Cauliflower Cheese

This recipe has become a family favorite in our home, perfect for Sunday dinners or whenever we need a little pick-me-up. The rich, creamy cheese sauce, the crispy bacon bits, and that golden, cheesy topping—this is one dish that always gets scraped clean! I hope you’ll love it as much as we do. Don’t forget the sprinkle of smoked paprika for that extra kick of flavor.

Ingredients

1 large cauliflower
500ml milk
50g unsalted butter
4 tbsp plain flour
100g cheese (50/50 strong cheddar and blue cheese for a bold flavor or just cheddar for a milder taste)
100g lardons or chopped back bacon
Smoked paprika (for dusting)

Instructions

Preparation:

- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Break the cauliflower into evenly sized florets and place them in a Pyrex or ovenproof dish.

Cheese Sauce

- In a saucepan, melt the butter gently over low heat. Stir in the flour to form a smooth paste (roux).
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to break down the paste and create a smooth sauce.
- Tip: Keep the heat low and don’t let the sauce boil—it’s the key to a silky, lump-free sauce!
- Once thickened to a creamy consistency, stir in 50g of cheese until fully melted.
- Season lightly with pepper (the bacon will add salt). Remove from heat.

Prepare the Bacon

- Fry the lardons or chopped bacon in a pan until crispy.
- Stir the crispy bacon into the cheese sauce.

Assemble and Bake

Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower, ensuring all florets are well-coated.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and dust with smoked paprika for a little extra flavor.
Bake in the oven for 30 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender and the topping is golden and bubbly.

Serving

WITH EVERYTHING ANYTIME 😋

Hints and Tips

Cheese Sauce - Keep an eye on it—overcooking can cause the sauce to split.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse