Ingredients
- For the Roasted Cauliflower:
- 1 kg / 2 lb cauliflower florets (from 1 large, 1.5 medium, or 2 small heads)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- For the Cheese Sauce (Mornay Sauce):
- 60g / 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 1/2 tbsp plain/all-purpose flour
- 1 cup full-fat milk
- 1 cup cream (or more milk)
- 1/2 tsp cooking salt (kosher salt)
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg powder (freshly grated preferred)
- 1 cup Red Leicester cheese (or cheddar), grated
- 1/2 cup gruyère cheese, grated (or other melting cheese of choice)
- For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup Red Leicester cheese (or cheddar), grated
- 1/2 cup gruyère cheese, grated (or other melting cheese of choice)
Instructions
- Roast the Cauliflower: Preheat the oven to 220°C / 430°F (200°C fan). Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a large baking tray and roast for 20 minutes without turning, until slightly firm and golden. Remove from oven. Reduce oven temperature to 180°C / 350°F.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Heat the milk and cream until hot. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, add flour, and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring regularly. Gradually whisk in half the hot milk to dissolve the roux, then add the rest and cook for 1 more minute until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in salt, nutmeg, and both cheeses until melted into a creamy sauce.
- Combine and Assemble: Add roasted cauliflower to the sauce and mix well. Transfer to a 2L / 2qt baking dish (approx. 30 x 20 x 5 cm). Sprinkle with the remaining grated cheeses.
- Bake: Bake at 180°C / 350°F for 30 minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melt and flavor.
- Swap Red Leicester with sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or mustard powder for extra depth in the cheese sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
