Vegetable bake with cauliflower
This vegetable bake with cauliflower is pure comfort straight from the oven. Cauliflower, broccoli, and courgette get cosy under a creamy blanket of béchamel topped with bubbling, golden cheese. As it bakes, a tempting aroma drifts through the kitchen. Once it is out, expect spoons to be ready and plates to be filled!
Ingredients
|
Cauliflower
|
500 g |
|---|---|
|
Broccoli
|
250 g |
|
Courgette
|
250 g |
|
Butter and rapeseed oil
|
2 tbsp |
|
Bechamel sauce
|
500 ml |
|
White cheddar cheese, grated
|
250 ml |
Play with the cauliflower texture
Give your cauliflower florets a quick 2–3-minute boil. They will then hold their shape better and prevent them from turning mushy as they bake. Drain the florets well and let them steam dry before adding them to the bake.
Same-sized vegetables for even cooking
Chop your cauliflower, courgettes, and broccoli into even pieces to keep everything cooking at the same pace. This stops some from going too soft while others stay too firm.
Make your own béchamel sauce
While store-bought béchamel is convenient, homemade béchamel is also a tasty option. Making it yourself also means you can adjust the texture and seasoning to suit your bake. Simply melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, stir in 2 tablespoons of flour, and cook for a minute until it forms a paste. Slowly whisk in 500 ml of milk until the sauce thickens and turns silky smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
FAQ: Questions about vegetable bake with cauliflower
These answers to some of the most popular questions have everything you need to know about keeping your vegetable bake with cauliflower fresh and delicious.
Can I prepare the vegetable bake in advance?
Yes, you can make this vegetable bake with cauliflower ahead of time. Cook the vegetables as instructed, then combine them with the béchamel sauce. Transfer to an ovenproof dish, cover tightly with cling film or a lid, and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, sprinkle with cheese and follow the baking instructions in this recipe.
Can I use different types of cheeses for this recipe?
Yes, you can use different cheeses that melt well to match your taste. For a rich and sharp flavour, try cheddar. Mozzarella is a great choice if you prefer a mild and creamy texture. Provolone melts smoothly with a slightly tangy depth, while Gouda gives a velvety finish with a hint of sweetness.
Can I freeze the vegetable bake with cauliflower?
Yes, you can freeze the vegetable bake with cauliflower. Let it cool completely before freezing, and transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in cling film. You can freeze the whole bake or divide it into individual portions for easier reheating. It will keep for up to 3 months. Once you are ready to bake, defrost it overnight in the fridge. Bake at 200 °C or 180 °C fan for about 25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese bubbles. If reheating individual portions, bake for 10–15 minutes or warm them in the microwave until piping hot.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
425 Kcal
| Fibre | 26 gram fibers |
| Protein | 20.4 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 25.2 gram |
| Fat | 27.1 gram |
Other recipes
Prepare an easy vegetable bake with cauliflower
Our recipe for vegetable bake with cauliflower keeps things simple. A bit of chopping and then straight into the oven. There are no tricky steps or complicated techniques – just an easy, fuss-free recipe that comes together without a headache. Let the oven do the work while you sit back and wait for that golden, bubbling cheese to appear.
And if you are on the hunt for other simple recipes, take a look at our classic beef patties, simple pasta with broccoli, or white cabbage with minced meat.
Earthy flavours with broccoli, courgette, and cauliflower
Broccoli, courgette, and cauliflower each bring their own personality to this vegetable bake. Cauliflower turns soft and delicate as it bakes, soaking up the sauce like a sponge.
Broccoli holds on to a bit of firmness, adding a fresh, slightly peppery flavour with a hint of nuttiness that deepens in the oven. Then there is courgette, which melts easily into the bake, bringing a gentle sweetness and a velvety texture.
Creamy béchamel sauce for extra indulgence
This vegetable bake simply would not be the same without a generous pour of silky béchamel sauce. It coats the vegetables and gives them a luscious texture, while adding a rich, mellow taste. As it bakes, the béchamel thickens, creating a smooth layer and making every scoop melt in your mouth. There is a reason why béchamel sauce is a go-to for adding a little extra indulgence.
Au gratin for a crispy and cheesy top
The best part of this bake? The gratin, of course! That golden, bubbling cheese melts and browns, turning crispy on top while staying gooey underneath. It creates a delicious contrast to the creamy layers below, adding a rich, savoury depth. And we understand if the irresistible golden finish makes waiting to dig in nearly impossible.
Great as a main or with meats or salads
This vegetable bake with cauliflower stands strong as a main course. Creamy béchamel, tender vegetables, and a golden cheese crust are all that is needed for a satisfying dinner. Serve it straight from the oven and enjoy it on its own; no extras are needed.
However, for those who want something extra on the side, the dish goes well with a variety of sides. A crisp salad with lemon-Parmesan dressing brings freshness, while crusty bread is ideal for soaking up the sauce. For a heartier meal, turn it into a side and serve it alongside roast meats like lemon-roasted chicken, slow-cooked lamb, or a juicy steak.
Grilled sausages or baked fish also make a great match, making this bake an easy addition to any spread. No matter how you serve it, this bake is always a crowd-pleaser.
Experiment with the ingredients
This recipe offers endless possibilities, so why not make a few changes of your own? A pinch of English mustard powder in the béchamel adds a gentle kick and a deeper, more rounded flavour that balances the creamy sauce. For even more depth, try a splash of Worcestershire sauce, which brings a rich umami taste with a combination of tangy, sweet, and savoury notes.
Want to switch up the vegetables? Mushrooms are excellent when you want earthy depth. As a bonus, they also turn wonderfully tender when baked, while red peppers add a slight sweetness and a bit of bite. Leeks melt right into the sauce with their mild, onion-like flavour, and spinach adds a fresh, slightly earthy contrast.
Herbs can also work their magic. Thyme offers a subtle woodsy aroma, rosemary adds a bold, pine-like fragrance, while the addition of parsley gives a fresh, slightly peppery finish.
