Full-on Cauliflower Cheese

Method

• step 1

  Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6

• step 2

  Half fill a large saucepan with water and bring to the boil. Add the cauliflower florets and boil for 7-8 minutes (al dente). Drain and empty the cauliflower into a suitable oven dish.

• step 3

  bring a small pan of water to the boil and add the peas. Cook until al. dente (5-6 mins). Set aside.

• step 4

  fry the bacon lardons on a medium heat until crisp - 5-6mins - and set aside.

• step 5

  Making the cheese sauce - melt the butter in a saucepan over a gentle heat, whisk in the flour until the mixture forms a smooth paste. Add the milk in small quantities to prevent lumps forming. When the milk is just starting to bubble, stir in 2/3 of the cheese and the ground pepper, stirring constantly until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 6-8 minutes).

• step 6

  Add the peas and the bacon lardons to the cheese sauce mix, stirring thoroughly. Pour evenly over the cauliflower florets and add the remaining grated cheese and breadcrumbs.

• step 7

  Bake in the pre-heated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden-brown and the sauce is bubbling.