Ingredients

• 1.3kg whole cauliflower, outer leaves removed
• 70g (1 1/2 cup) panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh continental parsley
• 2 eggs
• 40g (1/4 cup) plain flour
• Light olive oil, to shallow fry
• Fresh basil leaves, to serve (optional)

Cheesy sauce

• 50g butter
• 50g (1/3 cup) plain flour
• 750ml (3 cups) milk
• 2 teaspoons seeded mustard
• 140g (1 1/3 cups) grated 3 cheese blend

Method

• Step 1 Place the cauliflower, upside down, on a work surface and use a long sharp knife to cut through the core in quarters. Cut each quarter crossways into 2 “steaks” (reserve broken florets for another use). You should have 8 pieces of cauliflower.
• Step 2 Bring a large saucepan of water to a simmer over medium heat. Gently add the cauliflower to the water and simmer for 10 minutes or until tender. Transfer to a tray lined with paper towel to drain. Set aside to cool slightly.
• Step 3 Meanwhile, for the sauce, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until foaming. Add the flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until mixture bubbles. Remove from heat. Gradually stir in the milk until smooth. Stir over medium heat for 3 minutes or until thickened. Stir in the mustard and 2/3 cup cheese. Season. Remove from heat and cover the surface of the sauce with plastic wrap to prevent a skin forming. Set aside.
• Step 4 Combine the breadcrumbs and parsley on a plate. Season. Whisk the eggs in a shallow bowl. Place the flour on a separate plate. Add half of the cauliflower to the flour and turn to coat. Dip in the egg and then place in the breadcrumb mixture and turn to coat, pressing firmly.

• Step 5 Line a baking tray with paper towel. Pour enough oil to come 2cm up the side of a large ovenproof frying pan. Heat over high heat. Add half the crumbed cauliflower and cook for 3 minutes each side or until golden. Transfer to the lined tray. Repeat with the remaining cauliflower.
• Step 6 Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan forced. Place half the cheese sauce in the base of a large frying pan or large ovenproof baking dish. Place 2 pieces of cauliflower into the pan or dish. Dollop with some of the remaining cheese sauce and scatter over with some of the remaining cheese. Continue stacking the cauliflower, cheese sauce and cheese. Place in the oven for 5-10 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and golden.