What is Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese?
In my quest to find the ultimate comfort food, I stumbled upon Mary Berry’s Cauliflower Cheese recipe, and it was love at first bite.
This dish epitomizes homey comfort, combining the tender bite of cauliflower with a rich, creamy cheese sauce, all baked to golden perfection.
Mary Berry, a beloved figure in the culinary world, has a way of making even the simplest ingredients shine, and this recipe is no exception. It’s a testament to how a few ingredients, when used correctly, can create a dish that’s both comforting and utterly satisfying.
What Goes Best With Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese?
Mary Berry’s Cauliflower Cheese is incredibly versatile and can serve as a main dish for a cozy dinner or as a luxurious side. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, like chicken or ham, making it a wonderful addition to a Sunday roast.
For a lighter meal, I love serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. And, of course, it’s perfect with a glass of white wine that complements its creamy texture.
Ingredients
To make Mary Berry’s Cauliflower Cheese, you’ll need:
- 1 large cauliflower, broken into florets
- 50g butter
- 50g all-purpose flour
- 600ml milk
- 1 teaspoon mustard (Dijon or English mustard works well)
- 150g grated strong cheddar cheese
- 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Prepare Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese
- Preheat the Oven: Start by heating your oven to 200°C (400°F, gas mark 6).
- Cook the Cauliflower: Boil or steam the cauliflower florets until just tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain well and transfer to a baking dish.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form, and cook until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat, then stir in the mustard and most of the cheddar cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower in the baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar and all the Parmesan cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.
Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 large cauliflower broken into florets
- 50 g butter
- 50 g all-purpose flour
- 600 ml milk
- 1 teaspoon mustard Dijon or English mustard works well
- 150 g grated strong cheddar cheese
- 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by heating your oven to 200°C (400°F, gas mark 6).
- Cook the Cauliflower: Boil or steam the cauliflower florets until just tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain well and transfer to a baking dish.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form, and cook until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat, then stir in the mustard and most of the cheddar cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower in the baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar and all the Parmesan cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.
Notes
Microwave: For a quick option, cover a portion with a microwave-safe lid or cling film and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until hot throughout.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Cover the dish with foil and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp up the top.
Stovetop: Not recommended due to the risk of the cheese sauce separating.
How to Store Leftovers of Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese Ensure the cauliflower cheese is cool before covering the dish with cling film or transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 1 month, though be aware that the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing and reheating.
How to Serve Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese
Serve the cauliflower cheese hot from the oven, as the bubbling cheese sauce and the golden topping are most appealing when fresh. If it’s a side dish, ensure your main and any other sides are ready to go, so you can enjoy everything at its best.
How to Reheat Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese
- Microwave: For a quick option, cover a portion with a microwave-safe lid or cling film and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until hot throughout.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Cover the dish with foil and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp up the top.
- Stovetop: Not recommended due to the risk of the cheese sauce separating.
How to Store Leftovers of Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese
Ensure the cauliflower cheese is cool before covering the dish with cling film or transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 1 month, though be aware that the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing and reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese
Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Broccoli or leeks make great additions or alternatives to cauliflower.
Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point of baking and keep it covered in the refrigerator for a day before baking.
Can I use low-fat milk and cheese? While possible, the full-fat versions contribute to the richness and desired texture of the sauce.
Nutritional Information
Approximately, per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 25g (saturated: 15g)
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g (mostly from milk)
- Sodium: 500mg
The nutritional content will vary depending on the exact ingredients used. Mary Berry’s Cauliflower Cheese is a delightful dish that’s both nourishing and comforting. Its creamy, cheesy goodness makes it a favorite in my home, especially during the colder months, or whenever I’m in need of a little comfort food that’s both simple and satisfying.
