Cauliflower cheese is a creamy British classic that blends cheese sauce with soft cauliflower. It is seen as ultimate comfort food. The right side dishes can boost its taste and look. Pairing it wisely also brings nutritional benefits to your plate.
What to have with cauliflower cheese: There are many sides to choose from, fitting any taste. You might want hearty veggies like roast potatoes. Or, you might prefer something light like a colourful salad. The perfect sides for cauliflower cheese will make your meal stand out.
Classic Comfort Sides for Cauliflower Cheese
Mashed potatoes often lead as the top choice for traditional cauliflower cheese sides. Their creamy feel pairs well with the cheesy cauliflower cheese. It’s a mix that screams classic comfort food. The saltiness and buttery taste of mashed potatoes boost the whole dish. This combo is truly a British favourite.
Looking for something crunchy? Steamed broccoli and crispy green beans are great picks. They add a nice crunch and their fresh flavours balance the cheesy sauce. These greens are healthy and brighten up your meal with colour.
Garlic bread, with its inviting aroma and crispy sides, is perfect for soaking up cheese sauce. Eating warm, fragrant garlic bread with cauliflower cheese is comforting. It’s a heartwarming pairing that stands out in traditional UK comfort food.
Light and Fresh Accompaniments
What to have with cauliflower cheese: Try matching your cauliflower cheese with lighter sides for a perfect blend. A garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a fresh fruit salad brings life to your meal. These options add a refreshing taste and different textures.
Adding grilled asparagus with a bit of olive oil and lemon is great too. It gives a smoky flavour and a crisp touch to the cauliflower cheese. This slight bitterness and unique texture make a pleasant contrast to your meal.
Consider these light and fresh choices:
- Garden Salad with Tangy Vinaigrette
- Fresh Fruit Salad
- Grilled Asparagus with Olive Oil and Lemon
Exploring these combinations is a good idea. They mix well in flavour and texture, making the main dish more exciting. Plus, they keep the meal satisfying yet balanced.
Hearty and Wholesome Additions
For a hearty meal, roasted potatoes and eggplant parmesan are perfect with cauliflower cheese. The potatoes, seasoned with herbs, match the creamy texture of the cauliflower cheese. They add a delightful contrast, making the meal even more enjoyable.
Eggplant parmesan is also a great choice. It brings a cheesy, vegetable-packed layer to your plate. This combination doesn’t just taste great, it also boosts your meal’s nutritional value. These sides make your cauliflower cheese dish both tasty and nourishing.
Now, let’s explore the nutritional info and statistics about these sides:
| Side Dish | Preparation Time | Rating | Nutritional Information (per serving) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roasted Potatoes | 45 minutes | 4.5 out of 5 | 200 kcal, 10g fat, 2g saturated fat, 30g carbohydrates, 2g sugars, 4g fibre, 4g protein, 0.5g salt |
| Eggplant Parmesan | 55 minutes | 4.6 out of 5 | 250 kcal, 12g fat, 3g saturated fat, 28g carbohydrates, 6g sugars, 5g fibre, 7g protein, 0.7g salt |
These sides are not just tasty, they’re nutritious too. They make any meal, especially family dinners, even more special. By choosing these dishes, you lift your cauliflower cheese from good to extraordinary.
What to Have with Cauliflower Cheese
Thinking about what to pair with cauliflower cheese? There are many tasty options. This creamy dish works well with different sides, making it perfect for any meal.
A rich roast pork or chicken matches the smooth cauliflower cheese perfectly. If you prefer something lighter, try quinoa or rice pilaf. They add a lovely contrast.
Knowing the nutrition of cauliflower cheese helps choose what to serve with it. It has 206 calories and 8.9g of protein per serving. It also contains 15.2g of fat, including 9.5g saturated fat, 7.7g carbs, and 4.1g sugars. This info helps us pick sides that balance or lighten the meal.
