Recipe for mary berry cauliflower cheese
Recipe for mary berry cauliflower cheese is a classic British dish that perfectly blends the creamy richness of cheese with the earthy flavors of cauliflower. This comforting and hearty dish features tender chunks of cauliflower coated in a luscious cheese sauce, baked to perfection for a golden-brown finish. With her signature touch of elegance and simplicity, Mary Berry has crafted a cauliflower cheese recipe that is perfect as a side dish or a stand-alone vegetarian main course.
Why people also love?
People adore Mary Berry’s cauliflower cheese recipe for its rich and creamy cheese sauce that beautifully complements the tender cauliflower. The dish’s simplicity and comforting flavors make it a favorite among many, as it provides a satisfying and indulgent experience. Mary Berry’s expertise in creating approachable yet delicious recipes shines through in this dish, making it a beloved classic that captures the essence of British comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 1 large cauliflower, broken into florets
- 50g (2oz) butter
- 50g (2oz) plain flour
- 600ml (1 pint) milk
- 1 tsp English mustard
- 100g (4oz) mature Cheddar cheese, grated
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C/200°C fan/Gas 7.
- Prepare Cauliflower:
- Cook the cauliflower florets in boiling salted water for about 5-6 minutes until just tender.
- Drain well and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Now In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly drizzle in the milk, stirring without stopping, until the sauce is silky and thickened.pen_spark
- Stir in the mustard and 75g of the grated cheese.
- After this,Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Assemble:
- Place the cooked cauliflower in an ovenproof dish.
- Drench the cauliflower in cheese sauce, making sure it gets covered all over.
- Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle the remaining 25g of grated cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Serve:
- Remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before you serve it.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 60-65 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Difficulty: Easy
Additional Tips:
- Blanching the cauliflower before baking helps to ensure even cooking.
- To make a healthier version of this dish, you can use reduced-fat cheese or switch to a vegetarian cheese alternative.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a side dish with roast meats, grilled chicken, or fish.
- You can also serve it as a main course accompanied by a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.
Nutrition Information:
- Calories: 372
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Cholesterol: 82mg
- Sodium: 534mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 11g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 19g
Variations and substitutions:
- Different cheeses: You can switch up the type of cheese used to suit your taste or create a unique flavor combination. Try using cheddar, Gouda, blue cheese, or a mixture of different cheeses.
- Additions: For added flavor and texture, you can add some chopped cooked bacon or ham to the dish before baking. Alternatively, you can add some breadcrumbs or panko on top for a crispy finish.
- Vegetables: This recipe works well with other vegetables too. You can use broccoli, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or a medley of mixed vegetables.
- Healthier substitutions: To make the recipe healthier, you can reduce the amount of butter and cream or substitute them with low-fat alternatives like Greek yogurt or milk. You can also use whole wheat flour for the roux and opt for a lower-fat cheese option.
- Herbs and spices: Elevate the flavors by adding herbs like thyme, parsley, or chives to the cheese sauce. Sprinkle some paprika or nutmeg for a touch of warmth and depth.
Recommendations and notices:
- It is important to blanch the cauliflower before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Make sure to drain the cauliflower well after blanching to prevent excess water in the dish.
- Be careful not to overcook the cauliflower as it will become mushy and lose its texture.
- If you’re using a different cheese than what the recipe calls for, make sure it melts well to get a smooth sauce.
- To save time, you can blanch the cauliflower in advance and assemble the dish ahead of time. Bake it just before serving.
- You can store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- When reheating leftovers, you can add a splash of milk to maintain the creamy consistency.
- This dish is rich and indulgent, so it is best served in moderation as a side dish or accompanied by lighter dishes like fresh salads or steamed vegetables.
- To make the recipe vegetarian-friendly, make sure to use vegetarian cheese that does not contain animal rennet.
- Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the process of cooking this delicious dish!
Questions and answers:
The cooking time for this recipe is approximately 20-25 minutes.
Yes, you can use single cream as a substitute for double cream if you want to reduce the fat content.
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and bake it just before serving. It can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower, but make sure to defrost and drain it well before using it in the recipe to prevent excess water in the dish.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s cauliflower cheese recipe is a classic dish that is loved by many. This recipe provides a creamy, cheesy sauce that perfectly complements the tender cauliflower florets, resulting in a comforting and satisfying meal. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy family gathering. And the best part? You can change it up to fit what you like and what you can eat. So why not try making this delicious dish for yourself and enjoy the delightful flavors it has to offer!
