Crispy-topped Cauliflower Cheese

Ready in 45 mins Serves 6 as a side

1 cauliflower, cut into florets

75g butter

½ cup flour

3 cups milk

1 tsp salt

¼ tsp fine white pepper

½ tsp nutmeg

2 cups grated tasty cheddar cheese 2 tsp Dijon mustard

2 cups panko crumbs or breadcrumbs 2 Tbsp melted butter or neutral oil 2 Tbsp chopped parsley leaves

Preheat oven to 200C fanbake.

To make the cheese sauce, melt butter in a medium pot until sizzling but not brown. Add flour and stir for 1 minute. Add 1 cup milk gradually, stirring continuously until sauce starts to thicken. Add the remaining 2 cups of milk and continue stirring until a thick, smooth sauce is produced. Mix in nutmeg, season with salt and pepper and stir in cheese and mustard, stirring until cheese is fully melted.

While the cheese sauce cooks, place cauliflower in a pot with ½ cup water, cover and cook until almost tender (5-6 minutes). Drain, transfer to a medium oven dish and cover with the sauce.

Combine breadcrumbs with butter or oil and parsley. Sprinkle over the cauliflower cheese and bake until bubbling and golden (about 30 minutes). Serve hot.

ANNABEL SAYS: While this makes a terrific partner for a braise or stew, it’s also the stuff of leisurely Sunday lunches, partnered with a tangy green salad and a chilled bottle of white wine.