Cauliflower cheese | Food-4Tots | Recipes for Toddlers

24 August 2010 | 63 comments
Posted in Featured Articles, others, vegetable, Vegetarian, Western

RECIPE FOR CAULIFLOWER CHEESE
Source: Adapted from Nora’s dinner (and breakfast, lunches and snacks for you to cook at home)
Serve: 4
Ingredients:
1 medium size cauliflower (an estimation of 400g) – refer to note 2
100g Cheddar cheese
50g Parmesan cheese
40g butter
3 tbsp plain flour
500ml milk
1 tsp mustard or mustard powder (refer to note 3)
2 tbsp crème fraiche (I omitted this item but it’s best to include it)
Salt and pepper
Methods:
Preheat oven to 200°C.
Grate the Cheddar and Parmesan cheese separately. Set aside.
Prepare béchamel sauce (creamy white sauce)
Melt butter in the small saucepan over a low heat.
Add the flour and, using your wooden spoon/ hand whisk, stir well, keeping the heat turned down low – the mixture should start to look like damp sand. This mixture is called a roux (pronounced “roo”)
Add the milk slowly, still stirring to make sure there are no lumps. If there are any, beat these out.
Bring the sauce up to the boil, then turn down low and allow the sauce to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring all the time until it starts to thicken. You now have a white sauce, also called a béchamel sauce.
Take the sauce off the heat. Add the mustard, half the grated Cheddar cheese, all the grated Parmesan and the crème fraiche. Stir well, and add a little salt and pepper. Stir again and taste the sauce. Add a bit more salt and pepper if needed. Set aside.
Prepare cauliflower (refer to note 4)
Put the large saucepan of water on to boil. Add a good pinch of salt to the water.
Wash the cauliflower, then use the sharp knife and chopping board to cut off the stem. Split the core in half so all the small florets fall apart. Add the cut-up cauliflower to the salted boiling water and cook for 4 minutes.
It is important not to overcook it or it will go mushy.
Drain the cooked cauliflower very well in a colander.
After the cooked cauliflower it is fully drained, tip the cauliflower into a medium overproof baking dish (or 2 small baking dishes) and cover with the sauce in step (4).
Sprinkle the remaining grated Cheddar cheese over the top (refer to note 5).
Place in the pre-heated oven on the middle shelf and bake for 25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.
When finished, remove from the oven.
You can serve it as main meal, side dish or even as a snack.
Note:
To make it a complete meal, you can add cooked pasta (ie macaroni) and other ingredients (ie canned tuna or cooked salmon).
You can give this recipe a twist by substituting half of the cauliflower with broccoli.
I used Masterfood fine wholegrain mustard. You can also use Dijon mustard.
Alternatively, you can steam the cauliflower for 15-20 minutes.
Adding 4 tbsp of fresh breadcrumbs will give this dish a crispy-cruncy top.

