Cauliflower cheese with maple syrup pancetta
Thought cauliflower cheese couldn’t get any better? Salt-sweet pancetta takes this comfort food classic to a new level.
Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower, stalk removed, florets separated
- 100²µ/3½´Ç³ú butter
- 40²µ/1½´Ç³ú plain flour
- 500ml/18fl oz milk
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 300g/10½oz extra mature cheddar, grated
- sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 slices brioche, blitzed to crumbs in a food processor
- 20 rashers streaky bacon or pancetta
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
Method
Preheat the grill to its highest setting.
Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil, then cook the cauliflower florets for 5-6 minutes, or until tender. Drain well and refresh in a large bowl of iced water.
Melt half of the butter in a large saucepan. When melted, whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste. Continue to cook the paste for 1-2 minutes, whisking continuously.
Gradually add the milk to the paste, whisking after each addition until smooth. When all of the milk has been added to the sauce, stir in the mustard and half of the grated cheese until smooth. Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Drain the cooled cauliflower florets and transfer to an ovenproof dish. Pour over the cheese sauce, then sprinkle over the remaining grated cheese.
Place the dish under the grill for 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese is golden-brown and bubbling.
Meanwhile, melt the remaining butter in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the brioche crumbs and fry until golden-brown and crisp, stirring well. Transfer to a bowl.
Wipe the frying pan with kitchen roll. Add the pancetta and dry-fry until crisp and golden-brown. Drizzle over the maple syrup and stir until it coats all of the pancetta.
To serve, sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the cauliflower cheese. Lay the rashers of maple syrup pancetta on top. Spoon onto plates.