Gordon Ramsay’s Cauliflower Cheese Recipe

Gordon Ramsay’s Cauliflower Cheese is a comforting, rich, and indulgent side dish that elevates the humble cauliflower to something extraordinary. Often found in British cuisine, cauliflower cheese is a classic dish that combines tender cauliflower florets with a creamy, cheesy sauce, topped with a golden, bubbling crust.

Ramsay’s take on this beloved recipe adds an extra layer of flavor and complexity, incorporating his signature techniques to ensure that the cheese sauce is smooth and velvety, and the cauliflower is perfectly cooked. This dish is a beautiful marriage of the earthy flavor of cauliflower and the richness of cheese, making it a perfect addition to any meal, whether it’s a hearty Sunday roast or a casual dinner.

The key to Ramsay’s cauliflower cheese lies in balancing the flavors, textures, and the right amount of cheese sauce to create a dish that is both decadent and comforting. By choosing quality cheeses and using the proper techniques, he brings this classic recipe to life in a way that makes it a memorable side dish that will impress anyone at the table.

Gordon Ramsay’s Cauliflower Cheese Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To create Gordon Ramsay’s Cauliflower Cheese, you will need the following ingredients:

1. Cauliflower – The star of the dish, cauliflower should be fresh and cut into florets. You can also leave the florets slightly larger to ensure they hold their shape during cooking.
2. Butter – Adds richness to the cheese sauce and a velvety texture.
3. Flour – Essential for making a roux that will thicken the sauce.
4. Milk – Full-fat milk is preferred to create a creamy consistency.
5. Cheese – A combination of mature cheddar cheese and Gruyère is commonly used in Ramsay’s recipe. Cheddar provides sharpness, while Gruyère adds depth and a nutty flavor.
6. Mustard powder – A small amount of mustard powder brings a subtle kick that complements the creaminess of the sauce.
7. Nutmeg – A pinch of nutmeg enhances the flavor and adds warmth to the dish.
8. Salt and pepper – Season to taste for an extra layer of flavor.
9. Breadcrumbs (optional) – For a crunchy topping that contrasts the smooth cheese sauce.
10. Fresh parsley or chives (optional) – For garnishing and adding a fresh note to the dish.

Equipment Needed

To make Gordon Ramsay’s Cauliflower Cheese, you will need the following kitchen tools:

1. Large saucepan – To make the cheese sauce and cook the roux.
2. Large pot – For blanching the cauliflower.
3. Oven-safe dish or baking tray – To assemble and bake the cauliflower cheese.
4. Whisk – Essential for stirring the roux and creating a smooth, lump-free sauce.
5. Grater – To grate the cheese; a fine grater works best for a smooth melt.
6. Colander – For draining the cauliflower after blanching.
7. Sharp knife – To chop the cauliflower into florets.
8. Spatula – For mixing and transferring the cauliflower and sauce.

Step-by-Step Guide To Make Gordon Ramsay’s Cauliflower Cheese

1. Prepare the cauliflower: Start by cutting the cauliflower into even florets. Blanch the florets in a large pot of boiling salted water for about 5-6 minutes or until they are tender but still firm. Drain well in a colander and set aside.
2. Make the roux: In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour to the butter and stir with a whisk for about 1-2 minutes, cooking out the raw flour taste. This forms your roux.
3. Add the milk: Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce, which should take around 5 minutes.
4. Add the cheese: Reduce the heat to low and start adding the grated cheddar and Gruyère cheese to the sauce, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Add the mustard powder, a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Continue stirring until you have a creamy and well-seasoned cheese sauce.
5. Combine with cauliflower: Add the drained cauliflower florets to the sauce, gently stirring to coat the florets with the cheese sauce. Be careful not to break up the cauliflower too much. Transfer the mixture into an oven-safe dish or baking tray.
6. Optional topping: If you like a crunchy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs over the cauliflower cheese. For an extra touch of flavor, you can also add a little grated cheese on top.
7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.
8. Garnish and serve: Once out of the oven, garnish with some freshly chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while it’s still hot and bubbling.