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63 Comments

tigerfish says:
24 August 2010 at 3:02 pm
Woooo..not a fan of it when I was younger too but now…I enjoy cauliflower very much. So yum!
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  7 September 2010 at 10:47 pm
  Tigerfish: Yeah, our taste buds always change from time to time. 😉
  Reply
MaryMoh says:
24 August 2010 at 3:19 pm
Lovely dish of cauliflower with cheese. Hope things get back to normal soon there. Take care.
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  7 September 2010 at 10:48 pm
  Mary Moh: Thanks! 😉
  Reply
Alice says:
24 August 2010 at 4:07 pm
Me too, not a fan of cauliflower during my childhood days until now. But, surprisingly my son likes it very much! Must try this! 🙂
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  7 September 2010 at 10:49 pm
  Alice: Yeah, give it a try! Hope you will change your mind about cauliflower too! 🙂
  Reply
peanutts says:
24 August 2010 at 4:08 pm
love cauliflower, but i dont like it when they are over cooked , your dish is a great way to feed cauliflower to cauliflower haters 🙂
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  7 September 2010 at 10:51 pm
  Peanutts: Thanks! Hope more picky eaters will enjoy eating cauliflowers. 😉
  Reply
peachkins says:
24 August 2010 at 5:51 pm
It looks amazing!
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  7 September 2010 at 10:51 pm
  Peachkins: Thanks! 😉
  Reply
Pei-Lin says:
24 August 2010 at 10:06 pm
Thanks for bringing back so much memory! My American mom doesn’t make hers like this, but hers is definitely also a combo of cauliflower and cheese! Simple but down-to-earth yummy!
Just wondering are you planning on participating in this:
http://babeinthecitykl.blogspot.com/2010/08/merdeka-open-house-2010-announcing.html
I wonder if the renovation thingy at your abode is gonna affect you with that though … Haha! It’s OK. If you do plan on taking part, I’ll hop by to read yours!
Take care!
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  30 August 2010 at 9:21 am
  Pei Lin: Thanks for your sweet comments, and also informing me about the Merdeka Open House event. I would love to join the fun but am stuck now with the after reno cleaning up job. Will hop over to read other submissions. Hope to see yours there. 😉
  Reply
anncoo says:
24 August 2010 at 10:51 pm
Thanks for sharing this lovely recipe. I only know how to blanch the cauliflower and stir fry it.
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  7 September 2010 at 10:52 pm
  Anncoo: You’re welcome. Hope your kids will love this combination. 😉
  Reply
noobcook says:
24 August 2010 at 11:41 pm
oh my, really messy. but look forward to bigger better toilets after the upgrading ya? love your cauliflower and cheese, two of my fave ingredients 🙂
Reply
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- food-4tots says:
  7 September 2010 at 10:53 pm
  Noobcook: The toilet is still the same size but having a brand new look. Thanks!! 😉
  Reply
LCOM says:
25 August 2010 at 12:46 am
That certainly a nice way to enjoy cauliflower. I have cauliflower for this week vegetable too.
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  7 September 2010 at 10:54 pm
  LCOM: Thanks!! Yes, for those who love cheese. 😉
  Reply
Joanne says:
25 August 2010 at 1:55 am
The construction sounds absolutely horrendous! I have some going on outside my window…but thankfully it stays OUTSIDE.
The cauliflower cheese gratin looks delicious. Cheesifying a dish is a surefire way to get people to eat it!
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  7 September 2010 at 10:57 pm
  Joanne: Yeah, it was really very messy but I’m glad it’s over now. “Cheesifying” is my powerful method to get my son eating something he dislikes. 😉
  Reply
mycookinghut says:
25 August 2010 at 4:37 am
I adore this dish! Looks really creamy and yummy.. hehe.
I hope the work will complete soon!!
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  7 September 2010 at 10:58 pm
  Lee Mei (MCH): Thanks! We adore it too! Finally it’s over!! 😉
  Reply
TasteHongKong says:
25 August 2010 at 1:19 pm
I love cauliflower be it pureed, stir-fried, sautéed … this nice creamy dish is also one of my picks.
Wish every thing finishes on time, and take your time.
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  7 September 2010 at 11:01 pm
  TasteHongKong: Cauliflower is really a very versatile superfood. I start to love eating it now. Thanks for your understanding. 😉
  Reply
Ju (The Little Teochew) says:
25 August 2010 at 5:16 pm
Good grief, you shouldn’t even bother replying. We will all understand. It looks so uncomfortable living with all that mess.
PS: Love cauliflower & cheese!
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  7 September 2010 at 11:02 pm
  Ju (TLT): Thanks for your understanding. Can’t wait to go back to normal routine. 😉
  Reply
pigpigscorner says:
26 August 2010 at 1:48 am
Oh my, what a mess! I hope the work finishes real soon!
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  7 September 2010 at 11:03 pm
  Pigpigscorner: Yes, it’s a messy place but it’s finally over now. 😉
  Reply
KidsDreamWork says:
26 August 2010 at 6:15 pm
This looks yummy! I must try it out as my elder boy doesn’t like cauliflower too, but I like it! Thanks for sharing the info on gassy tummy, I never aware of that!
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  7 September 2010 at 11:04 pm
  KidsDreamWork: Hahaha! We are in the opposite situation. Hope your boy loves it. 😉
  Reply
A Little Yumminess says:
26 August 2010 at 10:37 pm
Great way to get kids to eat cauliflower. This recipe could work on adults as well! 🙂
Reply
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- food-4tots says:
  7 September 2010 at 11:05 pm
  A Little Yumminess: Yeah, it’s great for both kids and adults. 😉
  Reply
Angie's Recipes says:
27 August 2010 at 3:30 am
Looks so cheesy and comforting!
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  7 September 2010 at 11:08 pm
