Recipes

Mary Berry's Cauliflower Cheese: A Classic British Comfort Dish

Name: Mary Berry's Lemon and Blueberry Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 1 9-inch cake
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 2 large eggs; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup light olive oil or vegetable oil; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 medium lemon (zest and juice, divided); 1/2 Tbsp corn starch; 16 oz fresh blueberries; Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting; For the Lemon Glaze (Optional):; Juice of 1/2 lemon; 1 tablespoon sugar

Mary Berry's Cauliflower Cheese

Mary Berry's Cauliflower Cheese is a quintessential British dish, embodying the warmth and comfort of home cooking. Renowned chef Mary Berry, celebrated for her contributions to British cuisine, has popularized this simple yet delicious recipe, making it a beloved classic in many households.

Ingredients List

1 large cauliflower, leaves removed and cut into pieces
500 ml milk
4 tbsp flour
50g butter
100g strong cheddar, grated
Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 220°C/200°C fan/gas mark 7 and lightly grease an ovenproof baking dish.
Prepare the Cauliflower: Wash the cauliflower and break it into small florets. Boil them in a large saucepan of salted water for about 15 minutes, or until tender but firm. Drain well and arrange in the baking dish.
Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste. Gradually whisk in the milk until you have a thick sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in three-quarters of the grated cheese into the sauce. Pour this sauce evenly over the cauliflower, ensuring all florets are covered.
Bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
Serve Hot: Enjoy your cauliflower cheese while it's hot and bubbly.

Storage and Reheating

In the Fridge: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
In the Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dish in an oven-safe container, cover with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 350
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 15g
Sodium: 500mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to Achieve a Crispy Topping?
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the dish before baking.
Cheese Substitutes?
- You can use Gruyère, Emmental, or a mix of different cheeses.
Can it be Made in a Slow Cooker?
- Yes, by layering cauliflower, cheese sauce, and cheese in the slow cooker and cooking on low for 4-6 hours.
Vegan or Gluten-Free Alternatives?
- Use vegan or gluten-free substitutes for butter, flour, and cheese.
Making it Keto-Friendly?
- Use low-carb flour like almond or coconut flour and heavy cream or almond milk instead of regular milk.

Conclusion

Mary Berry's Cauliflower Cheese is more than just a recipe; it's a piece of culinary heritage that brings comfort and warmth to any dining table. Whether you're enjoying it as a side dish or a main course, its creamy texture and rich, cheesy flavor are sure to delight. Experiment with different cheeses and toppings to make this classic dish your own.