar Cheese (100g, grated): Sharp cheddar adds a strong, rich flavor to the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese (25g, grated): Adds a salty, umami kick and helps create a golden topping.
Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon): For a hint of tangy flavor.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Optional: A pinch of ground nutmeg for a warm, aromatic touch.

Equipment

Large Pot: For steaming the cauliflower.
Saucepan: To prepare the cheese sauce.
Whisk: For stirring the sauce and avoiding lumps.
Baking Dish: For assembling and baking the cauliflower cheese.
Grater: For grating the cheeses.

Instructions to Make Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese

To make Mary Berry cauliflower cheese, follow these steps:

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 for 4-5 minutes until slightly tender but still firm.
Drain the cauliflower well 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 whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce begins to thicken.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until smooth and creamy.
Stir in the grated cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper, and whisk until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is velvety smooth. You can add a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor if desired.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

Arrange the blanched cauliflower florets in an even layer in a medium-sized baking dish.
Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower, making sure it’s fully coated.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top for a crispy, golden finish.

Step 4: Bake the Cauliflower Cheese

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.

Step 5: Serve the Cauliflower Cheese

Serve hot as a side dish with roast meats or as a comforting vegetarian main course with a green salad or crusty bread.

What Goes Well With Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese

Roast Chicken or Beef: The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with roast meats.
Grilled Sausages: The rich, cheesy flavor complements the savory taste of grilled sausages.
Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed green beans, broccoli, or carrots for a balanced meal.
Crispy Roast Potatoes: The perfect side to soak up the cheesy sauce.
Garlic Bread: A classic accompaniment to enjoy with the creamy dish.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese

Don’t Overcook the Cauliflower: Keep the cauliflower slightly firm when blanching to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
Use Strong Cheddar: A mature cheddar gives the sauce a more intense flavor and adds depth to the dish.
Whisk Continuously: Stir the sauce constantly when adding the milk to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture.
Golden Topping: For an extra crispy finish, sprinkle a bit of breadcrumbs along with the Parmesan before baking.
Rest Before Serving: Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve.

Easy Variations of Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese

Add Broccoli: Mix broccoli with cauliflower for extra color and texture.
Add Bacon: For a smoky twist, sprinkle some crispy bacon bits on top before baking.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the cheese sauce for a little heat.
Vegetable Mix: Include other vegetables like leeks or mushrooms for more variety.
Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter, milk, and cheese to make a plant-based version.

Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese

Refrigerate: Store leftover cauliflower cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 180°C for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the top is crispy again. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
Avoid Freezing: Cauliflower cheese is best enjoyed fresh or after refrigerating. Freezing can affect the texture of both the sauce and the cauliflower.

Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese

Oven Reheating: Preheat your oven to 180°C, cover the dish with foil, and bake for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave Option: Reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Avoid Overheating: Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture of the sauce and avoid overcooking the cauliflower.

How Can I Make Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese Healthier?

Use Low-Fat Milk: Swap whole milk for semi-skimmed or skimmed milk to reduce calories.
Reduce Cheese: Use a smaller amount of cheese or opt for reduced-fat cheese to make the dish lighter.
Add More Vegetables: Incorporate broccoli, spinach, or leeks to increase the vegetable content and make the dish more nutritious.
Whole Wheat Flour: Use whole wheat flour instead of plain flour for added fiber.
Smaller Portions: Serve smaller portions alongside a salad or steamed vegetables for a more balanced meal.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 520mg

FAQs

Can you freeze Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese?

It is not recommended to freeze Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese because freezing can alter the texture of both the cauliflower and the creamy sauce. The sauce may become grainy, and the cauliflower can turn watery when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.

How do you keep cauliflower cheese from being watery?

To keep cauliflower cheese from being watery, blanch the cauliflower instead of fully cooking it, and ensure it is well-drained before adding the cheese sauce. Let the cauliflower sit for a few minutes to release any excess moisture. This helps maintain a creamy, rich sauce.

Can I make Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese in advance?

Yes, you can make Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese in advance. Prepare the dish up to the baking stage, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, bake it in a preheated oven, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.

What cheese is best for cauliflower cheese?

A mature cheddar cheese works best for cauliflower cheese, as it provides a rich, sharp flavor that pairs well with the creamy sauce. You can also mix in Parmesan for added depth or Gruyère for a more nutty flavor.

Why does my cauliflower cheese go watery?

Cauliflower cheese can go watery if the cauliflower isn’t properly drained after blanching. To avoid this, lightly steam or blanch the cauliflower until just tender and let it drain thoroughly. Excess moisture from the cauliflower can mix with the cheese sauce, causing it to become watery.

Is it OK to freeze cauliflower cheese?

It is not recommended to freeze cauliflower cheese because freezing can affect the texture. The creamy sauce may separate and become grainy, and the cauliflower can release water, making the dish less appetizing when reheated. It’s best to enjoy cauliflower cheese fresh or refrigerate it for up to a few days.

Can cauliflower cheese be a main meal?

Yes, cauliflower cheese can be enjoyed as a main meal, especially when paired with a side salad or crusty bread. Its rich, creamy sauce and cheesy flavors make it hearty enough to serve on its own, particularly as a vegetarian main dish.

Can you eat too much cauliflower?

While cauliflower is a healthy vegetable rich in nutrients, eating too much can cause digestive discomfort like gas or bloating due to its fiber content. As with all foods, it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

How long can you keep cauliflower cheese in the fridge?

You can keep cauliflower cheese in the fridge for up to 2 days. Store it in an airtight container, and when reheating, make sure to do so gently to maintain the creamy texture of the sauce.

Final Words

The Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese is a rich, creamy, and cheesy dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether served as a side dish to complement roast meats or as a vegetarian main course, this comforting recipe will delight everyone at the table. With its velvety cheese sauce and golden topping, it’s an easy yet impressive dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

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