  Angie: Thanks!! 😉
  Reply
Tastes of Home says:
27 August 2010 at 6:15 pm
I am not a little tot but I will make this for myself! hehe
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  7 September 2010 at 11:08 pm
  Taste of Home: Hahaha! You’re so funny! Thanks!;)
  Reply
lisaiscooking says:
27 August 2010 at 9:23 pm
Hope the project is finished quickly! Sounds like you’re being very patient during the process. And, your cauliflower dish looks delicious. The cheese on top looks great!
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  7 September 2010 at 11:09 pm
  Lisa: Thanks for your kind concern and sweet comment. 😉
  Reply
Clare @ Mrs Multitasker says:
29 August 2010 at 12:16 am
You are a GENIUS being able to get your kids to eat cauliflower. And gosh that does look like a really uncomfortable arrangement! hang in there LK!
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  7 September 2010 at 11:10 pm
  Clare: Thanks for your sweet words! I’m definitely not a genius. Yay, it’s over now! 😉
  Reply
Mika says:
29 August 2010 at 4:16 pm
Oh my, what a gorgeous dish…I love cauliflowers, but I usually keep them as they are, I don’t want to contaminate their wonderful flavor…I tried some recipes but they always went out very bitter…I will try this one, it seems perfect…
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  7 September 2010 at 11:12 pm
  Mika: Yeah, we should enjoy the original flavour. This dish is to entice those picker eaters to try out cauliflowers. Glad you like it too! 😉
  Reply
Christine@Christine's Recipes says:
30 August 2010 at 9:34 am
Love this creamy cauliflower with cheese dish. That’s also a clever way to get our kids to eat more veggies.
How long would the renovation project take? It’s worth inconvenience for a while once you have everything installed though.
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  7 September 2010 at 11:14 pm
  Christine: Yeah, kids love cheese. Only 10 working days. But the cleaning up job is really very tiring! 😉
  Reply
Dora says:
5 September 2010 at 3:06 pm
I used to like cauliflower but now like broccoli. This cauliflower cheese looks interesting!
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  7 September 2010 at 11:15 pm
  Dora: What’s made you dislike cauliflower? Do give this one a try! 😉
  Reply
Pris says:
6 September 2010 at 10:25 pm
Thank you share your information of this blog. I am also a cooking lover and also love to share with people and friends the greats recipes. Here is the website
http://www.agape-cookingthechineseway.com
Have a Great Day
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  7 September 2010 at 11:15 pm
  Pris: Thanks for dropping by and sharing your great site. 😉
  Reply
kwpang says:
7 September 2010 at 9:39 pm
what ever it’s call cauliflower or cheese rice is absolutely delicious to eat, can’t miss it..
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  7 September 2010 at 11:16 pm
  KWPang: Thanks for dropping by and your kind comment. 😉
  Reply
Easy One Pot Meal: Chicken with Cauliflower « A Little Yumminess says:
14 September 2010 at 12:51 am
[…] am also looking forward to trying Cauliflower Cheese by Food-4-Tots – it looks delicious and I think mixed with some macaroni it could be a kiddie […]
Reply
Cucee Sprouts says:
15 September 2010 at 2:28 am
What a vegetable this is. I love how versatile cauliflower is. I so tempted to try your recipe later this week (I have 3 heads of cauliflower waiting for me at home.) I will come back to your site and report on how your recipe turned out for sure! Would you like to take a look at my most recent cauliflower creation? http://cuceesprouts.com/2010/09/marinated-cauliflower-salad/
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  16 September 2010 at 11:37 pm
  Cucee Sprouts: Wow! I have never stored so many heads of cauliflower in my fridge. You must be a cauliflower lover. Your cauliflower salad is so delishh and healthy. Can’t wait to hear your feedback on my recipe. 😉
  Reply
My Taste Heaven says:
15 September 2010 at 10:46 am
woah…i want one of this. makes me hungry 🙂
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  16 September 2010 at 11:41 pm
  My Taste Heaven: Hahaha! Help yourself! 😉
  Reply
Piixie says:
23 September 2010 at 8:15 pm
Hi, where can i buy crème fraiche?
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  24 September 2010 at 5:24 pm
  Piixie: You can find it at the chiller section in Cold Storage (Singapore). Same location with whipping cream. Hope it helps. 😉
  Reply
KY says:
28 September 2010 at 12:06 pm
Hi there, just curious, what did you serve this cauliflower gratin with? I’m thinking rice and gratin is odd! Yummy looking dish though. 🙂
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  28 September 2010 at 11:47 pm
  KY: I think you can try macaroni with this gratin. Instead of serving it separately, you can add the cooked macaroni into this casserole before baking and turn it into a one dish meal. 😉
  Reply
Kelly says:
29 September 2010 at 11:51 pm
Hi there, can i use a toaster oven instead? can i add tomato puree in before baking as well? like what we sometimes get in restaurants? thanks!
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  30 September 2010 at 1:41 am
  Kelly: Can you set the temperature at your toaster oven? If not, it may not be suitable. Do you mean lasagna which has one layer of bechamel sauce and one layer of tomato sauce? Yes, you can but you need to cook the sauce separately. Here is a bolognese sauce recipe for you to try out – https://food-4tots.com/2010/06/06/baked-eggplants-with-bolognese-sauce/3/. 😉
  Reply
Gourmet Gadget Gal says:
12 November 2010 at 8:32 am
I love this recipe and you’ve given me a great idea for something to make for Thanksgiving dinner that the children will enjoy since they don’t like brussel sprouts or green bean casserole.
Reply
- food-4tots says:
  12 November 2010 at 11:45 pm
  GGG: Hope your kids will enjoy this casserole dish. Looking forward to your kind feedback. 😉
  Reply