Mastering The Recipe: Tips And Tricks

1. Choosing the right cheese: Ramsay’s combination of sharp cheddar and nutty Gruyère is key. You can also experiment with other cheeses like Parmesan or a creamy Brie to customize the flavor to your liking.
2. Cooking the cauliflower: Don’t overcook the cauliflower when blanching. It should be just tender, as it will continue to cook in the cheese sauce and the oven. Overcooking can make it mushy and affect the texture.
3. Creating a smooth sauce: To ensure a smooth cheese sauce without lumps, whisk the roux thoroughly and add the milk gradually. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
4. Enhancing flavor: For extra depth of flavor, try adding a splash of white wine or Dijon mustard to the sauce. You could also toss in some garlic for an added aromatic boost.
5. Crispier topping: For an extra crispy topping, you can combine the breadcrumbs with a little melted butter before sprinkling them on top. This will create a golden, crunchy crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cauliflower.
6. Making it ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time. Prepare everything up to the point of baking, then cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake as instructed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to account for the cold starting temperature.

Gordon Ramsay’s Cauliflower Cheese is an elevated take on a classic comfort food that brings together the humble cauliflower and rich, velvety cheese sauce in a perfect marriage of flavors and textures. Whether you’re preparing it for a festive dinner or a weeknight treat, this dish is sure to be a hit at the table.

With the right combination of ingredients, techniques, and a little creativity, you can master this dish and make it your own. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your cauliflower, and get ready to enjoy a decadent, cheesy side dish that will have everyone coming back for more.

Simple Twists On Gordon Ramsay’s Cauliflower Cheese Recipe

Gordon Ramsay’s cauliflower cheese is a luxurious, comforting dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. It’s perfect as a side for a Sunday roast, a holiday feast, or even as a stand-alone dish for a vegetarian meal. While the classic recipe is already rich and creamy, there are a number of exciting twists that can elevate it further, giving you new textures and flavors to explore.

1. Add Bacon or Pancetta

For an added depth of flavor and a crispy contrast, why not incorporate some crispy bacon or pancetta?

As the bacon crisps up, it imparts a smokiness that balances beautifully with the richness of the cheese sauce. Simply chop the bacon into small pieces and fry them until crispy before folding them into the cauliflower mix or sprinkling them on top before baking.

2. Experiment with Cheese Blends

While the traditional recipe uses a simple combination of cheddar and parmesan, there are plenty of other cheeses you can try to create different flavor profiles. Gruyère or fontina can add a nutty, slightly sweet flavor, while blue cheese, such as Stilton, can bring a bold tanginess. Mixing different textures of cheese can also provide a more complex melt, from gooey and stretchy to crisp and caramelized at the top.

3. Add Mustard for a Kick

A little mustard goes a long way in giving your cauliflower cheese an unexpected tang. Stir in a spoonful of Dijon mustard into the cheese sauce to add a slight zing and an extra layer of richness. You can even opt for English mustard for a more intense heat or wholegrain mustard for texture and a milder, tangier flavor.

4. Spice it Up with Chilli

For those who enjoy a little heat, adding chili flakes or finely chopped fresh chilies can give your cauliflower cheese an exciting twist. The warmth of the chili plays wonderfully against the creamy sauce and gives a little bit of a kick without overpowering the dish. Adjust the quantity depending on how much spice you want!

5. Roast the Cauliflower First

Roasting the cauliflower before combining it with the cheese sauce adds an extra layer of depth and flavor to the dish. The caramelization from the roasting process enhances the natural sweetness of the cauliflower, making it even more delicious. Drizzle olive oil over the cauliflower and roast it until golden brown before adding it to the sauce for a more complex flavor profile.

6. Add Herbs for Freshness

You can also bring freshness to the dish by adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives. These herbs add fragrance and earthiness to the richness of the cheese. Chives, in particular, offer a nice pop of green and a mild onion flavor, which cuts through the creaminess of the cheese.

7. Incorporate Creamy Veggies

For added texture and flavor, why not incorporate other creamy vegetables?

Leeks, spinach, or even peas can complement the cauliflower beautifully. Their vibrant color will make the dish even more visually appealing, while also enhancing the taste and giving you more variation in texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, roasted butternut squash adds a lovely sweetness that pairs fantastically with the sharpness of the cheese.

How To Properly Store Leftovers

Cauliflower cheese is one of those dishes that tastes just as good (if not better) the next day, making it an ideal candidate for leftovers. Proper storage is key to ensuring that your cauliflower cheese retains its flavor and texture when reheated.

