Delia Smith Cauliflower Cheese

This Delia Smith cauliflower cheese is a classic British comfort dish with tender cauliflower wrapped in a smooth, rich cheese sauce and finished with a lightly golden top. The texture is creamy without being heavy, with a gentle bite from the perfectly cooked cauliflower. It is an easy, reliable recipe that suits confident beginners and experienced home cooks alike. From start to finish, it takes about 45 minutes.

Ingredients

For the cauliflower

• 1 large cauliflower, cut into medium florets
• Salt, for the cooking water

For the cheese sauce

• 40g unsalted butter
• 40g plain flour
• 600ml full fat milk, warmed
• 1 tsp English mustard
• 150g mature Cheddar cheese, grated
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the topping

• 25g mature Cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 tbsp fine breadcrumbs, optional

How to Make Delia Smith Cauliflower Cheese

• Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C or 180°C fan. Place a shelf in the middle of the oven so the dish heats evenly and the top browns gently.
• Cook the cauliflower: Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
• Make the roux: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until smooth and lightly cooked.
• Add the milk: Gradually whisk in the warm milk, a little at a time, until the sauce is smooth. Cook gently for 3 to 4 minutes until thickened.
• Finish the sauce: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the mustard and grated Cheddar, then season with salt and black pepper.
• Assemble the dish: Arrange the cauliflower in a buttered ovenproof dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top.
• Add the topping and bake: Sprinkle with extra cheese and breadcrumbs if using. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbling and lightly golden.
• Rest before serving: Let the cauliflower cheese stand for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce settles.

Tips

How do I stop cauliflower cheese from being watery?

Make sure the cauliflower is well drained after boiling. Excess water is the main cause of a thin sauce.

Which cheese gives the best flavour?

A mature or extra mature Cheddar gives the richest flavour without overpowering the dish.

Can I make the sauce in advance?

Yes, prepare the sauce up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before assembling.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with roast chicken or beef
• Pair with baked potatoes or mashed potatoes
• Enjoy as a vegetarian main with green vegetables

Storage

Room temperature

Do not leave cauliflower cheese out for more than 2 hours.

Refrigerator

Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Freezing

Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 14g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated fat: 15g
• Sodium: 420mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs

Delia Smith Cauliflower Cheese

Recipe by Milli RoseCourse: Main, SideCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

Classic Delia Smith cauliflower cheese with tender florets and a rich, creamy Cheddar sauce, baked until lightly golden.

Ingredients

• 1 large cauliflower, cut into florets

• 40g unsalted butter

• 40g plain flour

• 600ml full fat milk

• 1 tsp English mustard

• 150g mature Cheddar cheese, grated

• 25g Cheddar cheese, grated, for topping

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp breadcrumbs, optional

• Butter, for greasing dish

Directions

• Preheat the oven and grease an ovenproof dish.
• Boil the cauliflower until just tender, then drain well.
• Make a roux with butter and flour, then whisk in milk.
• Stir in mustard and cheese, then season.
• Combine cauliflower and sauce in the dish.
• Top with cheese and bake until golden and bubbling.

Notes

• Drain the cauliflower well to avoid excess moisture.
• Use mature Cheddar for the best flavour.
• Let the dish rest briefly before serving.