I still remember the first time I made Mary Berry’s Cauliflower Cheese. It was a chilly Sunday afternoon, and I wanted something cozy, hearty, and a little nostalgic. I had a beautiful head of cauliflower sitting in my fridge and had been flipping through Mary Berry’s cookbook when I stumbled upon her classic cauliflower cheese recipe. It sounded simple yet comforting, exactly what I needed.
I had grown up eating various versions of cauliflower cheese, but something about Mary’s recipe caught my attention. It promised a creamy, rich cheese sauce without being too heavy, and the addition of a crunchy, golden topping sounded absolutely irresistible. I got to work in the kitchen, carefully blanching the cauliflower, whisking together the sauce, and layering everything into a baking dish with plenty of cheese.
When I pulled the dish out of the oven, the smell alone was enough to tell me it was going to be a winner. The cheese was bubbling around the edges, the top was golden and slightly crisp, and I could not wait to dig in. That first bite was pure comfort. Tender cauliflower, creamy sauce, and that cheesy crust came together perfectly.
Since that afternoon, Mary Berry’s Cauliflower Cheese has become one of my go-to side dishes, especially for family dinners, holiday meals, or just when I want something satisfying and wholesome. It feels timeless and familiar, yet somehow always special. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it brings that same feeling of cozy satisfaction to your table.
What is Mary Berry’s Cauliflower Cheese?
Mary Berry’s Cauliflower Cheese is a classic British side dish featuring tender cauliflower florets baked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce and finished with a golden, bubbling topping. It is simple, comforting, and pairs beautifully with many main courses.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This recipe is incredibly easy to make, uses basic ingredients, and delivers maximum comfort with every bite. The sauce is creamy without being too heavy, and the baked cheese topping adds the perfect finishing touch. It is a versatile dish that works equally well for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese
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1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
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25g (about 2 tablespoons) butter
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25g (about 2 tablespoons) plain flour
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300ml (about 1¼ cups) milk
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100g (about 1 cup) mature cheddar cheese, grated
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Extra cheese for topping
Optional:
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A sprinkle of breadcrumbs for added crunch
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A pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese
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Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the cauliflower florets for about 5 minutes, just until tender but still holding their shape.
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Drain the cauliflower well and set aside.
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In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
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Stir in the flour to form a roux and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
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Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, to create a smooth sauce.
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Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened.
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Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the grated cheese and mustard if using. Season with salt and pepper.
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Arrange the cauliflower florets in a baking dish and pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top.
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Sprinkle extra grated cheese and, if desired, a light layer of breadcrumbs over the sauce.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
Mary Berry’s Cauliflower Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower cut into florets
- 25 g about 2 tablespoons butter
- 25 g about 2 tablespoons plain flour
- 300 ml about 1¼ cups milk
- 100 g about 1 cup mature cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra cheese for topping
Optional:
- A sprinkle of breadcrumbs for added crunch
- A pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the cauliflower florets for about 5 minutes, just until tender but still holding their shape.
- Drain the cauliflower well and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour to form a roux and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, to create a smooth sauce.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the grated cheese and mustard if using. Season with salt and pepper.
- Arrange the cauliflower florets in a baking dish and pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle extra grated cheese and, if desired, a light layer of breadcrumbs over the sauce.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
Notes
- Make sure the cauliflower is well drained after blanching to prevent a watery sauce.
- Use a strong, mature cheddar for the best flavor, and do not skip seasoning the sauce well with salt, pepper, and even a little mustard for depth.
- Letting the sauce simmer until thick really helps create that rich, luxurious texture.
Nutritional Value
Approximate nutritional value per serving:- Calories: 220 to 250
- Protein: 9 to 11 grams
- Fat: 15 to 18 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10 to 12 grams
- Fiber: 2 to 3 grams
What Goes Well with Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese
I love serving this cauliflower cheese alongside a traditional Sunday roast, grilled chicken, or even a simple pan-fried fish. It also makes a fantastic addition to a vegetarian spread, paired with a crisp green salad and some crusty bread.
My Tips to Make the Best Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese
Make sure the cauliflower is well drained after blanching to prevent a watery sauce. Use a strong, mature cheddar for the best flavor, and do not skip seasoning the sauce well with salt, pepper, and even a little mustard for depth. Letting the sauce simmer until thick really helps create that rich, luxurious texture.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese
Sometimes I add a handful of cooked broccoli or spinach to the dish for a bit more variety. You can swap out cheddar for gruyère or even blue cheese if you want a more intense flavor. For an extra-indulgent version, I sometimes add a layer of sautéed mushrooms under the cauliflower.
Best Way to Store Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese
If I have leftovers, I let the dish cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop it back into the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through, which keeps the topping nice and crisp.
Nutritional Value
Approximate nutritional value per serving:
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Calories: 220 to 250
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Protein: 9 to 11 grams
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Fat: 15 to 18 grams
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Carbohydrates: 10 to 12 grams
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Fiber: 2 to 3 grams
This can vary depending on how much cheese and optional toppings are used.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead, refrigerate it, and bake when ready.
Can I freeze cauliflower cheese?
It is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it. Freeze after baking, then reheat straight from frozen.
What cheese is best for cauliflower cheese?
A strong mature cheddar gives the best flavor, but you can experiment with others like gruyère or parmesan.
How do I stop the sauce from being lumpy?
Whisk the milk in gradually and keep stirring constantly to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
Is it gluten-free?
You can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour for the roux.
Conclusion
Making Mary Berry’s Cauliflower Cheese has become a comforting ritual in my kitchen. Every time I start whisking the sauce or arranging the cauliflower in the dish, I know that something truly cozy and satisfying is about to come out of the oven. It is a simple dish, but it carries so much warmth, tradition, and comfort in every bite.
I love how flexible this recipe is too. Whether I am cooking for a crowd or just making a small batch for myself, it always feels just right. Sometimes I serve it as a side, sometimes it becomes the main event with a fresh salad or some roasted veggies on the side. No matter how I enjoy it, it always hits the spot perfectly.
What stands out to me most about this recipe is how something so straightforward can be so rewarding. There is nothing complicated or fussy about it, and yet the result feels like the ultimate comfort food. Rich, creamy, golden, and satisfying, it is a reminder that good food does not have to be complicated to be wonderful.
If you have never made Mary Berry’s Cauliflower Cheese before, I really encourage you to give it a try. It might seem simple, but it delivers on every level. And who knows, it might just become one of your favorite kitchen traditions too, just like it has become one of mine.
