Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese is a twist on a classic British comfort food. This dish is all about rich, cheesy goodness with a velvety, creamy sauce that coats tender, roasted cauliflower. Unlike some versions, Jamie takes it a step further with a few extra touches that make it feel special. Think of it as a luxurious side dish-cheese sauce made from scratch, with a balance of mature cheddar for a sharp bite and mozzarella for creaminess. It’s baked in the oven until golden and bubbling, with a touch of breadcrumbs for some crunch on top. It’s indulgent but not overly heavy and it has the perfect mix of flavors.
Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Cheese Recipe
Ingredients Needed
To recreate Jamie’s version, here’s what you’ll need:
- Cauliflower – The star of the dish. Fresh, firm cauliflower florets, trimmed and ready to be roasted or steamed.
- Butter – Unsalted butter is used to make the roux and create that smooth, silky sauce.
- Flour – This thickens the sauce and gives it structure.
- Milk – Whole milk is preferred for its richness but you can use any milk you have. The milk will help make the sauce creamy.
- Cheese – A mix of mature cheddar (sharp and tangy) and mozzarella (mild and melty) to balance flavors and texture.
- Mustard powder – Just a pinch adds a subtle kick and depth to the sauce.
- Nutmeg – A small amount goes a long way. It adds warmth and a touch of sweetness to the sauce.
- Breadcrumbs – For that lovely golden, crispy topping.
- Salt & Pepper – To season and balance out all the flavors.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need anything fancy but here’s what makes the process easier:
- Saucepan – For making the cheese sauce. A medium-sized saucepan works best.
- Whisk – To ensure that your roux (butter and flour mixture) stays lump-free and smooth.
- Ovenproof dish – A medium-sized baking dish to hold the cauliflower and cheese sauce.
- Grater – To grate your cheddar (or any cheese you choose). Pre-grated cheese will melt differently, so fresh grating is key.
- Knife – For chopping up your cauliflower.
- Baking tray – If you’re roasting the cauliflower before assembling.
- Oven – To bake the final dish until it’s bubbling and golden.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Start by chopping your cauliflower into bite-sized florets. You can either steam it or roast it in the oven with a little olive oil, salt and pepper. Roasting it brings out a lovely nutty flavor but steaming works just as well.
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Make The Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Once melted, add the flour and whisk together to form a roux. Cook it for a couple of minutes until it turns a light golden color. This cooks out the raw taste of the flour.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens up.
- Add your grated cheddar, mozzarella, mustard powder and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble: Place your cooked cauliflower in the ovenproof dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the top, making sure the cauliflower is well-covered.
- Top it off: Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the sauce for that crispy top. If you want extra crunch, drizzle a little more melted butter over the breadcrumbs.
- Bake: Place the dish in a preheated oven at around 200°C (400°F). Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Serve: Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a minute before serving. The dish should have a crispy, cheesy top with a smooth and creamy interior.
What I Learnt
Making Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese opened my eyes to just how simple, yet indulgent, this dish can be. The key is in the cheese sauce. it’s so much better when it’s made from scratch. Using two kinds of cheese creates this beautiful balance of flavors. The mozzarella keeps it gooey while the cheddar gives it that sharp edge. I also learned how much roasting the cauliflower enhances its flavor. The caramelization from the oven adds an extra layer of depth that you don’t get from just steaming it.
One of the best things about this dish is how versatile it is.You can serve it alongside pretty much anything. You can even play around with different cheeses or add extras like garlic or herbs to make it your own.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese
Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese is already delicious but there’s always room to play with flavors! If you’re looking to elevate or twist things up a bit, here are a few ideas.
- Cheese Mix: Jamie uses mature cheddar which is fantastic. But you can mix it up by adding a handful of grated Gruyère or even a sharp blue cheese like Stilton. This adds depth and richness, creating a more complex flavor profile.
- Herbs and Spices: Try sprinkling some fresh thyme or rosemary in the cheese sauce for an herbal kick. A pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika also works wonders to give the dish a little warmth or smokiness.
- Adding Protein: Want to make it heartier? Consider adding cooked bacon lardons or shredded rotisserie chicken. For a vegetarian option, add some roasted mushrooms or even toasted nuts like almonds for extra texture and flavor.
- Vegan Twist: To make it plant-based, swap the dairy for coconut milk or oat milk in the sauce and go with a vegan cheese blend. Nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
- Crunch Factor: Top it off with some crispy breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and a little garlic for that irresistible golden crunch. For an even crunchier topping, add some crushed cornflakes or even panko breadcrumbs for extra texture.
- Spicy Version: Add a dash of chili flakes or a spoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce for a subtle kick. This can cut through the richness and make it a bit more exciting.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
If you’ve made a big batch of cauliflower cheese and need to store it, here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Cool Quickly: Let the cauliflower cheese cool to room temperature before storing it. This will prevent condensation from building up in the container and keep it from getting soggy.
- Airtight Containers: Use an airtight container for storing leftovers in the fridge. It’ll keep the dish fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you’ve already topped it with breadcrumbs, they may soften, so consider keeping them separate and adding them when you reheat.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze it, make sure it’s fully cooled down. Place it in a freezer-safe dish and it can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. For best results, reheat in the oven to maintain that lovely cheese crust.
- Reheating: To reheat, pop it in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes until it’s heated through. If the top looks dry, cover it with foil for the first 10 minutes to prevent it from burning. You can also reheat it in the microwave but the texture will be slightly different (less crispy).
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese?
Cauliflower cheese is a rich and comforting dish, so pairing it with the right sides can turn it into a complete meal. Here are some ideas:
- Roast Meat: Cauliflower cheese goes perfectly with roast meats like chicken, beef or lamb. The creaminess of the cheese sauce balances out the richness of the meat. A simple roast chicken with lemon and herbs works wonders.
- Grilled Sausages: The flavors meld beautifully. You could even go all-out and make a British-style “bangers and mash” combo, adding some gravy on the side.
- Salads: Light, crisp salads can cut through the richness. Try a fresh green salad with a zesty lemon dressing or a tangy coleslaw. The crunch and acidity will provide a nice contrast to the creaminess.
- Bread: You can never go wrong with some good crusty bread or garlic bread on the side. This lets you scoop up all the cheesy sauce, making each bite even more satisfying.
- Vegetarian Pairing: Serve it alongside other roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips or even a hearty vegetable stew. The earthy, caramelized flavors of roasted veg balance the creamy cheese, making it feel like a wholesome meal.
- Eggs: For a lighter option, serve cauliflower cheese with a poached or fried egg. The rich yolk mixes into the cheese sauce, creating a decadent twist.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Different From Other Recipes?
Jamie uses a creamy, rich cheese sauce with a touch of mustard and nutmeg, adding depth of flavor. He also bakes it with a golden, crispy topping for extra texture.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can! Prep the dish, then refrigerate it. When you’re ready, just bake it off. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What Type Of Cheese Does Jamie Oliver Use For His Cauliflower Cheese?
Jamie uses a mix of mature cheddar and Parmesan for a sharp, cheesy flavor. You can also swap for your favorite cheese if you like.
