Adan Kendric Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower and Broccoli Cheese is a comforting, cheesy dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a holiday side dish. It combines tender cauliflower and broccoli with a creamy, rich cheese sauce, baked until golden and bubbly. This classic British favorite is both nutritious and indulgent, making it a great addition to any meal.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
- Rich and creamy: The cheese sauce is flavorful and perfectly coats the cauliflower and broccoli.
- Nutritious: Both cauliflower and broccoli are packed with vitamins and minerals, making this dish as healthy as it is delicious.
- Comfort food: The combination of cheesy goodness and tender vegetables is perfect for cozy dinners.
- Simple to prepare: With basic ingredients and easy steps, this dish comes together quickly.
- Versatile: It can be served as a side dish or a main course for a vegetarian meal.
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What is Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower and Broccoli Cheese Recipe?
Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower and Broccoli Cheese is a classic British dish where cauliflower and broccoli florets are baked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, topped with extra cheese for a golden, bubbly finish.
Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower and Broccoli Cheese Recipe Ingredients
- 1 large cauliflower (cut into florets)
- 1 large broccoli (cut into florets)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons plain flour
- 500ml milk
- 150g cheddar cheese (grated)
- 50g Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: A handful of breadcrumbs for a crispy topping
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower and Broccoli Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Step 2: Boil the Cauliflower and Broccoli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower and broccoli florets and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are just tender but still firm. Drain well and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce becomes creamy.
Step 4: Add the Cheese and Seasoning
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated cheddar, Parmesan, and Dijon mustard. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Place the boiled cauliflower and broccoli in an ovenproof baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the vegetables, making sure they are well coated. For an extra crispy topping, you can sprinkle breadcrumbs and a bit of extra cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve
Once baked, remove the cauliflower and broccoli cheese from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it as a side dish or as a main course with a fresh salad or crusty bread.
What to Serve with Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower and Broccoli Cheese
- Roast Meat: Serve alongside roast chicken, beef, or lamb for a hearty meal.
- Salad: A simple green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread for a more indulgent meal.
- Grilled Fish: A light, grilled fish pairs well with creamy vegetables.
Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower and Broccoli Cheese
- Don’t overcook the vegetables: Boil the cauliflower and broccoli until they are just tender to avoid them becoming mushy after baking.
- Use strong cheese: A mature cheddar or Gruyère will give the dish more depth of flavor.
- Breadcrumb topping: For an extra crunchy topping, mix breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan and olive oil, then sprinkle over the top before baking.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking.
Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower and Broccoli Cheese Recipe
- Add bacon: Stir in some cooked, crispy bacon for a smoky twist.
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the cheese sauce for a bit of heat.
- Mix in other vegetables: You can add peas, spinach, or carrots to the dish for more variety.
- Vegan option: Use dairy-free cheese, plant-based milk, and a vegan butter substitute to make the dish vegan-friendly.
How to Store Leftover Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower and Broccoli Cheese Recipe
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
FAQs
Can I make cauliflower and broccoli cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can make cauliflower and broccoli cheese ahead of time. Assemble the dish without baking it, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as instructed until golden and bubbly.
How do I keep cauliflower and broccoli cheese from getting watery?
To prevent the dish from becoming watery, make sure to drain the cauliflower and broccoli well after boiling. You can also roast the vegetables instead of boiling them for a firmer texture.
Can I freeze cauliflower and broccoli cheese?
Yes, you can freeze cauliflower and broccoli cheese. Let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven.
What cheese is best for cauliflower and broccoli cheese?
A strong cheddar works best for cauliflower and broccoli cheese. You can also use Gruyère or Parmesan for extra flavor. A combination of these cheeses can give a richer and deeper flavor to the dish.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower and Broccoli Cheese is the ultimate comfort dish, combining tender vegetables with a rich, cheesy sauce. Whether you’re serving it as a side or as a main, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. With its golden, bubbly top and creamy interior, it’s a perfect addition to any meal.
More Jamie Oliver Recipes
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Jamie Oliver Cauliflower and Broccoli Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling and baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower and Broccoli Cheese is a classic British dish where cauliflower and broccoli florets are baked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, topped with extra cheese for a golden, bubbly finish.
Ingredients
- 1 large cauliflower (cut into florets)
- 1 large broccoli (cut into florets)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons plain flour
- 500ml milk
- 150g cheddar cheese (grated)
- 50g Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: A handful of breadcrumbs for a crispy topping
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower and broccoli florets and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are just tender but still firm. Drain well and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce becomes creamy.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated cheddar, Parmesan, and Dijon mustard. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Place the boiled cauliflower and broccoli in an ovenproof baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the vegetables, making sure they are well coated. For an extra crispy topping, you can sprinkle breadcrumbs and a bit of extra cheese on top.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Once baked, remove the cauliflower and broccoli cheese from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it as a side dish or as a main course with a fresh salad or crusty bread.
