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+ servings

Baked Cauliflower Cheese

Course Side Dish
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Baking Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 heads cauliflower
  • ¼ cup + 1 tbsp butter divided
  • ½ onion finely diced
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 tsp dry mustard powder
  • pinch nutmeg
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper
  • 1 cup shredded mature English cheddar divided
  • 1 cup shredded Double Gloucester cheese divided
  • 1 cup shredded Red Leicester cheese divided
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or 2 tsp dried

Instructions

  • Break the cauliflower into very large florets, trimming the stems and removing the leaves. Steam or boil the cauliflower until partially cooked. Transfer the par cooked cauliflower to a greased baking dish.
  • In a saucepan melt 1/4 cup of the butter over medium low heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook slowly until the onion is very tender and softened. Whisk in the flour to make a roux. Cook the roux for 2 to 3 minutes over medium low heat.
  • Begin adding the milk, half a cup at a time whisking to prevent lumps. Once all the milk has been added, raise the temperature to medium high and bring to a boil. Add the dry mustard, nutmeg, kosher salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened. Remove from the heat and add 3/4 cup each of the cheeses. Whisk until the cheese is melted.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 deg F. Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower in the baking dish. Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. In a small bowl combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, remaining 1/4 cups of cheese, and chopped parsley. Sprinkle the crumbs evenly over the cauliflower. 
  • Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the sauce is bubbly, crumbs are browned, and the cauliflower is tender. Enjoy!