Elevate your holiday table with this gourmet Cauliflower Cheese Crumble. Featuring roasted florets, a rich umami-packed cheese sauce with anchovies, and a crunchy oat and parmesan topping.
1 large head of cauliflower
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt
50 grams salted butter
4 anchovies
50 grams plain flour
500 milliliters whole milk
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 quarter teaspoon cayenne pepper
Fresh grating of nutmeg
100 grams sharp cheddar, grated
20 grams parmesan, grated
100 grams cold salted butter, cubed
100 grams plain flour (for topping)
40 grams rolled oats
3 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves picked
20 grams parmesan, grated (for topping)
1. Preheat oven to 220 Celsius. Roast cauliflower florets and stalks with olive oil and salt for 10 minutes. Add leaves and roast for 10 more minutes.
2. Melt 50g butter and dissolve anchovies. Whisk in 50g flour for 2-3 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk until thick. Stir in mustard, cayenne, nutmeg, cheddar, and 20g parmesan.
3. Let the roasted cauliflower steam-dry for 20 minutes to prevent wateriness.
4. Rub cold 100g butter with 100g flour and oats until crumbly. Mix in thyme and remaining 20g parmesan.
5. Transfer cauliflower to a roasting tin, pour over the sauce, scatter the crumble, and bake for 40 minutes until golden.
Do not skip the 20-minute steam-dry step to avoid a watery sauce.
The anchovies provide umami and saltiness without a fishy taste.
You can assemble the dish and freeze it for up to three months.
Find it online: https://www.flavourrecipe.com/cauliflower-cheese-crumble/