Adan Kendric Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Cheese is a comforting and indulgent dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The creamy cheese sauce coats tender cauliflower florets, creating a delicious side dish or main course that’s rich in flavor. This classic British favorite is ideal for family dinners, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a hearty, cheesy meal.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
- Comforting and creamy: The rich cheese sauce is the ultimate comfort food.
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients, you can prepare this dish in under an hour.
- Great side dish: Pairs beautifully with roast dinners or as a vegetarian main course.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make it ahead of time and reheat for a quick meal.
- Customizable: You can switch up the cheeses or add other ingredients like bacon or herbs for extra flavor.
What is Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Recipe?
Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese is a classic dish made by combining cooked cauliflower with a creamy cheese sauce and then baking it until golden and bubbly. It’s a rich and delicious way to enjoy cauliflower, and it can be served as a side dish or main course.
Other Jamie Oliver Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Cabbage and Leeks
- Jamie Oliver Cauliflower and Broccoli Cheese
- Jamie Oliver Carrot And Celery Soup
Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Recipe Ingredients
- 1 large cauliflower (cut into florets)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 500ml milk
- 150g cheddar cheese (grated)
- 50g Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Step 2: Cook the Cauliflower
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 cauliflower and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to make a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Continue cooking the sauce for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until it becomes creamy.
Step 4: Add the Cheese and Mustard
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Assemble the Cauliflower Cheese
Place the cooked cauliflower florets in a large ovenproof dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top, making sure all the cauliflower is well coated. If desired, sprinkle a little extra grated cheese on top for a golden crust.
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
Remove the cauliflower cheese from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired, and serve hot as a side dish or main course.
What to Serve with Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese
- Roast Meat: Serve alongside roast chicken, beef, or pork for a hearty meal.
- Green Vegetables: Pair it with steamed broccoli, peas, or green beans for a balanced plate.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the cheesy sauce.
- Salad: A fresh green salad can provide a light contrast to the rich cauliflower cheese.
Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese
- Don’t overcook the cauliflower: Cook the cauliflower until just tender to prevent it from becoming too soft after baking.
- Use strong cheese: A strong, mature cheddar adds more flavor to the dish. You can also experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or blue cheese for added richness.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the cauliflower cheese ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake it when ready to serve.
- Add breadcrumbs: For an extra crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with a little Parmesan on top before baking.
Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Recipe
- Add bacon: Fry up some bacon and mix it into the cauliflower before adding the cheese sauce for a smoky twist.
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
- Broccoli and Cauliflower Cheese: Combine broccoli and cauliflower for a more colorful dish.
- Vegan option: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cheese to make a vegan version of this dish.
How to Store Leftover Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Recipe
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze cauliflower cheese for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through, or microwave for a quicker option.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fat: 27g
- Fiber: 4g
FAQs
How do I stop cauliflower cheese from being watery?
To prevent cauliflower cheese from becoming watery, cook the cauliflower until just tender and allow it to drain thoroughly before adding the cheese sauce. Avoid overcooking the cauliflower, as this can release excess moisture.
Can I make cauliflower cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can make cauliflower cheese ahead of time. Prepare the dish up to the baking step, then cover and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake it until golden and bubbly.
What cheese is best for cauliflower cheese?
A strong, mature cheddar cheese is ideal for cauliflower cheese because it adds a rich, sharp flavor. You can also mix in Parmesan, Gruyère, or blue cheese for additional flavor complexity.
How long does cauliflower cheese last in the fridge?
Cauliflower cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese is a rich, comforting dish that’s sure to please. Whether you’re making it as a side dish for a roast dinner or as a main course, this creamy, cheesy delight will always be a hit. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dish that’s full of flavor and perfect for any occasion.
More Jamie Oliver Recipes
- Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Curry Chicken
- Jamie Oliver Swede And Carrot Mash
- Jamie Oliver Sweet Potato Chickpea Curry
- Jamie Oliver Stuffed Tomatoes
jamie oliver cauliflower cheese
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese is a classic dish made by combining cooked cauliflower with a creamy cheese sauce, then baking it until golden and bubbly. It’s a rich and delicious way to enjoy cauliflower, and it can be served as a side dish or main course.
Ingredients
- 1 large cauliflower (cut into florets)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 500ml milk
- 150g cheddar cheese (grated)
- 50g Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
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 cauliflower and set it aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to make a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Continue cooking the sauce for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until it becomes creamy.
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Place the cooked cauliflower florets in a large ovenproof dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top, making sure all the cauliflower is well coated. If desired, sprinkle a little extra grated cheese on top for a golden crust.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Remove the cauliflower cheese from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired, and serve hot as a side dish or main course.
