Dinner

Creamy Baked Cauliflower Cheese Recipe

ByEthan Lark April 7, 2026April 7, 2026

Introduction

Cauliflower Cheese is a comforting classic, combining tender roasted cauliflower with a rich, creamy cheese sauce. This dish is perfect as a side or a vegetarian main, offering deliciously golden, bubbly cheese on top.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with baked cheesy cauliflower. The top layer is golden brown with patches of melted cheese, browned and slightly crispy, scattered with small bits of green herbs. Beneath the top, there is a creamy, thick cheese sauce coating boiled cauliflower florets in pale yellow and off-white colors. A spoon with a wooden handle is scooping some creamy cauliflower from the dish, showing the soft texture underneath the browned cheese crust. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with some scattered herbs nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1kg / 2 lb cauliflower florets (1 very large, 1 1/2 medium or 2 small heads)
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/8 tsp pepper
60g / 4 tbsp unsalted butter
3½ tbsp plain flour (all-purpose)
1 cup milk (full fat preferred)
1 cup cream (or more milk)
1/2 tsp kosher salt (cooking salt)
1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg powder
1 cup Red Leicester cheese (or cheddar), grated
1/2 cup gruyère cheese (or other melting cheese), grated
Additional 1/2 cup Red Leicester cheese, grated
Additional 1/2 cup gruyère cheese, grated

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 220°C / 430°F (200°C fan). Toss the cauliflower florets in olive oil, sea salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a large baking tray.
Step 2: Roast the cauliflower for 20 minutes without turning. The florets should be a bit firm but develop some color. Remove from the oven and lower the temperature to 180°C / 350°F.
Step 3: Heat the milk and cream until hot using a stove or microwave, then set aside.
Step 4: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring regularly, to form a roux.
Step 5: Gradually pour in half the hot milk while stirring to dissolve the roux. Add the remaining milk, stirring continuously until thickened enough to coat a wooden spoon. Continue cooking for 1 minute.
Step 6: Turn off the heat but keep the pot on the stove. Stir in kosher salt, nutmeg, and all the grated cheeses. The sauce will thicken further as the cheese melts.
Step 7: Add the roasted cauliflower to the cheese sauce and toss well to coat completely.
Step 8: Transfer the mixture into a 2-liter (2-quart) baking dish sized about 30 x 20 x 5 cm (12 x 8 x 2 inches).
Step 9: Sprinkle the additional gruyère cheese over the top, followed by the additional Red Leicester cheese.
Step 10: Bake at 180°C / 350°F for 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.
Step 11: Let the dish stand for 5 minutes after baking. Optionally, sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
Try substituting cheddar or a mild Swiss cheese if gruyère or Red Leicester aren’t available.
For a lighter version, reduce cream and use all milk instead.
Add a pinch of mustard powder to the sauce for a slight tangy kick.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 160°C (320°F) until warmed through to retain the sauce’s creaminess and avoid drying out.

How to Serve

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a rich, cheesy cauliflower casserole. The top layer is golden brown with bubbly, melted cheese that is slightly crispy in some places. Underneath, you can see a creamy, smooth cheese sauce with tender cauliflower florets coated in it. A vintage spoon with a wooden handle is scooping some cauliflower and sauce from the dish, showing the soft and creamy texture inside. The casserole is sprinkled with small bits of green herbs for a touch of color. The dish rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the cauliflower and cheese sauce in the baking dish and refrigerate it before baking. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if coming straight from the fridge.