Baked Cauliflower Cheese – Slimming World Friendly Recipe – Fatgirlskinny.net
When it comes to comfort food, cauliflower cheese is a classic favourite. But traditional recipes can be loaded with heavy creams and cheese, making them far from Slimming World-friendly. The good news? You can enjoy this delicious dish without piling on the syns! My baked cauliflower cheese recipe is low-syn and uses your Healthy Extra A allowance to create a creamy, cheesy sauce that doesn’t skimp on flavour.
This recipe is perfect as a side dish for your Sunday roast or as a standalone meal when you want something warming and indulgent but still slimming-friendly. Cauliflower is a great choice for anyone on their weight-loss journey, as it’s low in calories and packed with fibre and nutrients. Plus, with this recipe, you get to enjoy all the cheesy goodness without feeling guilty.
Cauliflower is a fantastic ingredient for anyone following looking to lose weight because it’s a low-calorie vegetable that’s also incredibly versatile (not to mention a speed food for anyone following Slimming World). Cauliflower is also packed with nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and fibre, making it a great addition to a balanced diet. Whether you’re serving it as a side or enjoying it as a light meal, it’s a perfect way to bulk out your plate with speed food and stay fuller for longer.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Low Syns – This baked cauliflower cheese recipe keeps the syns low, making it perfect for Slimming World followers who want to enjoy comfort food without going off track.
- Uses Healthy Extra A – You can enjoy the cheesy richness of this dish guilt-free, as it fits within your Healthy Extra A allowance for cheese and milk.
- Creamy and Comforting – Despite being slimming-friendly, the recipe delivers a deliciously creamy and indulgent texture, ideal for when you’re craving something hearty.
- Quick and Easy – With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have this dish ready to bake in no time – perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Customisable – Whether you want to add extra vegetables, lean meats, or a crispy breadcrumb topping, this recipe can be easily adapted to suit your preferences.
- Great for Batch Cooking – You can make this in larger batches and freeze portions, making it a convenient option for quick, syn-friendly meals throughout the week.
- Family-Friendly – It’s a perfect side dish or main meal that the whole family will enjoy, even if they’re not following Slimming World.
- Nutrient-Packed – Cauliflower is a powerhouse vegetable rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibre, giving this dish a healthy boost while keeping it light and satisfying.
- Perfect for Veggies – This is a delicious vegetarian option that’s hearty and filling, making it a great dish to include in a meat-free day or for vegetarian guests.
- Affordable Ingredients – Cauliflower and reduced-fat cheese are budget-friendly ingredients, meaning you can enjoy a luxurious-tasting dish without breaking the bank.
Batch Cook – Storage Information
If you’re into meal prepping or just want to make sure you have a healthy dish ready for the week, this Baked Cauliflower Cheese is perfect for batch cooking.
Storing in the refrigerator
Yes, baked cauliflower cheese is suitable to keep in the fridge. As long as it’s stored properly in an airtight container and consumed within 3 days, it will stay fresh and delicious. Just ensure it’s cooled completely before refrigerating to prevent any sogginess, and reheat gently to avoid splitting the sauce. This makes it a great option for meal prep or leftovers!
Storing in the Freezer:
Yes, baked cauliflower cheese is suitable to freeze. Just follow the proper storage and reheating steps, and it will maintain its flavour and texture for up to 3 months in the freezer. Freezing before baking can also give slightly better results when reheated.
Can this recipe be adapted?
Yes, this baked cauliflower cheese recipe is highly adaptable! Here are a few ways to tweak it based on your preferences or dietary needs:
1. Make It More Filling:
- Add Protein – You can include lean, syn-free proteins like cooked chicken breast, turkey, or lean ham to make it a more substantial main meal.
- Vegetarian Protein – Toss in some cooked lentils, chickpeas, or tofu for added plant-based protein without increasing syns.
2. Add Extra Vegetables:
- Broccoli – Mix in some steamed broccoli florets alongside the cauliflower for extra colour and nutrients.
- Spinach or Kale – Stir in some wilted spinach or kale before baking to boost the dish with even more fibre and vitamins.
- Mushrooms or Leeks – Sauté some mushrooms or leeks and mix them into the cauliflower before adding the cheese sauce for extra texture and flavour.
3. Change the Flavour Profile:
- Spices and Herbs – Add a pinch of smoked paprika, cumin, or nutmeg to the cheese sauce for a different twist. Fresh herbs like thyme or chives also work well.
- Garlic – Add a clove of minced garlic to the sauce for a stronger flavour punch.
- Spicy Option – Stir in a bit of chilli powder or crushed chilli flakes if you like a spicy kick.
4. Make It More Crispy:
- Breadcrumb Topping – Sprinkle some wholemeal breadcrumbs (from your Healthy Extra B allowance) over the top before baking for a crispy finish.
- Cheese and Herb Topping – Add extra reduced-fat cheese and sprinkle fresh herbs on top before baking for a golden, bubbly finish.
5. Dairy-Free Version:
- Dairy-Free Cheese – Use a dairy-free cheese alternative, counting the syns as necessary.
- Plant-Based Milk – Swap the skimmed milk for unsweetened almond milk or another plant-based option. Just ensure it’s a syn-free or low-syn choice.
These adaptations can help you personalise the recipe to your taste, dietary needs, or nutritional goals, all while keeping it Slimming World-friendly!
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Baked Cauliflower Cheese
- 1 medium cauliflower [cut into florets]
- 300ml skimmed milk [use from your Healthy Extra A allowance]
- 80g reduced-fat mature cheddar cheese, grated [use from your Healthy Extra A allowance]
- 2 tbsp fat-free plain yoghurt
- 1 tbsp cornflour
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Frylight for greasing the dish
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Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan)
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Steam or boil the cauliflower florets for 5–7 minutes until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
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In a small bowl, mix the cornflour with a little cold milk to create a smooth paste.
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In a saucepan, heat the remaining skimmed milk gently, then stir in the cornflour mixture. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens.
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Remove from the heat and stir in 60g of the reduced-fat cheddar cheese, mustard powder, and yoghurt. Season with salt and pepper.
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Lightly grease a baking dish with Frylight and arrange the cauliflower florets inside.
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Pour the cheesy sauce over the cauliflower, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Sprinkle over the remaining cheese.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
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Serve hot, and enjoy a comforting, syn-friendly cauliflower cheese!
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