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Per Portion |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 137 | 206 |
| Protein | 5.9g | 8.9g |
| Fat | 10.1g | 15.2g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.3g | 9.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 5.1g | 7.7g |
| Sugars | 2.7g | 4.1g |
| Fibre | 1.2g | 1.8g |
| Sodium | 0.34g | 0.51g |
| Salt | 0.85g | 1.275g |
Considering allergens like milk and mustard is crucial for dietary needs. Pairing the dish with wine enhances the meal. A Chilean Chardonnay compliments the dish with its citrus taste. Prices range from £6.50 to £18.00. An Australian Chardonnay, costing between £7.25 and £26.00, adds depth.
What to have with cauliflower cheese: When choosing sides for cauliflower cheese, aim for ones that blend with its creamy nature. This ensures a wonderful meal for everyone.
Gluten-Free Options
Choosing gluten-free doesn’t mean you have to miss out. Whether it’s a family dinner or a fancy event, there are many tasty gluten-free sides for cauliflower cheese. These sides add to the meal’s charm and keep it open to all.
Gluten-free bread is an easy and yummy choice for cauliflower cheese. It brings a lovely contrast in texture. Sweet potatoes, either roasted or mashed, offer sweetness that goes well with the cheese.
For those looking beyond, gluten-free pasta in macaroni cheese is comforting and tasty. These dishes stay creamy and cheesy, fitting gluten-free needs well.
When picking sides for cauliflower cheese, consider texture, flavour, and health. Below is the nutrition info for a beloved recipe as a side dish:
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 297 |
| Total Fat | 21g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Cholesterol | 59mg |
| Sodium | 378mg |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Fibre | 2g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Protein | 14g |
A standard recipe needs 50g of gluten-free flour, 500ml of milk, and 150g of cheese. It’s baked at 200°C to create a delightful dish.
By adding these gluten-free ideas, our meals can be enjoyed by everyone. These sides make sure each guest is happy and satisfied.
Indulgent Choices for a Special Meal
What to have with cauliflower cheese: Special gatherings call for extraordinary dishes like gourmet sides for cauliflower cheese. Creamy dauphinoise potatoes or a caramelised onion tart can elevate your meal. What goes well with cauliflower cheese: These sides are not only tasty but also bring sophistication. They are perfect for any noteworthy event.
What to serve with cauliflower cheese: The caramelised onion tart is a fantastic match for classic cauliflower cheese. Its rich, sweet onions blend perfectly with the sharp cheeses. Meanwhile, creamy dauphinoise potatoes offer a soft contrast with their rich sauce, making the meal even more luxurious.
| Dish | Key Ingredients | Preparation Time |
|---|---|---|
| Dauphinoise Potatoes | Potatoes, Cream, Garlic | 60 minutes |
| Caramelised Onion Tart | Onions, Puff Pastry, Thyme | 45 minutes |
What can you have with cauliflower cheese: Mastering these gourmet sides takes your meal to the next level. Choosing either the rich dauphinoise potatoes or the flavourful caramelised onion tart makes your meal a feast. Your guests will surely be impressed by these special dishes.
For a Protein Boost
Want to make cauliflower cheese more nutritious? Add high-protein sides. Roasted chicken, pulled pork, or grilled tofu are great with it. These add a lovely contrast to the creamy cheese. Cauliflower already has fibre and protein. Adding these sides boosts both taste and health benefits.
This cauliflower cheese dish has around 17g of protein in each serving. It’s made with 1 cup of ricotta, 1 cup of double cream, and 8 oz of cheddar cheese. These ingredients pack the dish with protein. When served with protein-rich sides, it satisfies taste and dietary needs. For those avoiding gluten, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
What to eat with cauliflower cheese: Looking for variety or have dietary needs? Try plant-based proteins like quinoa or roasted chickpeas. They’re tasty and healthy. These options also suit vegetarians or vegans. They make the meal inclusive without losing out on flavour or nutrition. Perfect for any dinner or family event, these sides complement cauliflower cheese well.