Applewood smoked cheddar cheese sauce brings this cauliflower cheese up a level!
I've given the standard cauliflower cheese an upgrade and used applewood smoked cheddar for the sauce. It is my favourite cheddar, I love the flavour! This is a perfect side dish for your cosy Sunday roast dinners with the family.
I've deliberately made a little more sauce than needed in this recipe because I love having the extra for dipping in roast potatoes. Roast potatoes + smoked cheddar sauce is heavenly!! Let me know if you try the recipe :)
Total Cooking Time
40 Minutes
Ingredients (serves 4 as a side)
1 x Large cauliflower (cut into large chunks)
2 x Sprigs fresh thyme (leaves only)
400ml Milk
40g Salted butter
40g Plain flour
150g Applewood smoked cheddar
30g Parmesan
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Pinch nutmeg
Method
1. Add the cauliflower to a pan of salted, boiling water and blanch for 5 minutes.
2. Drain and set aside to cool, using kitchen towel remove any excess water. Really important that the cauliflower is dry before going into the sauce, otherwise you will have a watery cheese sauce!
3. Now make a start to the sauce, add the milk to a jug and heat for around 1 minute until warm. (I heat mine in the microwave for ease). Now add the thyme leaves to the hot milk.
4. Put a pan on a medium heat and melt the butter, once fully melted (but not browned) add the flour and mix until combined. Leave to cook for around one minute.
5. Remove the pan from the heat and add small amounts of the milk at a time. Whisking well after each addition to ensure that are no lumps. Keep going until you have used all the milk and you have a smooth sauce.
6. Put the pan back on the heat, watching carefully and stirring every so often until its thick and glossy. Now add the mustard, cheeses, nutmeg and season with salt and pepper.
7. Mix until the cheese has completely melted. If your sauce is too thick add a little milk to loosen it.
8. Add the cooked cauliflower to a large roasting dish and cover with the cheese sauce. Top with more cheddar and bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbling. Once its done, you can also put it under the grill for a couple of minutes for the perfect cheesy top. Enjoy!
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