My recipe for the ultimate cheesy cauliflower cheese is made simpler with a clever hack. Microwave the cauliflower first, then finish under the grill (broiler) smothered in melty cheese.
This Whole Cheesy Cauliflower Bake is a deceptively easy dish to make but the ultimate crowd-pleaser. The method includes cooking the cauliflower whole in the microwave first, so that it’s super soft on the inside. Then the cauliflower is coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce – with extra cheese added at the end for good measure. To finish, the whole thing is cooked under the grill (broiler), resulting in a creamy, crunchy exterior.
Can Whole Cheesy Cauliflower Bake be made ahead of time?
Whole Cheesy Cauliflower Bake is best prepared and served immediately. Not suitable to freeze.
Is Whole Cheesy Cauliflower Bake suitable for leftovers?
Whole Cheesy Cauliflower Bake is best prepared and served immediately. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave.
If you enjoyed Whole Cheesy Cauliflower Bake, I think you’ll love:
Creamy Four-cheese Cauliflower Bake Recipe
Potato Gratin Recipe
Easy Cheat’s Potato Bake Recipe
German-style Braised Cabbage with Bacon Recipe
The BEST Roast Potatoes Recipe
Whole Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
“No one’s skipping their veggies with this delicious, grilled cheese sauce!!” Share Pin Recipe PrintIngredients
- 1 head cauliflower, washed and base leaves removed
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 35 g (¼ cup) plain (all-purpose) flour
- 625 ml (2½ cups) full-cream (whole) milk
- 1 tsp chicken or vegetable stock powder (bouillon)
- 250 g (2 cups) freshly grated cheddar (or any preferred melting cheese, see note 1)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Microwave the cauliflower – Place the whole cauliflower in a microwave-safe dish with 60 ml (¼ cup) of water.
- Microwave on high for 10–12 minutes. It should be easy enough to easily pierce with a fork when it’s done. If not, continue cooking at 2-minute intervals (the length of time it cooks depends on the strength of your microwave). It can take up to 20 minutes.
- Preheat – Preheat the oven grill (broiler).
- Make a roux for the sauce – Meanwhile, heat the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once it is melted, add the flour. Stir for 1 minute until a paste forms.
- Add the milk – Slowly add the milk and stir using a whisk. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Continue stirring for 6–8 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Finish the sauce – Once the sauce is nice and thick and coats the back of a spoon, stir through the stock powder and 125 g (1 cup) of the cheese.
- Transfer to a baking dish – Place the cauliflower in an oven-safe dish, cover it with the sauce and sprinkle with the remaining 125 g (1 cup) of cheese.
- Grill (broil) and serve – Grill for 8 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the cauliflower is golden. Keep an eye on it as it will brown quickly! Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and serve.
Nutrition information
Disclaimer re gluten-free and dairy-free recipes
Victoria O says:
No one’s skipping their veggies with this delicious, grilled cheese sauce!!
Nicole says:
Hi Victoria, I have to agree with you there! 😃 So happy this was a hit for you. Thanks for the rating too. 😊 Nic x