1medium to large cauliflower, leaves removed and cut into florets
For the Cheese Sauce
50gunsalted butter, cut into cubes
50gplain flour
500gfull cream milk
150gof cheddar cheese, see notes
Instructions
Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil and add the cauliflower florets. Cook until tender but slightly raw inside (about 5-6 mins). Avoid overcooking, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan).
For the Cheese Sauce
Add the cheese to the Thermomix bowl and grate for 5 sec/speed 9. Transfer it to a bowl and set aside. There is no need to wash the Thermomix bowl.
Add the butter to the Thermomix bowl and melt for 3 min/60°C/speed 2. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula.
Add the flour and cook for 1 min/100°C/speed 1. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula and along the blades. Cook again for 1 min/100°C/speed 1.
Add the milk and cook for 6 min/90°C/speed 4.
Add 100g of the cheese and blend for 10 sec/speed 5.
Assemble
Once the cauliflower has boiled, drain it and place it into a large baking dish.
Cover the cauliflower with the cheese sauce and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
Bake in the oven for 15 minutes until the cheese melts and starts to bubble.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Cheese variations: Mature cheddar adds plenty of flavour to the sauce, but you can swap some or all of it for other good melting cheeses if you prefer. Red Leicester adds a richer colour and sharp flavour, while Gruyère gives the sauce a smooth texture and subtle nutty flavour. Swiss-style cheeses, Jarlsberg or Colby also work well.