Comfort in a Dish: Mary Berry’s Ultimate Cauliflower Cheese Recipe

Cauliflower cheese holds a special place in my heart. It’s a dish that brings warmth and comfort to the dining table, perfectly encapsulating the essence of home-cooked meals. Inspired by Mary Berry, a culinary icon whose recipes have a way of turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary, this version of cauliflower cheese is designed to elevate your mealtime into an experience of homely luxury.

How To Make Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese Recipe Overview

In my take on this classic recipe, we’ll be enhancing the traditional components to bring out even more flavor and richness. This dish combines tender cauliflower florets with a smooth, creamy cheese sauce, all baked to achieve a beautifully golden crust. It serves as a fantastic side dish or a vegetarian main that will leave your family and guests asking for seconds. From start to finish, you can expect a cooking time of approximately 45 minutes, yielding 6 servings. The process involves preparing the cauliflower, crafting the cheese sauce, combining them, and baking to perfection. It’s a straightforward recipe with a result that’s anything but simple: a truly comforting, satisfying dish.

Ingredients

• 1 large cauliflower, broken into florets
• 1 ½ teaspoons mustard (Dijon or English mustard works well)
• 75g all-purpose flour
• 75g butter
• 900ml milk
• 75g grated Parmesan cheese
• 225g grated strong cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Warm-up Time: Kick things off by heating your oven to a cozy 200°C (400°F, gas mark 6). This will get things ready for the grand finale.
2. Cauliflower Prep: Steam the cauliflower pieces until they’re just tender to the touch, about 5-7 minutes. Aim for a firm yet tender texture to avoid a mushy outcome.
3. Sauce Beginnings: In a medium saucepan, let the butter melt over a gentle heat. Stir in the flour and let them mingle for 2 minutes, creating a smooth base (our roux).
4. Milky Way: Slowly introduce the milk to the roux, whisking as you go to avoid any unwelcome lumps. Keep at it until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency, around 5 minutes.
5. Cheese, Please!: Off the heat, blend in the mustard and most of the cheese, saving a sprinkle for later. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
6. Assemble with Love: Arrange the steamed cauliflower in a baking dish. Lavish it with your creamy sauce, ensuring no floret feels left out.
7. Golden Touch: Scatter the rest of the cheese on top. Bake until the surface is golden and bubbling with joy, which should take about 25-30 minutes.
8. Rest and Serve: Give it a moment to cool before serving, allowing the sauce to reach its peak thickness.

Nutritional Value (per serving)

Calories: 350

Protein: 18g

Carbohydrates: 22g

Fat: 22g

Saturated Fat: 14g

Cholesterol: 68mg

Sodium: 510mg

Fiber: 3g

Sugar: 9g

Also Try: Butternut Squash Soup Mary Berry Recipe

Pairings:

For a delightful meal, consider these serving suggestions:

With a Side Salad: Pair your dish with a fresh green salad. A simple mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic dressing complements it well.

Crusty Bread: Serve alongside warm, crusty bread to soak up any sauce. It adds a lovely texture contrast.

Roasted Vegetables: Offer roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts for a hearty and colorful side.

Grilled Chicken or Fish: For a protein boost, grilled chicken or fish makes a great accompaniment.

Quinoa or Couscous: Serve with quinoa or couscous for a filling and nutritious grain option.

Mix and match these suggestions to create a meal that suits your taste and nutritional needs!

FAQs

Why does cauliflower cheese go watery in the oven?

Cauliflower cheese can turn watery in the oven for a few reasons. Overcooking the cauliflower before baking releases more water. Not draining the cauliflower well adds extra moisture. Also, a thin cheese sauce can become watery when baked. To avoid this, steam the cauliflower just until tender, drain it well, and ensure the cheese sauce is thick before combining and baking. These steps help keep the dish creamy, not watery.

Can you eat cauliflower cheese as a main meal?

Yes, you can eat cauliflower cheese as a main meal. It’s hearty and filling, making it perfect for a comforting dinner. Pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal. It’s especially good for vegetarians looking for satisfying options. Just make sure it has enough protein, maybe by adding extra cheese or serving with a protein-rich side, to make it a well-rounded meal.

Is cauliflower a carb or protein?

Cauliflower is mainly a carb, but it also has a bit of protein. It’s low in calories and carbs compared to starchy vegetables. Cauliflower is great for people watching their carb intake. Despite being low in carbs, it offers a decent amount of protein for a vegetable. It’s packed with vitamins and fiber too. So, it’s a healthy choice, especially for those on vegetarian or low-carb diets.

Which is healthier broccoli or cauliflower?

Broccoli and cauliflower are both super healthy, but they have some differences. Broccoli has more vitamins C and K than cauliflower. It also has a bit more protein and fiber. Cauliflower is slightly lower in calories and carbs, which might be better for people watching their weight or blood sugar. Both are great choices, though. It really depends on your health goals. Mixing both in your diet is a good idea.

My sauce is lumpy, what can I do?

If your sauce is lumpy, try whisking it really hard first. If that doesn’t work, pour it into a blender and blend until smooth. Another way is to push it through a sieve to remove the lumps. For future sauces, remember to add liquid slowly to the flour and butter mixture, whisking constantly. This helps prevent lumps from forming. Heating the liquid before adding it can also help.

Conclusion

This enhanced version of Mary Berry’s Cauliflower Cheese is a testament to the comfort and satisfaction that simple, well-prepared dishes can provide. Whether as a side to a grand meal or a humble main course, its rich, creamy texture and depth of flavor are sure to bring a sense of warmth and nostalgia to any table. Enjoy the process of bringing these ingredients together and the delightful tastes that follow.