Cheesy cauliflower bake

If you’re looking for an easy dinner and a great way to use up your leftover veggies at the end of the week, this recipe is a winner. It’s packed full of flavour with a delicious golden cheesy top that will fill your house with the best aromas! This version uses cauliflower, bacon and peas, but you can add in whatever veggies you like. Try broccoli, mushrooms or zucchini and serve up a big dollop per person. You can have it on its own as a vegetarian meal or serve it with a chicken or veal schnitzel for something a little more indulgent!

Ingredients

• 2 small heads of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, diced
• 3 tablespoons plain flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 cups grated Cheddar
• 50g cream cheese, softened
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/4 cup peas, frozen or thawed

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180C. In a large pot of boiling water blanch cauliflower for 2 minutes. Drain and squeeze water out of the cauliflower (this will help keep it fluffy).

2. Make the cheese sauce: Melt butter in a large frying pan. Add garlic and cook until fragrant – about 1 minute. Add flour and stir for 2 minutes or until golden. Add milk and bring to a low simmer, then add cream cheese, whisking until combined. Stir in 1 cup cheddar until melted and season with salt and pepper.

3. Add drained cauliflower to a casserole dish, then pour over the cheese sauce and stir until combined. Stir in all but 1 tablespoon each of cooked bacon and peas until combined, then top with remaining Cheddar, bacon, and peas. Bake for 30 minutes or until cauliflower is tender and cheese is bubbly and thickened. Let cool slightly, then serve.