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Home » Gluten-Free

Gluten Free Cauliflower Cheese

Published: Oct 25, 2022 by Lauren Woodger · Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links -This means I receive a commission for purchases made through those links, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 2 Comments

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Cauliflower cheese in a casserole dish, with a small bowl of cheese on the side.
Cauliflower cheese in a casserole dish, with a small bowl of cheese on the side.

This Gluten Free Cauliflower Cheese is the ultimate comfort food! It’s luxuriously creamy and super cheesy! Enjoy it as a delightful side dish alongside a roast dinner or as a main meal in its own right. Dairy-free option available too!

Cauliflower cheese in a casserole dish with the lid propped on the side, with a side bowl of cheese.

When you think of comfort food, cauliflower cheese is right up there and this gluten free cauliflower cheese is no exception! 

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There is something about taking the humble cauliflower, (which, if we are honest can be quite bland tasting on its own) and smothering it in a rich, cheesy sauce,  topping with gluten-free crunchy breadcrumbs and baking it in the oven until gooey and crispy. Pure heaven!

Even my son who won’t eat most vegetables, will devour this in no time at all as the cheesy deliciousness disguises the fact that I am hiding a vegetable under there!

This cauliflower cheese recipe had the ultimate taste test when my kids had a playdate the other day. I served it alongside this slow-cooked leg of lamb & my daughter’s friend said it was the best cauliflower cheese she has ever had… I’ll take that!

I have added a teaspoon of Dijon mustard (my secret ingredient, just like in this three-cheese mac and cheese too) which really lifts the flavour, whilst not over-powering the cheese and sprinkled gluten-free breadcrumbs on top to add some crunchy texture to the dish.

You can serve this cauliflower cheese as a vegetarian main meal or as a tasty side dish. Keep scrolling down the post for loads of serving inspiration!

Another way to use cauliflower in an alternative way is by making these crunchy cauliflower bites which make an appetising healthy snack for both the kids and adults.

Jump to:
  • 🍅 Ingredients Needed & Substitutions
  • ⚡ Variations 
  • 🤔 Can I Make Gluten-Free Cauliflower Cheese With Cornflour?
  • ✏️ How To Make- Step-By-Step Instructions
  • 💡 Top Tips
  • 🥡 Storage, Freezing & Reheating
  • 🍴 Serving Suggestions
  •  💬 Recipe FAQs
  • 📖 More Gluten Free Side Dishes
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

🍅 Ingredients Needed & Substitutions

✋ Double check all packaging for allergens ✋

Ingredients laid out for a gluten free cauliflower cheese.
  • Cauliflower - Try and buy the largest freshest cauliflower in the shop! You can also use frozen cauliflower florets, just be careful not to overcook them as they can go mushy. If you are using frozen florets take a minute off the cooking time and make sure you drain them well after steaming or boiling to get rid of any excess water.
  • Milk - I have used full-fat milk as this gives the thickest, creamiest sauce. If you want to use semi-skimmed or skimmed milk that’s fine, just bear in mind the sauce may be a little thinner. A neutral-tasting plant-based milk like unsweetened soy or almond milk can be used for a dairy-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Flour - I always use Doves Farm Freee plain flour, as it works well in all my gluten-free recipes.
  • Butter - You can use salted or unsalted butter, whichever is your preference. If you are cooking for small children you may prefer to use the unsalted version. To make it dairy-free use a dairy-free spread.
  • Dijon Mustard - Adds a slight tang to the recipe and really lifts the flavour. If you have a mustard allergy this can be left out.
  • Gluten Free Breadcrumbs - You can either use pre-made breadcrumbs or put some gluten-free bread in a blender and pulse until it resemble breadcrumbs.
  • Cheese - I have gone for a mild cheddar as the children prefer the flavour, but if you're craving a stronger cheese flavour you can use a mature cheddar cheese instead. I prefer to buy block cheese, not pre-grated as pre-shredded cheese can contain preservatives and additives to stop the cheese from clumping together in the bag. This means the cheese doesn’t melt as easily and you could also be consuming a whole load of extra chemicals you don't need to be. I understand that life can get hectic; if using pre-grated cheese makes it easier, go ahead and use it! If you need a dairy-free option use a dairy-free cheese.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

⚡ Variations 

  • ✔️ Make It Dairy Free: If you want to make this recipe dairy-free, just substitute butter with a dairy-free spread or margarine, swap regular milk for a neutral-tasting plant-based option like soy or almond milk, and opt for dairy-free cheese.
  • ✔️ Mix Up The Veg:  Although it's called cauliflower cheese, you can substitute half of the cauliflower for broccoli for a nice variation or throw in some cooked Brussels sprouts for a festive twist.
  • ✔️ Spice it Up: Like a bit of heat? Why not sprinkle some chilli flakes through the sauce for a fiery hit?
  • ✔️ Bacon: Fry some bacon until crispy, then chop into small chunks and stir through the cauliflower cheese sauce mixture before baking in the oven.

