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Jamie Oliver Ultimate Cauliflower Cheese

Jamie Oliver ultimate cauliflower cheese
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Jamie Oliver’s ultimate cauliflower cheese is a baked cauliflower dish where lightly cooked florets are coated in a thick cheese sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and strong cheese, then baked until bubbling and lightly golden on top. It’s designed to deliver maximum flavour with simple, classic ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

    • 1 large cauliflower, cut into even florets

    • 40g unsalted butter

    • 40g plain flour

    • 600ml full-fat milk

    • 150g mature cheddar cheese, grated

    • 50g Parmesan cheese, finely grated

    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

    • Sea salt

    • Freshly ground black pepper

    • Optional: breadcrumbs or extra cheese for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Cauliflower

Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil and add the cauliflower florets. Cook for 4–5 minutes until just tender but still holding their shape. Drain well and set aside so excess moisture can evaporate.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce Base

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, forming a smooth paste.

Step 3: Add the Milk Gradually

Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasoning

Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the cheddar, half of the Parmesan, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Combine Cauliflower and Sauce

Add the cooked cauliflower to the sauce and gently fold to coat each floret evenly without breaking them apart.

Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spoon the mixture into a greased ovenproof dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan over the top, adding breadcrumbs or extra cheese if desired.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 25–30 minutes until bubbling around the edges and lightly golden on top.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the cauliflower cheese to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce settle and makes serving easier.

Find it online: https://jamieolivereats.uk/cauliflower-cheese/