{"id":2029,"date":"2019-09-12T19:00:58","date_gmt":"2019-09-13T00:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.slimmingeats.com\/blog\/cheesy-cauliflower-topped-pie"},"modified":"2026-05-20T12:53:56","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T17:53:56","slug":"cheesy-cauliflower-topped-pie","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.slimmingeats.com\/blog\/cheesy-cauliflower-topped-pie","title":{"rendered":"Cheesy Cauliflower Topped Pie"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Cheesy Cauliflower Topped Pie - all the goodness of a traditional cottage pie but topped with delicious tender cheesy cauliflower florets<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Cheesy<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Low Carb Cottage Pie<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I had a cauliflower sitting in my kitchen that was just begging to be made into something delicious. Some of you may now be thinking, cauliflower and delicious do not go in the same category. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, you may be persuaded otherwise after trying this Cheesy Cauliflower Topped Pie, even my fussy kids are persuaded to eat some vegetables with this delicious topping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After all, who can resist yummy golden melted cheese that covers almost every morsel of cauliflower florets? Even better is that the cheesy cauliflower covers a meat filling similar to that of a cottage pie, making it a delicious meal for the whole family packed full of healthy vegetables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"wooden<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cottage Pie with a Twist<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There is something versatile about cottage pie. I mean yes okay traditionally it's topped with mashed potatoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But it really can be varied by all kinds of different toppings from the regular white potato, like sweet potato, butternut squash, swede, carrot or mashed Cauliflower like this delicious Healthy Cottage Pie with Cauliflower Spring Onion Mash<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Usually when I make a cottage pie for the whole family -  I like to use a white and sweet potato mix as in this Cottage Pie<\/a><\/strong>, it the perfect combination for a delicious mash without having to use huge amounts of milk, cream or butter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cottage Pie versus Shepherd's Pie<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many people call Cottage Pie Shepherd's Pie and vice versa, but traditionally there is a difference. Cottage Pie is made with a ground beef (beef mince) and Shepherds' Pie with a ground lamb (lamb mince), hence the shepherd part. Then to confuse matters even further, there is Cumberland pie which is usually a choice of meat, topped with mashed potatoes (or sometimes potato slices) and then breadcrumbs and cheese.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What you call it if you use vegetarian meat replacement is anyone's guess. I'll leave that one to you. However, you'll be pleased to know this can be adapted into a vegetarian version by using a meat replacement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"close<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Making the Cheesy Cauliflower Topped Pie<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First up is the oven proof dish, I just use a simple pyrex style rectangle dish from Ikea. But any shape is fine, use round if that's what you have. So long as it fits all the filling and topping that all that matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next up is making the yummy filling. Beef mince, vegetables and keeping it healthier and gluten free. I like to make my own gravy using fat free beef stock (from a carton) as it's so much fresher tasting, along with some herbs, seasoning, and a little cornstarch (cornflour to thicken).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, if you are not gluten free, you can use any beef stock of your choice, including stock cubes.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next is the topping, fresh cauliflower lightly steamed and then mixed with some cheese (a combination of cheddar and parmesan is just the best for flavour).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can I use frozen Cauliflower?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sure!! If that is all you have, go ahead, it will work fine. Only thing I recommend, is letting it thaw and then draining off the excess liquid, otherwise, it's going to dilute all that lovely gravy. You won't need to steam the cauliflower either, as it's already partly cooked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"cheesy<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

More delicious Pie Recipes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Can't get enough of yummy pie recipes like this Cheesy Cauliflower Topped Pie? Check out these:<\/p>\n\n\n\n