Cauliflower cheese

Cauliflower cheese is a traditional British dish that combines cauliflower and cheese in a creamy sauce. It is often served as a main course for lunch or dinner, or as a side dish. The dish is typically made by boiling or steaming cauliflower florets, then covering them in a cheese sauce, often made with Cheddar cheese, and baking until golden and bubbly.

History

The origins of cauliflower cheese are unclear, but it is believed to have been popularised in the United Kingdom during the Victorian era. It is often associated with Sunday roasts and is a staple of British comfort food.

Preparation

The first step in making cauliflower cheese is to prepare the cauliflower. This involves removing the leaves and stem, cutting the cauliflower into florets, and boiling or steaming them until they are tender but still firm.

The cheese sauce is typically made by creating a roux, which is a mixture of flour and butter cooked together, then adding milk to create a béchamel sauce. Cheese, usually Cheddar, is then added to the béchamel and stirred until melted. The sauce is seasoned with salt, pepper, and often mustard or nutmeg.

The cooked cauliflower is then placed in a baking dish, covered with the cheese sauce, and baked in the oven until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling. Some recipes also include a breadcrumb topping for added crunch.

Variations

While the basic recipe for cauliflower cheese is simple, there are many variations. Some recipes include additional vegetables, such as broccoli or leeks. Others add bacon or ham for a meaty twist. There are also variations that use different types of cheese, such as Gruyère, blue cheese, or Parmesan.

In popular culture

Cauliflower cheese has been featured in numerous British television shows and films, often as a symbol of traditional British home cooking. It is also a popular dish in other countries, particularly those with a strong British influence, such as Australia and New Zealand.

See also

• Macaroni and cheese
• Welsh rarebit
• List of cheese dishes