🤔 Can I Make Gluten-Free Cauliflower Cheese With Cornflour?

I prefer to make the traditional roux with gluten-free flour and butter, as I find this gives a richer, creamier sauce, however, you can also make this recipe with cornflour.

 To make this recipe with cornflour, simply leave the butter out of the recipe and whisk 4 tablespoons of cornflour into the cold milk in a cold saucepan. Once the cornflour is fully combined with the milk, gently heat on the hob/stove, stirring until the sauce thickens.

 Note that the sauce will take longer to thicken using cornflour than if using the roux method with flour and butter.

✏️ How To Make- Step-By-Step Instructions

⬇️ Here you will find an overview of how to make the recipe. For full information on ingredients and quantities please see the recipe card at the bottom of the page ⬇️

cauliflower florets in a steamer.

Step 1: Chop the cauliflower into medium-sized florets with a knife. Try not to make them too small or they can turn mushy when cooking. I prefer to steam the cauliflower florets as it keeps more of the nutrients in, but you can either steam or cook them in boiling water for 5 minutes until they are tender but not fully cooked.

We will finish cooking the cauliflower in the oven later.

Making a roux in a saucepan with a whisk.

Step 2: Whilst the cauliflower is steaming, it’s time to make the gluten-free cheese sauce.

Start by making a roux. To do this, melt the butter in a hot saucepan, add the flour to the saucepan and whisk together until the mixture forms a thick paste. 

Next, add the milk slowly, whisking the whole time, adding some more milk once the sauce has started to thicken. Once you have added all the milk, keep whisking for a couple of minutes until the sauce has thickened and is nice and creamy.

cheese sauce being made in a saucepan with cheese being whisked in.

Step 3: Remove the pan from the heat and add the grated cheese (leaving a bit to sprinkle over the top) and mustard, then stir until all the gooey cheese has melted through the sauce.

I have added a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, if you would like the mustardy taste a bit stronger, add a second teaspoon, but add slowly and taste as you go.

Cheese sauce being poured from a saucepan into a casserole dish full of cauliflower.

Step 4: Put the cooked cauliflower florets in an ovenproof casserole dish and pour over the cheese sauce.

Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese and gluten-free breadcrumbs over the top. You can either grab them pre-made or make your own breadcrumbs by tossing gluten-free bread into a blender and giving it a quick blend until you have small, chunky bits.

Step 6: Bake in a hot oven for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.

cauliflower cheese in a casserole dish before it has been baked.

💡 Top Tips

  • ✔️ Pour in the milk gradually. Adding it all at once might result in a lumpy sauce and it can be a bit tricky to smooth out those lumps later on.
  • ✔️ Avoid overcooking the cauliflower. When initially boiling or steaming it, keep the cooking time under 5 minutes. Over boiling can lead to excess water absorption, which may later result in a watery sauce or mushy cauliflower when it bakes in the oven with the sauce.
  • ✔️ Sprinkle over some parmesan before baking for an extra cheesy flavour.
  • ✔️ Allow the cauliflower cheese to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the sauce thicken slightly and make it easier to serve.

🥡 Storage, Freezing & Reheating

I suggest enjoying the gluten-free cauliflower cheese right after it's cooked for the best taste, but you can also store it safely in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three days once it has cooled.

To reheat, place it in the microwave for 4-5 minutes, until piping hot throughout, stirring halfway.

You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat as above. 

Be aware that the texture of the cauliflower may change once it has been frozen and the sauce may become watery and thin, so I would advise eating the cauliflower cheese from fresh if you can. 

Saying that this would work for leftover cauliflower cheese pasta (see serving suggestions below) as the texture won’t matter as much.

A white plate with cauliflower cheese and broccoli on it. A gravy dish is pouring gravy onto the plate.

🍴 Serving Suggestions

You can serve this as a delicious vegetarian main dish in its own right.

It also makes a fabulous side to any roast dinner alongside my slow cooker rolled lamb breast, slow cooked red cabbage, carrot and swede mash, Brussel Sprouts With Bacon & Garlic, roasted carrots and green beans and slow cooker roast potatoes or baby hasselback potatoes with rosemary & garlic.

Try pairing it with this lemon & garlic chicken traybake as a side dish for this easy one-pan meal.

If you have any leftovers, reheat the cauliflower cheese in the microwave then mash slightly with a fork and stir through cooked pasta and peas for a quick, kid-friendly,  tasty cheesy pasta dish.

 💬 Recipe FAQs


Is cauliflower cheese gluten-free?

Traditionally cauliflower cheese is made with flour and sometimes topped with breadcrumbs so it is not gluten-free, however, this recipe uses gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs so is suitable for people following a gluten-free diet.

Can I make cauliflower cheese ahead of time?

This is the perfect dish to make the day before and pop in the oven when you are ready. Make it up to the point where you pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower, then store it overnight in the fridge in the casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs over the top just before putting it in the oven.