Cauliflower cheese | Food-4Tots | Recipes for Toddlers - Part 2 (2024)

FAQs

How to cook cauliflower for picky eaters? ›

It's simply steaming the cauliflower florets and then tossing with flavorful enhancements—butter or olive oil (if you need dairy-free or just prefer olive oil) and cheese. We usually find that cheese helps almost any veggie go down easier. This is a favorite way to cook cauliflower for kids.

Get More Info ›

Why does my cauliflower cheese split? ›

Cook your cauliflower cheese at the right temperature, otherwise your cheese sauce can split. If your cheese sauce splits before that, it can be down to leaving it out too long, or you've boiled the sauce. If this happens, add a splash of milk or cream and whisk vigorously and it should come back to life.

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Is cauliflower cheese a meal on its own? ›

Rustle up one of the greatest comfort foods: cauliflower cheese. It makes a perfect side dish or vegetarian main meal.

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Is cauliflower good for toddlers? ›

Cauliflower is a wonderful first food for babies! Here's how to cook and serve it to your baby along with easy and nutritious recipes for 6 months and up.

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How do I get my child to like cauliflower? ›

Try cooking your cauliflower different ways. My favourite way to cook cauliflower is actually to bake it. It comes out much sweeter, and my older kid loves it. If you have less fussy kids, and you're just trying to get more veggies into them, you can add cauliflower florets to pasta or rice when you serve it.

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Why can't you reheat cauliflower cheese? ›

Can you reheat cauliflower cheese? Yes you can, and it will taste fine… But just be aware that it will dry out a little and the cauliflower will be a little bit softer… not a deal breaker, but definitely not as good as fresh! Simply place any leftover cauliflower in a lidded container and refrigerate.

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How do you keep cauliflower cheese from being watery? ›

Drain well

Make sure you drain the cauliflower really well after it's boiled up and before you add it to the dish, otherwise it will end up too watery.

Get More Info Here ›

Why does my cauliflower cheese go watery after? ›

Cauliflower cheese can go watery if the cauliflower is overcooked. Overcooked cauliflower releases water, which will seep into the rest of the dish. So even if your sauce was thick when it went in the oven, if its in there too long, the water from the cauliflower will cause it to go watery.

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Why do I feel weird after eating cauliflower? ›

Cauliflower, like other cruciferous vegetables, contains compounds called glucosinolates, which can be difficult for some people to digest. This can lead to symptoms such as bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

Can dogs eat cauliflower? ›

Yes, dogs can eat cauliflower in moderation, either raw or cooked. Cauliflower is a source of dietary fiber, vitamin K, and vitamin C for dogs. Some dogs may dislike the slightly bitter taste of cauliflower. Avoid cauliflower with seasonings or oils, as they can cause upset stomach.

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Why isn t Chick fil a cauliflower vegetarian? ›

Because milk and eggs are used in the preparation process and we do not designate vegetarian-only preparation surfaces, Chick-fil-A does not consider the Cauliflower Sandwich to be vegetarian.

Read On ›

Why can't you freeze cauliflower cheese? ›

It can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to cook. It is possible to freeze cauliflower cheese but unfortunately the sauce can sometimes turn thin and sligtly watery on defrosting, so we prefer not to freeze the dish if at all possible.

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How long does cauliflower cheese last in the fridge? ›

How long can you keep Cauliflower Cheese in the fridge? Once you've put it out, ideally you should eat it within 4 hours. If you allow any leftovers to cool, make sure to refrigerate in a container with a lid and chill. You can keep leftovers of Cauliflower Cheese in the fridge for approximately 3 days or so.

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How do you mask the taste of cauliflower? ›

Originally Answered: How do you make cauliflower not taste like cauliflower? Cut it into inch-thick slabs, coat well with olive oil, season with curry powder and salt to taste. Bake in a 425 oven for 10–15 minutes a side, or until lightly browned and done to your liking.

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Why do you soak cauliflower before cooking? ›

This process – which should last 10-20 minutes - destroys several microbes and large parasites. As cauliflower is highly susceptible to microbial attacks, it should be washed once again. This time, boil some water and put the cauliflower florets in it. Keep for five minutes and remove from the hot water.

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Which is the best way to eat cauliflower? ›

You can steam or blanch it to keep its essential flavors intact, but by roasting or sautéing it, you can bring out its sweetness. Cauliflower will absorb the oil and seasoning, soaking up flavors much the way eggplant does, but it remains firmer. Roasted cauliflower can be served warm or at room temperature.

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Jul 24, 2018

Cauliflower cheese | Food-4Tots | Recipes for Toddlers - Part 2 (2024)

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FAQs

How to cook cauliflower for picky eaters? ›

Can dogs eat cauliflower? ›