Golden, bubbly, and irresistibly cheesy—Cauliflower Cheese is the ultimate comfort dish. This British classic brings tender cauliflower florets together with a velvety, rich cheese sauce, then bakes everything until perfectly golden and bubbling on top. It’s the kind of side dish that might just steal the show.

Whether you serve it alongside a Sunday roast, bring it to a holiday spread, or enjoy it on its own as a cozy vegetarian main, this dish hits the mark every single time. Easy to prepare and endlessly satisfying, Cauliflower Cheese is a staple you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients for this Cauliflower Cheese Recipe

1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk, warmed
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, but recommended)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh thyme or chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 5-6 minutes until just tender. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux, cooking for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the warmed milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens—about 4-5 minutes.

Step 3: Season and Add Cheese

Stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Stir until fully melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the cooked cauliflower in a baking dish and pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle with extra cheddar cheese.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbling. If desired, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for a crispier top.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and drained before adding it to the baking dish.

What cheeses work best?

Aged cheddar adds depth, while a mix with Gruyère or even mozzarella makes the sauce extra gooey.

Is this a main dish or side dish?

It works beautifully as both! Serve it alongside roast meats or enjoy it as a vegetarian main.

How do I avoid watery sauce?

Be sure to drain your cauliflower thoroughly and avoid overcooking it before baking.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh when ready to serve.

The Best Cauliflower Cheese Recipe

Author: Lorenzo Devereaux
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

If you’re looking for a heartwarming side that could easily double as a cozy vegetarian main, this Cauliflower Cheese recipe is your answer. It takes tender florets of cauliflower, smothers them in a creamy, melty cheese sauce, and finishes in the oven until bubbly and golden. This dish is pure comfort in every bite—perfect for anyone seeking easy dinner ideas, comfort food classics, or hearty food ideas that come together without fuss.

From weeknight meals to festive sides, it’s a versatile and crowd-pleasing option that earns its place in your regular rotation. Plus, it’s a great way to get picky eaters excited about vegetables. With its velvety texture, rich flavor, and golden finish, this easy recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add cauliflower and cook for 5-6 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in warmed milk, stirring constantly until thickened (about 4-5 minutes).
Stir in mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and mix in cheddar and Parmesan until smooth.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place cauliflower in a baking dish and pour cheese sauce over it.
Top with extra cheddar. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Broil 2-3 minutes for extra browning.
Garnish and serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Side Dish