Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese is a delightful twist on a classic dish, perfect for those who love comfort food. This recipe wraps bite-sized cauliflower florets in a rich three-cheese sauce and crispy Parma ham, making it a unique appetizer that is both low-carb and flavorful. The creamy texture combined with the savory ham creates a mouthwatering experience that will leave you wanting more. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese
This recipe is not only easy to make but also offers an array of benefits. First, it’s a low-carb dish, perfect for those watching their carbohydrate intake. Second, it showcases the best of British cuisine, making it a classic choice for any gathering. Third, the combination of Mary Berry’s cheesy cauliflower dish with crispy Parma ham elevates the flavors to new heights. Furthermore, it’s an excellent side dish or appetizer that can impress your guests. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate vegetables into your meals without sacrificing taste. Lastly, this recipe is versatile; you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients for Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese
Gather these items:
- 300g cauliflower florets
- 150g full-fat cream cheese
- 1 egg
- 75g mature Cheddar, grated
- 25g Parmesan, grated
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 12 slices Parma ham
How to Make Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 220°C (200°C Fan). Line a baking sheet.
- Step 2: Boil cauliflower for 3-4 mins until al dente. Drain and cool.
- Step 3: Mix cream cheese, egg, Cheddar, Parmesan, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Step 4: Coat cauliflower in the cheese mixture.
- Step 5: Cross two slices of ham. Place a spoonful of mixture in center.
- Step 6: Fold ham over to seal. Repeat to make 6 parcels.
- Step 7: Bake for 15-18 minutes until crispy.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese
Keep these in mind:
- Ensure the cauliflower is cooked al dente to maintain a good texture.
- For an extra cheesy flavor, add more grated cheese to the mixture.
- Using fresh ingredients enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- This recipe is best when served immediately after baking for optimal crispiness.
- Consider using different types of cheese for unique flavors.

Best Ways to Serve Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese
Serving ideas include:
- Pair these parcels with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Serve as an appetizer at parties or gatherings.
- Complement with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli or spicy mayo for added flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese
To store, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last up to three days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 180°C for about 10 minutes until heated through. This method helps retain their crispy texture, making them just as delicious as when freshly baked. Meal prep these for a quick snack or side dish during the week.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese
What’s the secret to perfect Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese?
The secret lies in the quality of your cheese and ensuring the cauliflower is properly cooked. A mix of cheeses like Cheddar and Parmesan creates a rich flavor while keeping the texture creamy.
Can I make Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the parcels ahead of time and refrigerate them. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve, ensuring they are crispy and delicious.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese?
To avoid sogginess, make sure the cauliflower is drained well after boiling. Also, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; this allows for even cooking and crispiness.
Variations of Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with these variations:
- Add cooked bacon bits for an extra savory punch.
- Incorporate different vegetables like broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy finish if desired.
- Try different cheese combinations, such as feta or mozzarella, for a unique twist.
For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or explore creamy dishes that will elevate your meals. If you’re looking for a hearty side, consider creamy potato soup as a perfect pairing!
Print
Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese: 6 Irresistible Parcels
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 parcels 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
An ingenious, low-carb twist on cauliflower cheese, wrapping bite-sized florets in a rich three-cheese sauce inside crispy Parma ham.
Ingredients
- 300g cauliflower florets
- 150g full-fat cream cheese
- 1 egg
- 75g mature Cheddar, grated
- 25g Parmesan, grated
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 12 slices Parma ham
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 220°C (200°C Fan). Line a baking sheet.
- Boil cauliflower for 3-4 mins until al dente. Drain and cool.
- Mix cream cheese, egg, Cheddar, Parmesan, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Coat cauliflower in the cheese mixture.
- Cross two slices of ham. Place spoonful of mixture in center.
- Fold ham over to seal. Repeat to make 6 parcels.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until crispy.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 parcel
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese










