Cauliflower mornay with cheese
Cauliflower Mornay with cheese is a comforting dish featuring tender cauliflower florets enveloped in a creamy cheddar sauce, topped with crispy breadcrumbs and parmesan. Ideal for family dinners or a hearty side, it's easy to prepare and rich in flavour.
Cook time 35 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
1 cauliflower1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose white wheat flour
1.50 cups milk (1% fat)
1/2 cup cheddar cheese
1 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Cauliflower Mornay with cheese is a delicious and creamy dish that combines the nuttiness of cauliflower with rich, cheesy flavors. This dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner or as a hearty side dish to accompany your favorite proteins. Follow these simple steps to create a satisfying and indulgent meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the outer leaves and core from the cauliflower, then cut it into florets.
- Rinse the florets under cold water, and let them drain.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 5-7 minutes, until they are just tender but still firm.
- Drain the florets and set them aside to cool slightly.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux (it should thicken and become a light golden color).
- Slowly add the milk while continuing to whisk, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Cook the sauce for 3-5 minutes until it has thickened.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and smooth.
- Place the cooked cauliflower florets into a baking dish.
- Pour the cheddar cheese sauce over the cauliflower, making sure all florets are well-coated.
- In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cauliflower and sauce in the baking dish.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish or a main course.
Your Cauliflower Mornay with cheese is now ready to be served. This dish offers a wonderful combination of creamy and crunchy textures with a delightful cheesy flavor. Serve it hot and enjoy the comforting taste. Don't be surprised if this becomes a regular request at your dinner table!
Cauliflower mornay with cheese FAQ:
Bake the Cauliflower Mornay in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
You can substitute cheddar cheese with other melting cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or even a sharp white cheese for a different flavor profile.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
The cauliflower should be just tender but still firm after boiling for 5-7 minutes. It should not be mushy; a fork should pass through easily without resistance.
Yes, you can prepare the cauliflower and sauce in advance, then assemble and bake just before serving. If baking from cold, you may need to increase the baking time.
Tips:
- Choose Fresh Cauliflower: Select a fresh, firm cauliflower with tightly packed florets for the best texture and flavor in your dish.
- Consistency of Sauce: For the Mornay sauce, ensure you continuously whisk the flour and butter mixture when adding milk to avoid lumps. The sauce should be smooth and thick.
- Grate Your Cheese: For a smoother sauce, grate the cheddar cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can affect the texture of the sauce.
- Customize the Crumble: Enhance the breadcrumb topping by mixing in your favorite herbs or a small amount of garlic powder for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cooking Times: Be careful not to overcook the cauliflower during the initial boiling step. You want it to be tender but not mushy to maintain some texture after baking.
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 330kcal
Protein 18g
Carbohydrates 40g
Fiber 6g
Sugar 10g
Fat 13g