How do you stop cauliflower cheese from going watery?

Make sure to cook the cauliflower until it's tender but not overcooked, 5 minutes is enough. Drain it thoroughly, and pat it dry. Let it rest before serving to allow the sauce to thicken further, and be careful with ingredients that release moisture, like mushrooms or cooked bacon.

📖 More Gluten Free Side Dishes

Check out these other tasty gluten-free sides..

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  • Cooked carrot sticks sprinkled with black pepper.
    Air Fryer Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots
  • Chinese salt & pepper chips in a white bowl, garnished with red chilli.
    Chinese Salt & Pepper Chips 

If you loved this recipe, please leave me a 5🌟 rating or comment below. I really do appreciate it. 😊

📖 Recipe

Cauliflower cheese in a casserole dish with the lid propped on the side, with a side bowl of cheese.

Gluten Free Cauliflower Cheese

This Gluten Free Cauliflower Cheese is the ultimate comfort food! Creamy, smooth and super cheesy! Serve as a side dish or as a main in its own right. Dairy free option available too.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 -6 as a side dish.
Calories: 290kcal
Author: Lauren Woodger

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Oven Proof Casserole Dish
  • Whisk
  • Chopping board
  • Sharp knife

Ingredients

  • 1 large cauliflower chopped into medium florets.
  • 500 ml (17 fl oz) full fat milk can be substituted for dairy free milk.
  • 50 g (1.7 oz) gluten free plain flour
  • 50 g (1.7 oz) butter can be substituted for dairy free butter.
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 50 g (1.7 oz) gluten free breadcrumbs
  • 190 g cheese can be substituted for dairy free cheese.
Metric - Us Customary

Instructions

  • Pre-heat the oven to 200˚C / 180˚Fan / 400˚F.

Prepare cauliflower.

  • Chop the cauliflower into medium sized florets with a knife.
  • Steam or boil the cauliflower in a saucepan of boiling water for 5 minutes.
  • Drain the cauliflower and let it steam dry.

Make the cheese sauce.

  • Make a roux. To do this, melt the butter in a hot saucepan, add the flour and whisk together until it forms a thick paste.
  • Next add the milk slowly, whisking the whole time, adding some more milk once the sauce has started to thicken. Once you have added all the milk, keep whisking for a couple of minutes until the sauce has thickened.
  • Remove from the heat and add the grated cheese (leaving a bit to sprinkle over the top) and mustard, then stir until all the cheese has melted through the sauce.

Assemble and bake.

  • Put the cooked cauliflower florets in an ovenproof casserole dish and pour over the cheese sauce.
  • Top with the remaining grated cheese and gluten free breadcrumbs.
  • Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.

Notes

Top Tips
  • Pour in the milk gradually. Adding it all at once might result in a lumpy sauce and it can be a bit tricky to smooth out those lumps later on.
  • Avoid overcooking the cauliflower. When initially boiling or steaming it, keep the cooking time under 5 minutes. Over boiling can lead to excess water absorption, which may later result in a watery sauce or mushy cauliflower when it bakes in the oven with the sauce.
  • Sprinkle over some parmesan before baking for an extra cheesy flavour.
  • Allow the cauliflower cheese to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the sauce thicken slightly and make it easier to serve.
Variations
  • Dairy Free! - To make this recipe dairy free, simply swap the butter for a dairy free spread or margarine and the milk for a neutral tasting plant based milk like soya or oat (if you don’t need the recipe to be gluten free)
  • Mix Up The Veg! - Although its called cauliflower cheese, you can substitute half of the cauliflower for broccoli for a nice variation or throw in some cooked Brussel sprouts for a festive twist.
  • Spice it Up! - Like a bit of heat? Why not sprinkle some chilli flakes through the sauce for a fiery hit.

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 393mg | Potassium: 423mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 714IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 186mg | Iron: 0.4mg

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About Lauren Woodger

I’m Lauren, the creator of The Scatty Mum. As a mum to two kids with a history of food allergies and intolerances, I know how tough it can be to cook meals that are both safe and delicious.

That’s why I share easy, allergy-friendly recipes to help families enjoy stress-free mealtimes.

Comments

    5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Donna says

    August 04, 2024 at 3:05 pm

    5 stars
    Been following your gluten free recipes all been a success thank yiu

    Reply
    • Lauren Woodger says

      August 05, 2024 at 9:11 am

      Hi Donna,
      I really appreciate you letting me know this, it means a lot! 🙂 Thanks x

      Reply
Lady sitting on a kitchen side with a coffee cup in her hand.

Hey, I'm Lauren!

I’m Lauren, the creator of The Scatty Mum.

As a mum to two kids with a history of food allergies, I know how challenging mealtimes can be when you’re trying to please everyone.

That’s why I share easy, family-friendly recipes and meal planning tips to help busy families enjoy tasty, stress-free dinners that work for all dietary needs.

MORE ABOUT ME

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