Ultimate British Cauliflower Cheese vs The Iconic Kentucky Hot Brown

Both dishes lean on a butter-and-flour sauce enriched with milk, cheese and a pinch of nutmeg, but they put it to very different work. The Cauliflower Cheese folds sharp Cheddar and Dijon mustard into its sauce, cloaking steamed or boiled, tender-crisp florets before baking them under breadcrumbs and more Cheddar for a golden, crisp crust. The Hot Brown ladles a Gruyère or Parmesan Mornay over thick toasted bread and sliced turkey, adds tomato slices, and is briefly broiled until bubbly and golden. Crisp bacon strips finish each plate, making it a layered open-faced dish rather than a vegetable bake.