1. Cool Completely Before Storing

Before storing any leftovers, make sure to let the cauliflower cheese cool to room temperature. Storing it while it’s still hot can lead to condensation inside the container, which could make the dish soggy and affect its texture. Aim to cool it within two hours of serving to ensure food safety.

2. Use Airtight Containers

Place the cooled cauliflower cheese in an airtight container to prevent air from getting in and drying it out. These containers will also keep any odors from seeping into the dish. If you don’t have airtight containers, wrapping the dish tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil will also do the trick.

3. Refrigeration

Leftover cauliflower cheese should be stored in the fridge if you plan to eat it within a few days. It will generally keep well for 3 to 4 days. When reheating, try to do so gently in the oven rather than the microwave to retain the texture of the cheese sauce.

4. Freezing Cauliflower Cheese

If you’d like to store cauliflower cheese for a longer period, you can freeze it. While the texture of the cheese sauce may slightly change upon freezing and thawing, it will still be delicious.

To freeze, portion out the cauliflower cheese into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to label them with the date so you know when it was frozen. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply defrost it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the oven at a low temperature to prevent the cheese sauce from separating.

What To Eat With Gordon Ramsay’s Cauliflower Cheese?

Gordon Ramsay’s cauliflower cheese is a versatile dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of mains, adding a rich, creamy texture to complement your meal. Here are some great ideas for what to serve it with:

1. Roast Meats

A classic pairing for cauliflower cheese is with roast meats like roast beef, lamb, or chicken. The richness of the cheese and the savory depth of the cauliflower balance wonderfully with the hearty flavors of the meat. A roast leg of lamb with rosemary and garlic is particularly divine alongside cauliflower cheese.

2. Grilled Steaks or Chops

For something a little more indulgent, serve cauliflower cheese with a perfectly grilled steak or pork chops. The slightly crispy outer layer of the cheese sauce contrasts with the tender meat, creating a perfect bite. Add a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh green salad to cut through the richness of the dish.

3. Vegetarian Options

Cauliflower cheese is a delicious vegetarian main dish in its own right, but it also pairs beautifully with other vegetarian sides. Serve it alongside a fresh tomato and mozzarella salad, or roasted sweet potatoes and sautéed greens. For a more substantial meal, a quinoa or couscous salad can be a great complement to the creamy cauliflower.

4. Roasted or Steamed Vegetables

If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, pair cauliflower cheese with roasted or steamed vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli. The earthy, natural flavors of these vegetables provide a fresh contrast to the creaminess of the cheese, making for a more balanced plate.

5. Baked Potatoes

For ultimate comfort food, serve cauliflower cheese as a side to a baked potato. The fluffy potato pairs perfectly with the rich cheese sauce, creating a hearty meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chives for a little extra flavor.

Conclusion

Gordon Ramsay’s cauliflower cheese is a truly delicious dish that brings comfort, richness, and depth to any meal. Whether you enjoy it as a side or as the main attraction, it’s easy to elevate this recipe with simple twists like adding bacon, mustard, or different cheeses.

With proper storage, you can enjoy it for days after, and it pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains, from roast meats to grilled vegetables. So whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a holiday meal, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this cauliflower cheese recipe is sure to delight every time.

FAQs

What Makes Gordon Ramsay’s Cauliflower Cheese Recipe Different From Others?

Gordon Ramsay’s cauliflower cheese stands out for its rich, creamy texture and the use of a flavorful cheese sauce. Ramsay’s recipe includes a combination of strong cheeses, such as mature cheddar, and a hint of Dijon mustard to enhance the flavor. Additionally, the cauliflower is roasted first, giving it a caramelized, slightly crispy exterior, which adds depth to the dish.

Can I Make Gordon Ramsay’s Cauliflower Cheese Recipe Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare Gordon Ramsay’s cauliflower cheese ahead of time. After assembling the dish, you can cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

When ready to serve, simply bake it in the oven at the specified temperature until it’s bubbling and golden on top. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping or preparing for a dinner party.

What Type Of Cheese Should I Use For Gordon Ramsay’s Cauliflower Cheese Recipe?

Gordon Ramsay’s cauliflower cheese recipe typically calls for a mix of mature cheddar and Gruyère. The mature cheddar provides a sharp, tangy flavor, while the Gruyère adds a smooth, nutty richness. You can experiment with other cheeses if preferred, but the combination of these two is key to achieving the perfect balance of taste and texture.