Cauliflower "Mac" and Cheese {Easy Recipe} - Kristine's Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

Why is my cauliflower cheese always watery? ›

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.

Cooked cauliflower florets keep their shape best when steamed (5-10 mins) – remember to place them upright in the steamer. It can also be boiled (takes 5-10 mins for florets; around 10 mins for a whole cauliflower).

Mustard Powder: The secret ingredient you should always add to your Mac and cheese. The acidity in the mustard helps cut through the fat. You can find it in the spice section of any major grocery store. Otherwise, swap it for 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of Dijon or yellow mustard to taste or omit it.

The grainy texture is probably because you're not cooking out the flour when it's at the roux stage. When you add the flour to the melted butter you need to stir it and cook it for a good few minutes. To stop it going too watery, make sure you don't overcook the cauliflower and drain it really well.

Helps retain color: Cauliflower can sometimes turn brown or lose its vibrant white color when cooked. However, the acid in lemon juice can help prevent discoloration and maintain the cauliflower's white appearance.

You'll want to cook the cauliflower before anything else to better extract the moisture. Chop one medium head into florets, transfer them to a medium pot filled halfway with water, add a generous pinch of salt, cover, and let them steam until they're fork tender.

You can keep cauliflower's white color and enhance its sweetness by adding 1 cup of milk when cooking it. Add a cup of milk to the cooking water and bring it to a boil. Add the cauliflower pieces and allow the water to return to a boil; gently boil for 3 to 5 minutes.

If you're planning to roast the cauliflower whole or slice it into steaks, slice off the thick stem at the base. Drop the whole cauliflower head upside-down into cool, salted water. Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes to remove dirt, residue and bugs.

Cooking Instructions

Add enough water to cover the cauliflower. Add the salt and vinegar to the water, cover with a lid, and bring to a boil (covering makes it boil faster). Add the cauliflower to the boiling water, cover with a lid and boil for 4 minutes.

What are the three best cheeses for mac and cheese? ›

What Is the Best Cheese for Mac and Cheese? Sharp cheddar is the overwhelming popular choice, but for extra-creamy results, we think medium cheddar is even better. Other delicious options include Gruyère, smoked Gouda, and Monterey Jack.

Gordon Ramsay's mac and cheese is a simplified recipe. Just boil pasta in milk and then, add butter, cheese, salt, and pepper to it. Merge all the elements and Gordon Ramsay's mac and cheese will be ready in no time.

Broccoli, cauli and cabbage

But the bacteria in your gut loves to utilise it for energy, and this results in gas. Many of these cruciferous veg also contain sulphur, and you know all about the smell that can lead to. Image caption, Cauliflower cheese with onions could lead to bothersome gassiness.

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.

Cauliflower is blanched for a few minutes, before being baked in the oven smothered in cheese sauce. So gooood. What is this? It pairs really well with salty meats, especially roast ham, gammon steaks and bacon.

Since fresh mozzarella retains at least 52 percent water, it will benefit from a bit of drying time. Instead of slicing the mozzarella and immediately adding the cheese, set the slices on a paper or tea towel to absorb excess moisture; let them rest for at least 15 minutes.

Use Flour and Water

Combine 2 tablespoons flour with every 1/4 cup cold water and whisk until smooth. Add the mixture to your sauce over medium heat, and continue to stir and cook until you've reached your desired consistency. Test with a spoon.

The dish may get watery if the cauliflower is overcooked – that's when the florets release more water – or if you haven't drained the florets well after steaming/boiling them. Make sure the florets are properly drained and that you stick to the exact instructions from the recipe.

"Be sure to give each floret a bit of room so that the they have space for airflow. I'd also recommend baking them on a silicone baking mat," says Blay. The edges will get much crispier than they would if you baked them on parchment paper.