Cauliflower cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and adding flaked salmon turns it into a satisfying meal the whole family can enjoy. This version, from James Martin, combines a rich, creamy cheese sauce with tender cauliflower florets and flakes of cooked salmon, all finished under a golden, bubbling cheese topping. It’s simple enough for a midweek dinner but special enough to serve to guests.
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 large cauliflower, cut into florets
- 50g butter
- 50g plain flour
- 450ml milk
- 2 organic egg yolks
- 1 tsp English mustard
- Splash of Worcestershire sauce
- 150g cooked flaked salmon
- 125g cheddar cheese and 75g emmental cheese, grated
Method
- Preheat the oven to 200°C. Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil, then add the cauliflower and cook for two minutes. Drain and place in a buttered ovenproof dish.
- Place the butter and flour into a saucepan and heat to melt the butter. Cook, stirring, for one to two minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the heat and gradually whisk in the milk to form a smooth sauce. Return to the heat and simmer for two to three minutes.
- Remove from the heat and beat in the egg yolks, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper, then flake the salmon into the sauce and stir carefully.
- Pour the sauce over the cauliflower and top with the grated cheeses. Place in the oven and cook for 10–15 minutes, until golden brown. Serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use tinned salmon instead of fresh?
Yes, tinned salmon works well in this recipe. Simply drain it thoroughly and flake it into the sauce in the same way as cooked fresh salmon.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the dish up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for a few hours before cooking. Add a few extra minutes to the oven time if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze cauliflower cheese with salmon?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the texture of the cauliflower and sauce can change after freezing and reheating. If you do want to freeze it, cool completely before freezing and reheat thoroughly until piping hot.
What can I serve with this dish?
It’s filling enough to serve on its own, but crusty bread or a simple green salad make lovely accompaniments.
More Family Food Ideas
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like these family-friendly favourites:
- Creamy Fish Pie for Family Dinners
- Easy Cheesy Vegetable Bake
- Simple Salmon Recipes Kids Will Love
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